EXA
Cameras from Maurizio Frizziero Collection
Exa Black Flange - 1952 - #201981
Exa, Version 1, #201981, This Exa with 1/150 speed (previous cameras, a small batch, not more than 200, had 1/250). Pay attention to the body number (I do not know a Black Flange Exa over #204000), it is easy to replace the black flange! This camera works and it is in fine condition. Comes with a leather case.
Exa, Version 1, #201981, Il tempo più veloce è 1/150. In precedenza le prime Exa, non più di 200, avevano 1/250. Fate attenzione al numero di serie (non ho mai visto questa versione con un numero di serie superiore a 204000) poichè è facile sostituire la flangia. Questa macchina funziona è bella ed ha la sua borsa di cuoio.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Black Flange Exa - Something about In early 1998 I saw an advertisement for an Exa from a Boston antique dealer, who illustrated his ad with a picture of a black flange Exa from a factory manual. I immediately
Trioplan 2.9/50mm lens serial 1082967 calibrated in meters and a hooded viewfinder version 2. Its lens mounting flange is of black-lacquered aluminium, with a filled
bought both manual and camera over the phone. On receipt it proved to be an original Exa with a top shutter speed of 1/250.
pinhole at the 10:00 position. Its top shutter speed is 1/250. It has two pairs of bipolar flash contacts marked "V" and "E". It is covered in black ribbed synthetic material. It is provided with strap lugs. It conforms to Wichmann's Type 1 Variant A. It bears strap lugs, but it otherwise resembles Hummel's 040 specification. It is fully operable and in good cosmetic condition, with some burnishing on the magnifier cover and slight chipping of the black enamel trim, intact leather
Not a day later I encountered another black flange Exa advertised, and bought it over the telephone. On receipt it proved to be a first-change version with a serial number only slightly higher. The original Exa (pictured) bears serial number 200056. It has a Meyer
The early black flange Exas
Louis Emmet Mahoney writes about his rare Exas
throughout, and no visible dents. The lens appears to bear some slight cleaning marks, and its metal shows patina without scratches or corrosion. An apparently original user's manual accompanied this camera. This bears a Leipzig printer's date of 5 July 1952. Its illustrations show unserialled cameras (probably prototypes) with the top shutter speed retouched to "150". The serial numbers on the Trioplan lenses pictured are higher than the lens on this camera. None of the pictures show strap rings. I
conclude this camera is a 1951-production original Exa with its original lens and a manual modified for the first-change versions. It is probably the fifty-sixth production camera.
My second black flange Exa -- a "first change" version -- bears serial number 201152. It has a Meyer Trioplan 2.9/50mm lens serial 1080517 calibrated in feet, and a hooded viewfinder version 2. Its lens flange is of black- lacquered
aluminium, with a filled pinhole at the 10:00 position. Its top shutter speed is 1/150. It has two pairs of bipolar flash contacts marked "V" and "E". It is covered in black ribbed material, probably synthetic. It is provided with strap lugs. It conforms perfectly to Wichmann's Type 1 Variant B. It bears strap lugs, but otherwise resembles Hummel's 041 illustration. It is fully operable and in very good cosmetic condition, with some burnishing on the magnifier cover only,
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
excellent paint and leather, and no visible dents or other damage. The lens appears clean and undamaged. This camera is accompanied by an apparently original russet
shutter cocking and film transport. Rewind mechanism and adjustable exposure counter. Button rewind release. A pair of flash contacts for Vakublitz synchronisation.
leather everready case in good condition.
Shutter release with safety catch blocked when the viewfinder is closed. An attached back. A light metal camera body with polished trim and black lacquered parts, covered with black leather." [Original in German] Hummel wrote that about 40 such cameras were produced in February 1950. The design was then modified to add a second pair of flash contacts for electronic flash. The upper sockets were labelled "V" (Vakublitzanschluss) for M-class bulbs, and the lower "E"
Richard Hummel, in his book Spiegelreflexcameras aus Dresden, described the original "Exa Varex" as a "simplified, low-price camera as a counterpart to the Exakta Varex. Changeable viewfinders and objectives like for the Exakta Varex. Special metal hinged shutter with adjustable settings of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, and 1/250 seconds and Bulb set by a lever. Knob-wind for
Black Flange Exa - Something about (Elektronenblitze) for electronic flash. Hummel wrote that about 100 of this variant (Hummel 039) were produced during March of 1950 before the factory decided to do away with the "Varex" markings. One could infer these were pre-production models, as Hummel records no production between March 1950 and February 1951. Another 1,150 cameras were then produced between February and August 1951, differing only in the absence of the "Varex" marking (Hummel 040). At this point it was decided that the top speed of 1/250 was unreliable. The top speed was recalibrated to 1/150. Some unknown number of cameras were produced to this specification between August 1951 and February 1952 (Hummel states 11,817 for this "first change" variant, usually designated Hummel 041). At that time the labels on the flash contacts were modified from the German "V" and "E" to the more international "M" and "X" ("second change," Hummel 042, Hummel's production figures 6,980). At some time about May
of 1952 the blacklacquered lens bayonets left over from Exakta II production were exhausted, and further Exas were furnished with bayonet mounts of chrome-plated brass ("third change," Hummel 043, Hummel's production figures 13,852). There is some question how many black flange Exas were produced. Hummel's book describes these variants at his Figures 038 through 042. His production figures would lead one to believe that about 140 "Exa Varex" versions were produced, among as many as 18,000 black flange Exas in all. Serial numbers, however, suggest far fewer. Exa serial numbers start at 200000. Several examples demonstrate that serial numbers above 209000 have chrome flanges. The highest blackflange serial number I know is 203444, in Maurizio Frizziero's
collection. Klaus Wichmann's book illustrates an example with a serial number of 202375. The Ebay electronic auction recently offered a black flange Exa serialled 202483 with a
bizarre Russian snakeskin cover. I am of the opinion the
total number of black flange Exas produced is perhaps three
to four thousand in all. There is also some controversy as to the actual
specifications for the early models. Klaus Rademaker called my attention to strap rings, which Hummel writes were added during the
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
production run of thirdchange Exas (Hummel 043). Hummel's photos of earlier models show no strap rings, and he states t h a t these were added during the production of the third change, i.e. Hummel 043. Early factory manuals show no strap rings. However, all early Exa
production examples known to me or pictured by Wichmann show strap rings. I suspect that the factory records Hummel used did not accurately reflect the cameras that were actually manufactured forty years
previously. Aguila and Rouah's book Exakta Cameras 19331978 contains little information on early Exas. More information is available to those who can read German. I suggest that collectors interested in Exas should obtain a copy of Klaus Wichmann's book Exa, die Preiswerte Kleinbildreflex. It is currently available from Lindemanns Verlag in Stuttgart. Another valuable German reference for Exaktas, Exas, and most other East German single lens reflexes (now out of print) is Richard Hummel's Spiegelreflexcameras aus Dresden, written by the former chief engineer of Ihagee Dresden. [Louis Emmet Mahoney, 18 Jan 1999] (Note by MF: I wish to thank the author, Louis Emmet Mahoney, for his efforts to make our knowledge grow. I hope to receive more articles like this one from other Exakta collectors!)
