[4] The camera bodies are complex; for example, the first model includes nearly 1100 parts, with seven principal alloy pressure castings and additional stamped cover plates to complete the structure.

There is a prominent wheel for the photographer's right index finger, on the top corner of the lens mount escutcheon, which controls aperture.

This detail was reminiscent of the focusing wheel on pre-war Contax rangefinder cameras, and was carried throughout the Contarex SLR line.

[8] A custom modified Contarex Special was used by astronaut Ed White during the first NASA extra vehicular activity (EVA) on June 3, 1965, during the flight of Gemini 4.

[9] Geoffrey Crawley published an extensive review of the Contarex Super and lens system in 1970 for the British Journal of Photography.

[14] It was the first 35mm SLR camera with a focal plane shutter that provides direct light meter coupling to the shutter-, aperture-, and film speed-settings; they are interconnected by cords.

To set the proper exposure, the meter needle is aligned with an index triangle, which is visible both in a top plate window and to the right side of the viewfinder.

[5]: 13  The aperture in the interchangeable automatic lens closes when the shutter release is depressed and reopens when the camera is wound on for the next exposure.

[3]: 96 The Professional was the first model released in the second generation of Contarex SLR cameras (spanning the Professional, Super, and Electronic); the updated appearance included replacing the script "Contarex" logo of the first generation (Bullseye and Special) with a blocky typeface set on a black background on the front of the pentaprism viewfinder housing.

It was purpose-built to carry the fixed-focus, fixed-aperture, three-element Hologon 15 mm f/8 ultra wide angle lens and a matching viewfinder.

The field of view was so wide the camera was bundled with an accessory pistol grip that screws into the tripod socket to prevent inadvertent inclusion of the photographer's hands in the image.

[26] According to noted Leica historian and reviewer Erwin Puts, "Zeiss designers gave the most attention to flatness of field and the reduction of astigmatism.