Carl Zeiss Ag Press Release

Oberkochen/Germany, August 15, 2006. The Zeiss Ikon Side Grip makes right-hand gripping and holding the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder or SW camera easier and safer. It also offers a standard ¼” tripod bushing exactly under the optical axis. The Zeiss Ikon Side Grip is made of a special durable synthetic material with a low weight of only 38 grams (1.4 oz.). The Zeiss Ikon Side Grip will be available from October 2006 for 75 EUR (not including VAT).

Carl Zeiss is a leading international group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. Carl Zeiss AG is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The business groups, which each operate with sole responsibility, are generally ranked first or second in the strategic markets of biosciences and medical technology, system solutions for industry and optical consumer goods. They offer products and services for biomedical research and medical technology, system solutions for the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries, as well as high-quality consumer goods such as camera lenses and binoculars. In fiscal year 2004/05 (ended 30 September) the Carl Zeiss Group generated sales totaling EUR 2,222 million. Carl Zeiss has 11,500 members of staff, including 3,300 outside Germany. The Carl Zeiss Group is directly represented in more than 30 countries and operates production facilities in Europe, America and Asia.

The eyeglass business now operates as Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH and is the number two eyeglass provider in the world. This company is owned 50:50 by Carl Zeiss AG and a private equity company.