Ihagee Exa I – The Iconic Modular SLR from Dresden The Ihagee Exa I, produced in the early 1960s in the historic photographic hub of Dresden, East Germany, is a fascinating piece of engineering. Designed as a simplified, more compact version of the legendary Exakta, the Exa I maintains the unique modularity that made its bigger sibling famous. With its distinctive trapezoidal body and top-down waist-level viewfinder, it offers a tactile, deliberate photographic experience that modern digital cameras simply cannot replicate. This "System Camera" is a favorite among collectors and film enthusiasts for its robust mechanical feel and historical significance as a product of the Ihagee Kamerawerk. Key Benefits Modular Design: Features a removable waist-level viewfinder, allowing the user to swap for a prism finder or enjoy the classic "looking down" style of street photography. Exakta Lens Mount: Compatible with a vast array of legendary Carl Zeiss Jena and Meyer-Optik Görlitz lenses produced for the Exakta system. Unique Shutter System: Utilizes a simple yet reliable vertical-travel flap shutter that also serves as a mirror, creating a distinct mechanical sound and feel. Features Brand: Ihagee (Dresden) Model: Exa I (Version with "EXA • I" nameplate) Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Lens Mount: Exakta/Exa bayonet mount. Shutter Speeds: 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/175, and Bulb (B). Viewfinder: Interchangeable waist-level finder with integrated magnifying loupe. Build: All-metal chassis with black leatherette covering. Special Feature: Left-handed shutter release (characteristic of Ihagee designs). Condition Rated: 3.5/5 Cosmetic: The camera shows authentic signs of age. There is visible wear and some loss of the black paint on the edges of the metal body ("brassing"), which adds to its vintage character. The "EXA • I" nameplate is clean and vibrant. Mechanical: The shutter fires at all speeds, and the mirror returns as intended. The film advance and rewind knobs turn smoothly. The waist-level finder pops up and closes securely. Optics: This listing is for the camera body only (lens not included). The internal mirror and the ground glass of the viewfinder show some dust and light cleaning marks consistent with a 60-year-old instrument. Note: Sold as a collectible/display item. While mechanically functional, it has not been tested with film for light-tightness or shutter speed accuracy. What's Included 1x Ihagee Exa I Camera Body 1x Original Waist-Level Viewfinder 1x Ihagee Branded Lens Cap/Port Cover Why This Product? The Exa I is the perfect entry point into the world of East German SLRs. Its quirky left-handed operation and modular nature make it a conversation piece on any shelf, while its compatibility with world-class Exakta glass makes it a viable tool for the analog artist. If you appreciate the "heavy metal" feel of 1960s craftsmanship, this Ihagee is a must-have. Keywords Ihagee Exa I, Exakta Mount, SLR Camera, 35mm Film, Vintage Dresden Camera, Waist Level Finder, Analog Photography, East German Camera, Collector's Item, Manual Camera. The waist-level finder on this model is quite bright; would you like to know more about the specific lenses from Carl Zeiss or Meyer-Optik that would best suit this body?