I got a fantastic present for Christmas from close friends of ours: an Ihagee Exakta EXA Ia analog camera. It apparently sat unused in a shop in Mexico since its factory production days back in the late 60s, still in the original box, waiting for someone to purchase it. It came with a whole kit which included a plastic/leather camera case, camera, lens, lens extension kit (for macro shots), two prisms/viewfinders (one normal, one 90-degree), a mechanical timer, a light meter and a ton of lens filters.
The camera kit also included the original instruction manual (in Spanish).
Since I don't speak Spanish, I had to figure out the camera on my own. Here are the specs as best I can figure them out:
- Exakta EXA Ia body, fully manual, 1964-1968 production (I approximated the year based on the serial number)
- Analog flash sync for bulbs or electronic speedlights
- Shutter speeds from 1/175 to 1/30 s and Bulb mode
- DIN sensitivity from 12-30 and ASA from 50-800, including b&w negatives; the list goes as follows: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 (DIN) and 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 (ASA/ISO), plus C and NC.
- Exposure counter can accommodate films of up to 36 exposures
- Shutter release features threads for attachment of mechanical timer (included)
- Shutter lock
- Rewind release button and pop-up rewind knob
- Carl Zeiss Jena lens, f2.8/22 50mm, focusing distance 0.6m to infinity
- Lens extension barrel for macro shots; barrel disassembles into multiple sections to allow for varying focusing distances and macro apertures
If there's one expression I could use to describe this camera, it's "ease of use". Once I figured out the controls, it turned out to be a joy to play with them. The focus control is so well made that at closer distances it turns slower, allowing for some really precise focusing. The aperture adjustment clicks, letting me know when I've reached a proper setting. The film advancement lever's travel is short and also clicks reassuringly. The exposure countdown dial clicks as well. I guess I like controls that click, but it's the sort of feedback that encourages good use. It also gives the impression of something that's very well-made.
It's quite easy to take the lens off, and I love the fact that the extension barrel breaks down into multiple sections. It lets me vary the focusing length and also changes the perceived aperture of the lens, allowing me to get closer or further away from the object.
The interchangeable viewfinders are so much fun! I can just slide them out and use a different one, allowing me to customize the way I look at my photographic subjects. Both viewfinders allow me to see right through the lens (TTL), so I get a direct preview of the lighting conditions. When I adjust the aperture, the aperture ring closes or opens, and I can see - right through the viewfinder - how much light comes through the lens. Of course, as I found out with my first roll of film, you'd better know exactly what shutter speed you're using, or else the photos aren't going to come out as you saw them through the lens!
Judging from the instruction manual, this camera could be used with some pretty cool accessories when it came out: a lens hood to reduce glare, a tele lens, and a Stereflex Jena viewfinder and lens that took 3D shots. It could also use a vertical grip and electronic flash, powered by a strap-held, external Braun battery. Pretty nifty! Just goes to show that a great gift doesn't have to be new!
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Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Sounds neat! I should spend more time with manual mode on my ultra-modern digital SLR. I tend to use aperture-priority mode, which automates too much.
2 - Raoul
Yup, it's a lot of fun to work in Manual mode. Plus, on DSLRs, you have the amazing benefit of reviewing the shot immediately after you take it. You learn instantly what works and what doesn't, and it doesn't cost you a dime, so it's well worth the effort. Highly recommended practice for anyone wanting to improve their photographic skills.
3 - mark beltran
Hi Raoul; your blog on the Exa Ia has been very helpful. A friend sent me one from Germany. The only thing I don't know about is how to open the back to load film. Can you please show me how? Thanks;
mark
4 - Daniel Woolstencroft
Hi Raoul. Just to let you know, your article is one of my two editor's picks for the week it was published.
Congratulations, and keep up the great work!
5 - Raoul
Daniel, thank you very much! :-)
Mark, if you'll watch the video I included in this article, you'll see just how to open the EXA. It's toward the end of the video, so feel to skip through till you get to that part.
6 - mark beltran
Excellent! It'll take a while with my ol dial-up, here goes :)
Do you know where i can get a wide angle lens for my Exa Ia?
Thanks;
Mark
7 - Raoul
Hey Mark, if the video doesn't load properly on your dial-up, then just look at the bottom side of your camera. You should find a screw of sorts that you can twist with your finger. You'll see that it only turns anywhere from 90-180 degrees, and in only one direction. Once you've twisted it, the back slides right off. Just pull down on it as you hold the camera upright.
As for a wide-angle lens, I'd try the excellent Exakta Mailing List. Post a message asking for one, and they'll point you in the right direction.
8 - Bliffle
Nice camera. Never owned one of the EXAs, but had 2 of the Exacta VXs which preceeded it. IIRC the VX was Jimmy Stewarts camera in "Rear Window"; look for it next time. IIRC it was paired with a Meyer 500mm telephoto (for voyeuristic purposes, which improved sales a lot).
Be careful with that little screw-in timer: if installed incorrectly it can push too far too hard and jam the shutter, thus requiring the services of A Little Old World Craftsman whose maildrop is under some stump in The Black Forest.
The old-fashioned topview TTL viewfinder was a carryover from the old Rollieflex days, but they disappeared in the next generation (cf. Pentax) when compact builtin pentaflexs replaced them; in spite of purists complaints "with my Rollie I could shoot over the crowds by holding the Rollie inverted above my head!" Now YOU can do that with the EXA.
9 - Raoul
Wonderful background info, Bliffle! Thanks a bunch!
10 - subbarayan prasanna
I have owned several Exaktas and found them all to be good to excellent. I have not had similar experiences with any other make of cameras. I really wonder why they destroyed that industry through stupid and avaricious litigation. The guys who won the case against Ihagee [dresden]could not produce anything even a half as good.
There are many good repairmen of the Exakta who restore worn out ones to original condition. Why not get together and manufacture the same again? Despite the digital age, I am sure there will be at least a million customers for the revived Exakta.
11 - Patty
I have a Exa camera given to me by my grandfather. I beleive the serial number is 465629.It is stamped on the bottomm made in Germany and and there appears to be an "s" symbol that is stamped. It is also marked U.S.S.R occupy. It says Jhagee Dresden on the front of the camera. Can you tell me anything about the camera.