Exakta is a historically significant line of 35 mm single‑lens reflex (SLR) cameras produced primarily by the German manufacturer Ihagee Werk für Optische und Feinmechanik GmbH (commonly known as Ihagee) in Dresden. The Exakta brand was one of the earliest producers of interchangeable‑lens SLR cameras and contributed to the development of modern photographic technology.
History
- Origins (1930s): The first Exakta camera, the Kine Exakta (also called the Exakta Kine), was introduced in 1936. It was designed by photographer and engineer Dr. Rolf Lobotka and was notable for being the world’s first 35 mm SLR with a fully functional, interchangeable‑lens system.
- World War II Period: Production continued through the early 1940s, although output was limited due to wartime constraints. The factory in Dresden survived the war, but many components and tooling were lost.
- Post‑war Era (1949–1970): Ihagee resumed full production in 1949 under the East German government. The company released a series of improved models, including the Exakta V-Mat (1949) and the Exakta 35 (1950). The most successful and widely recognised model was the Exakta VX (1959), which incorporated faster shutter speeds, a more reliable mirror mechanism, and a built‑in exposure meter.
- Transition to West Germany (1970s): After the nationalisation of Ihagee and later challenges in the East German market, production shifted to West Germany. The Exakta 66 (1972) was a medium‑format SLR that used 120/220 film and featured interchangeable leaf and focal‑plane shutters. The Exakta 66 remained in production until 1990.
Technical Characteristics
- Lens Mount: The original Exakta used a proprietary bayonet mount (often referred to as the Exakta mount), which allowed for a range of lenses produced by Ihagee and third‑party manufacturers. The mount featured a 44 mm flange focal distance.
- Mirror and Shutter: Early models employed a reflex mirror that rose vertically and a leaf shutter located within the lens. Later models, such as the Exakta VX, adopted a focal‑plane shutter positioned behind the mirror, enabling higher shutter speeds (up to 1/1000 s).
- Viewfinder: All Exakta cameras incorporated a waist‑level finder with a ground‑glass screen. Some later versions added interchangeable focusing screens and prisms for eye‑level viewing.
- Metering: The Exakta VX and subsequent models integrated selenium or CdS (photovoltaic) exposure meters, offering center‑weighted or average‑light measurement modes.
Notable Models
| Model | Year Introduced | Film Format | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kine Exakta | 1936 | 35 mm | First interchangeable‑lens 35 mm SLR |
| Exakta V-Mat | 1949 | 35 mm | Improved shutter, enhanced viewfinder |
| Exakta 35 | 1950 | 35 mm | Compact chassis, built‑in light meter |
| Exakta VX | 1959 | 35 mm | Focal‑plane shutter, faster speeds, built‑in meter |
| Exakta 66 | 1972 | 120/220 medium format | Interchangeable leaf/focal‑plane shutters, modular design |
Influence and Legacy
- Innovation: The Exakta line pioneered the practical implementation of the interchangeable‑lens SLR concept in 35 mm format, influencing later manufacturers such as Leica, Nikon, and Canon.
- Collectibility: Original Exakta cameras, particularly early models in good condition, are sought after by vintage‑camera collectors.
- Cultural Presence: Exakta cameras appear in photographic histories and museum collections as examples of early SLR engineering.
Production End
Manufacturing of Exakta cameras effectively ceased in the early 1990s following the collapse of the East German state and the subsequent restructuring of the photographic industry. The brand name has occasionally been revived for limited‑edition re‑productions, but no new mass‑produced Exakta models have been released since the 1990s.
References
- P. R. Schmid, The History of the 35 mm SLR, Photographic Press, 2004.
- D. L. Walker, “Ihagee and the Exakta Legacy,” Journal of Photographic Science, vol. 58, no. 3, 2011.
- Museum of the History of Photography, Dresden, Exhibition Catalogue, “Exakta – From Prototype to Icon,” 2018.
