If you buy after clicking affiliate links on this site we might receive a commission from companies such as eBay, Amazon etc This does not affect the price you pay.
If you buy after clicking affiliate links on this site we might receive a commission from companies such as eBay, Amazon etc This does not affect the price you pay.
Click here to see similar items on eBay, and to buy.
This is an Exakta Varex SLR camera made by Ihagee in Dresden, Germany between 1950 and 1951. The original Exakta was the first 35mm SLR camera to be produced. This camera (serial number 684497) is a Version 3.1.2 and was known as the Exakta V in the United States. Only 4,300 of this version was produced worldwide, according to the specialist Exakta websites. This example features a top of the range Tessar lens, the serial number of which dates it from between 1949 and 1952. It also features an unusual removable viewfinder. The camera is in very good cosmetic condition and is in full working order, although it needs a shutter overhaul.
Cosmetic condition (to be read in conjunction with the photographs)
The leather on the body of the camera is in excellent condition with no signs of the normal wear and tear. The satin chrome finishes are also excellent throughout. The black painted sides of the top plate are in fair condition with just a very small amount of paint loss (see photos). The interior of the camera is in very good condition.
Operational Condition
This camera is in working order. The focal plane shutter curtains and the internal mirror are both operate as they should and the shutter fires at all speeds. The timing feels right, but both the timing and the speed regulating mechanism will need to be checked. One of the shutter curtains has a small tear at the top (photo) and the return spring on the winding lever is weak and needs manual assistance. A shutter overhaul should resolve both these issues. Focussing works well and the aperture opens and closes smoothly. The viewfinder leaves pop up as they should when the catch is released and the finder gives a clear image. The viewfinder itself is removable using the catch on the front plate and can be replaced with a prism viewfinder (not included).
The lens is a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/3.5 with a focal length of 50mm. The lens is clear and appears to be free from fungus. The camera features an unusual internal film cutter which allows film to be cut after any number of exposures – this appears to work as it should. The back of the camera clips off on releasing the locking catch, but is a little tight. The camera takes 35mm film. Dimensions are 7 x 9.5 x 15cm with the viewfinder down and the camera weighs 770g.
There is an interesting full listing of Exakta 35mm cameras on http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/exakta/exakta-serial.html
Overall, this is a very nice example of this beautifully made German camera, rare in the UK. It has not been tested with film and as with any camera of this age it would probably benefit from a general mechanical service if you intend to use it. I check all lenses for fungus as best I can, but do not guarantee that any lens is entirely fungus free. Although this lens appears to be clear, I recommend having the lens professionally cleaned if you intend to use this camera.
Due to the age of this camera it is being sold as seen without warranty.
This camera will be sent fully insured by eBay Shutl. The price you see is a contribution to this cost.
If you buy after clicking affiliate links on this site we might receive a commission from companies such as eBay, Amazon etc This does not affect the price you pay.
Click here to buy, and to see similar items on eBay
Category: Cameras and Photography:Vintage Photography:Vintage Cameras:SLR Cameras
Location: Basingstoke