The Contax I had six identifiable variants, but fundamentally identical; every aspect was designed to outperform the Leica.

For instance, the removable back was for faster loading and reloading, the bayonet lens mount was designed for rapid lens interchangeability, the long-base rangefinder allowed more accurate focusing, and the vertical metal shutter not only gave a faster maximum speed but also banished the problem of shutter blinds burning.

In 1932, Zeiss Ikon of Dresden decided to produce a competitor to the Leica II, designed to be superior in every way.

somewhat like a roll-up garage door[n 1] The interlocking slats were aligned by specially made silk ribbons, which were very strong but subject to wear.

Other main differences included focusing drive built into the camera body for use with standard lens, removable back, shutter speed knob integral with film wind knob placed at the front of the camera body, and finished in black.