Exakta EXA I Analogue camera
06
days
14
hours
28
minutes
32
seconds
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 141736 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
EXA I 35 mm SLR with an M42 mount, in good physical condition and with a tested and working functional condition, dating from 1950 to 1960.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The Exa is a historic 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in the early 1950s by Ihagee Kamerawerk Steenbergen and Co in Dresden, East Germany. Conceived as a more accessible and compact sibling to the renowned Kine Exakta, the original Exa achieved iconic status thanks to its trapezoidal body design, interchangeable waist-level viewfinder system, and unusual guillotine mirror-shutter mechanism. Solidly built with precision German craftsmanship, well-preserved examples from Dresden remain highly sought-after centerpieces for collectors of early SLR innovation and mid-century camera design.
KEY FEATURES
Compact 35mm single lens reflex system with distinctive trapezoidal body
Interchangeable waist-level finder with fold-out focusing magnifier
Innovative mirror-shutter mechanism combining the reflex mirror and focal plane shutter
Standard Exakta bayonet lens mount accepting classic German optics
All-metal die-cast chassis wrapped in durable vulcanite covering
Completely battery-free mechanical operation
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex Camera
Lens: E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 coated prime lens
Shutter speeds: B, 1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, and 1/150s
Serial Number: Not visible or unassigned on exterior housing
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition showing light traces of prior handling and minor edge wear consistent with age. Metal surfaces are clean, chrome is bright, and the original body covering remains intact and firmly attached.
Optics: The waist-level finder and ground glass screen are clean and clear, offering a bright viewing image. Prime lens elements are clean and free from fungus, heavy haze, separation, or deep scratches.
Mechanics: Shutter cocks and fires crisply across all available shutter speeds. The waist-level hood pops up smoothly and latches securely. The aperture ring and focusing barrel rotate properly.
Test status: Fully inspected and dry-tested mechanically. Sold as a tested vintage collectible.
WHATS INCLUDED
Ihagee Exa 35mm SLR camera body
E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 prime lens
Removable waist-level viewfinder with flip-up magnifier
Original vintage leather carrying case with strap
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
A beautifully preserved piece of early Dresden photographic history that combines unique mechanical engineering with timeless mid-century SLR design for any dedicated camera collection.
The Exa is a historic 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in the early 1950s by Ihagee Kamerawerk Steenbergen and Co in Dresden, East Germany. Conceived as a more accessible and compact sibling to the renowned Kine Exakta, the original Exa achieved iconic status thanks to its trapezoidal body design, interchangeable waist-level viewfinder system, and unusual guillotine mirror-shutter mechanism. Solidly built with precision German craftsmanship, well-preserved examples from Dresden remain highly sought-after centerpieces for collectors of early SLR innovation and mid-century camera design.
KEY FEATURES
Compact 35mm single lens reflex system with distinctive trapezoidal body
Interchangeable waist-level finder with fold-out focusing magnifier
Innovative mirror-shutter mechanism combining the reflex mirror and focal plane shutter
Standard Exakta bayonet lens mount accepting classic German optics
All-metal die-cast chassis wrapped in durable vulcanite covering
Completely battery-free mechanical operation
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex Camera
Lens: E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 coated prime lens
Shutter speeds: B, 1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, and 1/150s
Serial Number: Not visible or unassigned on exterior housing
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition showing light traces of prior handling and minor edge wear consistent with age. Metal surfaces are clean, chrome is bright, and the original body covering remains intact and firmly attached.
Optics: The waist-level finder and ground glass screen are clean and clear, offering a bright viewing image. Prime lens elements are clean and free from fungus, heavy haze, separation, or deep scratches.
Mechanics: Shutter cocks and fires crisply across all available shutter speeds. The waist-level hood pops up smoothly and latches securely. The aperture ring and focusing barrel rotate properly.
Test status: Fully inspected and dry-tested mechanically. Sold as a tested vintage collectible.
WHATS INCLUDED
Ihagee Exa 35mm SLR camera body
E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 prime lens
Removable waist-level viewfinder with flip-up magnifier
Original vintage leather carrying case with strap
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
A beautifully preserved piece of early Dresden photographic history that combines unique mechanical engineering with timeless mid-century SLR design for any dedicated camera collection.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Exakta
Model/type nr
EXA I
Physical condition
Good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Lens Mount Type
M42
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1950-1960
Sold by
