Zeiss-Ikon Contaflex Fitted System Cases

I have been using late-model Contaflex SLR cameras (such as the Super B

and Super BC) as my "classic" shooters since the mid-seventies. While I

consider myself not utterly ignorant about the many lenses and accessories

available in the Contaflex system, I recently acquired a Zeiss accessory with

which I was previously unacquainted...a fitted leather system case for one

body, two lenses, and other accessories. The body, with the standard f2.8/50mm

lens attached, fits in a cradle at the very top of the case, with the lens

pointing downward. The two lenses fit into split plastic cups at the bottom of

the case, and are held in place by friction created by circular C-shaped

springs on the outsides of the cups. The remainder of the interior, including

the inside of the lid (which latches at the top and, when unlatched, folds down

to open the front of the case), the bottom area not occupied by the two lens

cups, and the back of the case, is liberally equipped with strangely shaped

leather straps, some with buckles to detach one end, and others permanently

affixed. There are also six slots, three on each side, above the camera

cradle, and the bottom includes a curved metal bracket that looks like it might

hold something about the size of a 35mm film cannister. Four of the straps

hold individual Zeiss plastic cases for 28.5mm slip-on filters for the standard

lens, but I can't determine, even with all the Zeiss accessories I already own,

what the majority of the straps were originally intended to hold.

 

My question is: have any of you ever seen, or do any of you currently

have, any Zeiss promotional materials that show any pictures of this type of

fitted Contaflex system case with all the "goodies" in it, that would allow me

to figure out what each set of straps is supposed to hold down, and how those

items should be inserted in them? I've spent many hours hunting on the

internet for such pictures, and while it is easy to find lots of pictures of

Contaflex cameras, lenses, and fitted camera eveready cases, I haven't been

able to find a single thing about these fitted system cases. Because it is

embossed with the Zeiss-Ikon name in the leather on the front, I'm pretty sure

it is a legitimate factory accessory, but equally sure it is a mysterious one.

Thanks for whatever help you can provide!

Zeiss made cases like that for many of the their cameras. The Contax rangefinders especially come to mind. They typically had, like you said, slots for the lenses, film, hoods, in the case of the Contaflex, probably also a place or places for the closeup proxar sets and filters. They also offered separate cases like this..

 

http://www.collectiblecameras.com/catalog/images/CflexSoutfit.jpg

 

The number of cases Zeiss offered was mind-boggling. Does your case have a catalog number on it? Most of them did. That might help you find more information on it.

With apologies for the delay in my response to your question, yes, my system case does have a catalogue number on it. I originally thought the only marking was the Zeiss-Ikon logo on the fixed (lower) portion of the front, but once I completely unloaded it so I could turn it over and look at the bottom, it has (in addition to four half-moon chrome-plated feet) a small rectangular box with "Germany 23.0206" inside it. I realize I should have posted a photo with my original inquiry, so I'm doing that now. Thanks for your reply.<div></div>