The bearing that all of this has on the Icarex is that it started as a Voigtlander project. It was introduced and marketed by Zeiss Ikon/Voigtlander in 1967 as a median between their strictly amateur Contaflex leaf shutter SLR, and the awe inspiring Contarex line.

It was never well marketed, it lacked the excitement of the Contarex, and the design was always a half a step behind the rest of the market. The improved models were always released after the improvements were already industry standards. The Icarex just couldn't keep up with the Japanese manufacturers.

When Zeiss Ikon gave up the manufacture and sales of cameras, Voigtlander was sold to Rollei. This was ironic, as Rollei was founded by a Voigtlander employee, Reinhold Heidecke, with the idea for a new type of camera the Voigtlander had no interest in producing. Production was moved to Singapore in an attempt to keep costs down. The cameras were first marketed under the Voigtlander name, then under the Rollei name as well. The Icarex ended up as the Rolleiflex SL35 line, which contributed to the bankruptcy and near destruction of the Rollei company.

Perhaps this was the ghost of Voigtlander's revenge on Reinhold Heidecke.

Zeiss Ikon Icarex 35 and Icarex 35 TM

Zeiss Ikon Icarex 35S BM and Icarex 35S TM

Zeiss Ikon SL 706

Zeiss Ikon Icarex 35 and 35S Bayonet Mount Lenses

Zeiss Ikon Icarex 35 and 35S M42 Screw Mount Lenses