Exa EXA-1a Analogue camera

06
days
21
hours
08
minutes
37
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
No bids placed

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 132990 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Exa EXA-1a 35 mm SLR with M42 lens mount, in very good cosmetic condition and tested and working, includes E. Ludwig Meritar 50 mm f/2.9 lens and integrated waist‑level finder.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

The Ihagee Exa 1a, produced in Dresden, East Germany, between 1964 and 1977, is a simplified and highly charming version of the famous Exakta series. Known for its trapezoidal body shape and unique shutter system, the Exa 1a was designed as an accessible entry point into the world of SLR photography. Despite its simplicity, it retains the high-quality build and interchangeable viewfinder system of its "big brother" Exakta. This specific example features the classic waist-level finder and is paired with a vintage E. Ludwig Meritar lens, making it a perfect piece for collectors of GDR photography history.

KEY FEATURES

Modular system with an interchangeable waist-level viewfinder

Distinctive front-mounted shutter release button

Simple and reliable shutter mechanism suitable for entry-level collectors

Iconic trapezoidal East German SLR body design

Compatible with a wide range of Exakta-mount lenses

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR)

Lens: E. Ludwig Meritar 2.9/50

Lens Serial Number: 1616872

Shutter speeds: 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/175 plus Bulb (B)

Film format: 35mm (135 cartridge)

Country of Origin: Germany (East)

CONDITION REPORT

Cosmetic: Good condition with typical age-related wear on the chrome and leatherette; the "EXA 1a" nameplate is clean and legible.

Optics: The Meritar lens shows some internal dust and light cleaning marks as expected for its age; no significant fungus or scratches observed.

Mechanics: Shutter fires on all settings; the film advance and mirror mechanism appear to function smoothly.

Test status: This camera is sold as a collectible; it has been visually and mechanically checked but not tested with film for light-tightness or precision.

WHATS INCLUDED

Ihagee Exa 1a camera body

E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 lens

Integrated waist-level viewfinder

WHY BUY THIS ITEM

A tactile and visually unique piece of East German history that offers the pure mechanical experience of the 1960s.

KEYWORDS

Exa 1a, Ihagee, Dresden, Meritar, SLR, 35mm, Vintage Camera, East Germany, GDR, Analog Photography, Waist Level Finder, Collectible

The Ihagee Exa 1a, produced in Dresden, East Germany, between 1964 and 1977, is a simplified and highly charming version of the famous Exakta series. Known for its trapezoidal body shape and unique shutter system, the Exa 1a was designed as an accessible entry point into the world of SLR photography. Despite its simplicity, it retains the high-quality build and interchangeable viewfinder system of its "big brother" Exakta. This specific example features the classic waist-level finder and is paired with a vintage E. Ludwig Meritar lens, making it a perfect piece for collectors of GDR photography history.

KEY FEATURES

Modular system with an interchangeable waist-level viewfinder

Distinctive front-mounted shutter release button

Simple and reliable shutter mechanism suitable for entry-level collectors

Iconic trapezoidal East German SLR body design

Compatible with a wide range of Exakta-mount lenses

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR)

Lens: E. Ludwig Meritar 2.9/50

Lens Serial Number: 1616872

Shutter speeds: 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/175 plus Bulb (B)

Film format: 35mm (135 cartridge)

Country of Origin: Germany (East)

CONDITION REPORT

Cosmetic: Good condition with typical age-related wear on the chrome and leatherette; the "EXA 1a" nameplate is clean and legible.

Optics: The Meritar lens shows some internal dust and light cleaning marks as expected for its age; no significant fungus or scratches observed.

Mechanics: Shutter fires on all settings; the film advance and mirror mechanism appear to function smoothly.

Test status: This camera is sold as a collectible; it has been visually and mechanically checked but not tested with film for light-tightness or precision.

WHATS INCLUDED

Ihagee Exa 1a camera body

E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 lens

Integrated waist-level viewfinder

WHY BUY THIS ITEM

A tactile and visually unique piece of East German history that offers the pure mechanical experience of the 1960s.

KEYWORDS

Exa 1a, Ihagee, Dresden, Meritar, SLR, 35mm, Vintage Camera, East Germany, GDR, Analog Photography, Waist Level Finder, Collectible

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Exa
Model/type nr
EXA-1a
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Lens Mount Type
M42
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1970-1980
The NetherlandsVerified
253
Objects sold
95.95%
Private

Similar objects

For you in

Cameras & Optical Equipment