First Single Lens Reflex Camera

The shutter on the classic Exaktas model is far in front of the camera than the top. It is pressed with the left index finger. This is quite similar to the Praktina design (adapted from Ihagee's product), whose shutter is located on the right side of the front of the camera body. Lenses later produced for Exakatas (Ihagee did not manufacture their own lenses), known as "auto" or "semi-auto" lenses, contained a button in an extension that would align above the shutter of the camera body when the lens was attached. . The aperture of these lenses remained fully open when the iris was stopped to the shutter opening, providing a bright viewfinder image until the button was pressed halfway; pressed further, the lens button pressed the camera's shutter button to operate the shutter.

A full line of special equipment was available for these system cameras, including a microscope adapter, extension bellows, stereo attachments, medical attachments, and a variety of special finder screens. The equipment is fully compatible between all models produced between 1936 and 1969. The spelling found on cameras is traditionally Exakta, but some older Kine-Exakta are marked Exacta for marketing, especially in France, Portugal and the USA, perhaps due to copyright; and certainly a large number of American collectors call the entire series "Exacta". Another series of smaller, simpler cameras was the "Exa" series; these were also available in various variations. The BESELER line of Topcon 35mm cameras used the same lens mount as EXAKTA. In the early 1970s, the Exakta "RTL 1000" was introduced; accepted the lenses of the older models but had its own range of viewfinders, which included a model with light metering through the lens. M42 lens mount variants of the RTL camera series also appeared under the name Practica.

Extra Features

Metal covered with black leather. Objective Ihage-Anastigmatism-Egzattar.