Ihagee Dresden Exa (Version 4) - The Modular Masterpiece of East German DesignThe Ihagee Exa is a quintessential example of post-war East German engineering, manufactured by the legendary Ihagee Kamerawerk in Dresden. Introduced in the 1950s as a more compact and streamlined sibling to the professional Exakta, the Exa retains the iconic modular DNA of its bigger brother. This specific unit is a Version 4 (produced circa 1956-1959), identifiable by the "Exa" engraving and the presence of both MX and F flash sync sockets. Featuring a unique mirror-shutter design and a removable waist-level finder, the Exa offers an exceptionally tactile and deliberate photographic experience. It is a prized item for collectors of Dresden-made cameras and a fantastic entry point for those wanting to explore the vast world of Exakta-mount vintage lenses.Key BenefitsModular Versatility: Features a fully removable waist-level viewfinder, which can be swapped for a pentaprism (not included) depending on your shooting style.Exakta Mount Compatibility: Grants access to some of the finest optics ever made by Carl Zeiss Jena, Meyer-Optik Görlitz, and Schneider-Kreuznach.Unique Mechanical Soul: Utilizes a rare "mirror-shutter" mechanism where the reflex mirror itself acts as part of the shutter system.FeaturesCamera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR)Film Format: 35mm (Standard 135)Lens: E. Ludwig Meritar $50\text{mm}$ f/2.9 (Red "V" coated)Lens Mount: Exakta/Exa Bayonet MountShutter: Mirror-shutter with speeds of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/150, plus Bulb (B)Viewfinder: Removable waist-level finder with integrated magnifying loupeFlash Sync: Dual sockets for MX and F synchronizationSerial Number: 497672ConditionCosmetic (Rated 4/5): The camera is in beautiful vintage condition. The satin chrome finish is exceptionally clean. The black embossed leatherette is fully intact and secure.Optical: The Meritar lens is clear with no visible fungus or deep scratches. The ground glass in the waist-level finder is clean, providing a bright image for composition.Mechanical: The shutter fires across all speed settings. The film advance (knob wind) and shutter release are functional. The mirror returns correctly after exposure.Note: Sold as a high-quality collectible. While mechanically operational, it has not been film-tested for absolute accuracy or light-tightness.What's IncludedIhagee Dresden Exa (Version 4) Camera BodyE. Ludwig Meritar $50\text{mm}$ f/2.9 LensOriginal Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case (marked "Ihagee Dresden")Why This Product?The Ihagee Exa is more than just a camera; it is a piece of industrial art from the heart of the European photographic revolution. This Version 4 is particularly desirable due to its classic aesthetics and robust build quality. Paired with the characteristic "triplet" rendering of the Ludwig Meritar lens, it produces images with a distinct vintage soul. Whether displayed on a shelf as a testament to Dresden's heritage or used for creative film photography, this Exa is a superb addition to any collection.Keywords: Ihagee, Exa, Dresden, Exakta Mount, 35mm SLR, Waist Level Finder, E. Ludwig Meritar, East Germany, Vintage Camera, Analog Photography, 1950s Design.