Ihagee Exakta VX IIb Analogue camera





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Ihagee Exakta VX IIb camera body with Exakta bayonet mount, tested and working, dating from the 1960s.
Description from the seller
Ihagee Exakta Varex IIb – with Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/2 lens – 1964/65
History and Model
Up for auction is an icon of East German engineering: the Exakta Varex IIb. Produced by Ihagee in Dresden between 1963 and 1967, this camera represents the pinnacle of the classic Exakta line. Famous for being the first truly successful 35mm SLR, it stands out for its unique ergonomics (controls on the left) and its mechanical robustness.
Technical Features
- Body: Ihagee Exakta Varex IIb.
- Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/2. An legendary optic, very bright and renowned for its sharpness and the characteristic Zeiss bokeh.
- Lens Serial: 6809472 (dateable circa 1964-1965).
- Viewfinder System: Interchangeable (removable) pentaprism.
- Shutter: Focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/1000s to 12 seconds (long-exposure mechanism).
- Mount: Dual Exakta bayonet.
Aesthetic and Mechanical Conditions
- Body: In good original cosmetic condition. It features a charming patina of time with light wear on the chrome parts and leather (brassing), attesting to its authenticity.
- Lens: Clean glass, no evident scratches. The automatic diaphragm lever is present and functional.
- Included accessories: Original brown leather case ("ever-ready case") with original strap.
Note for the Collector
The Exakta Varex IIb with Pancolar lens is a highly sought-after combination. This exemplar is perfect both as a display piece and as a kit to use for analog photography or for "lens swapping" on modern digital cameras via an adapter.
Ihagee Exakta Varex IIb – with Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/2 lens – 1964/65
History and Model
Up for auction is an icon of East German engineering: the Exakta Varex IIb. Produced by Ihagee in Dresden between 1963 and 1967, this camera represents the pinnacle of the classic Exakta line. Famous for being the first truly successful 35mm SLR, it stands out for its unique ergonomics (controls on the left) and its mechanical robustness.
Technical Features
- Body: Ihagee Exakta Varex IIb.
- Lens: Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/2. An legendary optic, very bright and renowned for its sharpness and the characteristic Zeiss bokeh.
- Lens Serial: 6809472 (dateable circa 1964-1965).
- Viewfinder System: Interchangeable (removable) pentaprism.
- Shutter: Focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/1000s to 12 seconds (long-exposure mechanism).
- Mount: Dual Exakta bayonet.
Aesthetic and Mechanical Conditions
- Body: In good original cosmetic condition. It features a charming patina of time with light wear on the chrome parts and leather (brassing), attesting to its authenticity.
- Lens: Clean glass, no evident scratches. The automatic diaphragm lever is present and functional.
- Included accessories: Original brown leather case ("ever-ready case") with original strap.
Note for the Collector
The Exakta Varex IIb with Pancolar lens is a highly sought-after combination. This exemplar is perfect both as a display piece and as a kit to use for analog photography or for "lens swapping" on modern digital cameras via an adapter.

