Ihagee Dresden Exa 500 - The Final and Fastest Evolution of the Classic ExaThe Exa 500 (also known as the VX 200 in some markets) represents the pinnacle of the Exa line produced by Ihagee in Dresden, East Germany. Introduced in 1966, it was a radical departure from the earlier "mirror-shutter" Exa models, featuring a more modern vertical focal-plane shutter and a significantly increased top speed of 1/500s. While it maintained the classic, elegant "trapezoid" body shape and the legendary Exakta bayonet mount, the Exa 500 integrated a fixed eye-level pentaprism, making it a more streamlined and faster tool for mid-century photographers. It remains a highly sought-after model for those who want the unique ergonomics of an Ihagee camera with the reliability of a more modern shutter system.Key BenefitsAdvanced Shutter System: Offers a top speed of 1/500s, making it the fastest and most versatile camera in the entire Exa series.Exakta Mount Access: Compatible with a vast array of world-class vintage optics from Carl Zeiss Jena, Meyer-Optik Görlitz, and Schneider-Kreuznach.Streamlined Design: Features a fixed, bright pentaprism and a more modern film advance system compared to its predecessors.FeaturesCamera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR)Film Format: 35mm (Standard 135)Lens: Meyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan $50\text{mm}$ f/2.8Lens Mount: Exakta/Exa Bayonet MountShutter: Vertical focal-plane shutterShutter Speeds: 1/2s to 1/500s, plus Bulb (B)Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism with microprism focusing aidFilm Advance: Rapid winding lever with integrated frame counterSerial Number: 302062ConditionCosmetic (Rated 4/5): The camera is in excellent vintage condition. The satin chrome finish is bright and shows very little wear. The black leatherette is clean, secure, and free from peeling.Optical: The Meyer-Optik Domiplan lens is clear with no visible fungus. The viewfinder is bright and provides a crisp image for focusing.Mechanical: The shutter fires correctly across all speed settings. The film advance lever is smooth, and the aperture diaphragm on the lens is functional and snappy.Note: Sold as a high-quality collectible. While mechanically operational, it has not been tested with film for absolute light-tightness or shutter speed calibration.What's IncludedIhagee Dresden Exa 500 Camera BodyMeyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan $50\text{mm}$ f/2.8 LensOriginal Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case (marked "Ihagee Dresden")Why This Product?The Exa 500 is the most "usable" of the vintage Exas for a modern film photographer. It combines the quirky, beautiful aesthetic of 1960s Dresden design with a shutter range that can handle most daylight shooting conditions. This specific unit is particularly well-preserved and comes with its original protective case, making it an ideal choice for both a serious Ihagee collection and active analog experimentation. It is a testament to the final era of independent Ihagee production before the company was fully absorbed into the Pentacon combine.Keywords: Ihagee, Exa 500, Dresden, Exakta Mount, 35mm SLR, Meyer-Optik Görlitz, Domiplan, East Germany, Vintage Camera, Analog Photography, 1960s Design.