Photographica Pages
An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff
Ihagee Exa
The first Exaktas had a simple sector shutter which was built into the back side
of the mirror. Shutter speeds selection is modest, from 150 to 25 plus bulb,
selected by a lever on the top plate. Film is advanced by knob wind. The camera
has a removable finder interchangeable with the finders on the Exakta. The two
cameras share lenses and most accessories.
Version 1 (1952-55)
The earliest examples of the Exa have the same style black lens mount found
only on the Exakta V, a couple of years earlier than the introduction of the
Exa. This version is readily identifiable by the two sets of bi-polar flash
plugs on the front of the body. The waist level finder used the same locking arm
arrangement of the earlier types of Exakta, in which an arm protruding into the
body from the waist level finder when closed will lock the shutter from firing.
Serial numbers run 200,000 to 235,000
Version 2 (1955-56)
On this version the
flash sockets are standard PC, with black outer rings. The finder lock has been
eliminated, and the shutter release has a swinging guard like the later Exaktas.
Serial numbers run 235,000 to 245,000
Version 3 (1956-57)
In 1956 the factory at
Dresden could no longer meet the demand for Exaktas and Exas. Production of the
Exa was farmed out to Sommerda. These cameras are marked "System Exa",
"Rheinmetall" and "Sommerda" on the front. The finder
release is marked "VEB", and the back of the finder is marked "Rheinmetall".
Other than the markings above, and the finder lock lacking the cut out for a
cable release, the camera is the same as the version 2. Although serial numbers
run from 245,000 to 275,000, I have not seen an example in 15 years of
collecting cameras. I suspect they may have only been marketed in Europe.
Version 4 (1957-58)
Production was resumed
in Dresden by Ihagee. The flash sockets are finished in chrome, rather than
black. The film guides have been eliminated from the back, which can be removed
by pulling out the pin from the hinge. Serial number run from 400,000 to
520,000, numbers previously used on Vest Pocket Exaktas and Kine Exaktas.
Version 5 (1958-61)
This model is
identical to the previous model, except the word "Exa" on the front
plate is raised, rather than the usual engraved style. Serial number run from
520,000 to 560,000.
Version 6 (1961-1963?)