Exa Black Flange - 1952 - #201981
Exa, Version 1, #201981, This Exa with 1/150 speed (previous cameras, a small batch, not more than 200, had 1/250). Pay attention to the body number (I do not know a Black Flange Exa over #204000), it is easy to replace the black flange! This camera works and it is in fine condition. Comes with a leather case.
Exa, Version 1, #201981, Il tempo più veloce è 1/150. In precedenza le prime Exa, non più di 200, avevano 1/250. Fate attenzione al numero di serie (non ho mai visto questa versione con un numero di serie superiore a 204000) poichè è facile sostituire la flangia. Questa macchina funziona è bella ed ha la sua borsa di cuoio.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Black Flange Exa - Something about In early 1998 I saw an advertisement for an Exa from a Boston antique dealer, who illustrated his ad with a picture of a black flange Exa from a factory manual. I immediately
Trioplan 2.9/50mm lens serial 1082967 calibrated in meters and a hooded viewfinder version 2. Its lens mounting flange is of black-lacquered aluminium, with a filled
bought both manual and camera over the phone. On receipt it proved to be an original Exa with a top shutter speed of 1/250.
pinhole at the 10:00 position. Its top shutter speed is 1/250. It has two pairs of bipolar flash contacts marked "V" and "E". It is covered in black ribbed synthetic material. It is provided with strap lugs. It conforms to Wichmann's Type 1 Variant A. It bears strap lugs, but it otherwise resembles Hummel's 040 specification. It is fully operable and in good cosmetic condition, with some burnishing on the magnifier cover and slight chipping of the black enamel trim, intact leather
Not a day later I encountered another black flange Exa advertised, and bought it over the telephone. On receipt it proved to be a first-change version with a serial number only slightly higher. The original Exa (pictured) bears serial number 200056. It has a Meyer
The early black flange Exas
Louis Emmet Mahoney writes about his rare Exas
throughout, and no visible dents. The lens appears to bear some slight cleaning marks, and its metal shows patina without scratches or corrosion. An apparently original user's manual accompanied this camera. This bears a Leipzig printer's date of 5 July 1952. Its illustrations show unserialled cameras (probably prototypes) with the top shutter speed retouched to "150". The serial numbers on the Trioplan lenses pictured are higher than the lens on this camera. None of the pictures show strap rings. I
conclude this camera is a 1951-production original Exa with its original lens and a manual modified for the first-change versions. It is probably the fifty-sixth production camera.
My second black flange Exa -- a "first change" version -- bears serial number 201152. It has a Meyer Trioplan 2.9/50mm lens serial 1080517 calibrated in feet, and a hooded viewfinder version 2. Its lens flange is of black- lacquered
aluminium, with a filled pinhole at the 10:00 position. Its top shutter speed is 1/150. It has two pairs of bipolar flash contacts marked "V" and "E". It is covered in black ribbed material, probably synthetic. It is provided with strap lugs. It conforms perfectly to Wichmann's Type 1 Variant B. It bears strap lugs, but otherwise resembles Hummel's 041 illustration. It is fully operable and in very good cosmetic condition, with some burnishing on the magnifier cover only,
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
excellent paint and leather, and no visible dents or other damage. The lens appears clean and undamaged. This camera is accompanied by an apparently original russet
shutter cocking and film transport. Rewind mechanism and adjustable exposure counter. Button rewind release. A pair of flash contacts for Vakublitz synchronisation.
leather everready case in good condition.
Shutter release with safety catch blocked when the viewfinder is closed. An attached back. A light metal camera body with polished trim and black lacquered parts, covered with black leather." [Original in German] Hummel wrote that about 40 such cameras were produced in February 1950. The design was then modified to add a second pair of flash contacts for electronic flash. The upper sockets were labelled "V" (Vakublitzanschluss) for M-class bulbs, and the lower "E"
Richard Hummel, in his book Spiegelreflexcameras aus Dresden, described the original "Exa Varex" as a "simplified, low-price camera as a counterpart to the Exakta Varex. Changeable viewfinders and objectives like for the Exakta Varex. Special metal hinged shutter with adjustable settings of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, and 1/250 seconds and Bulb set by a lever. Knob-wind for
Black Flange Exa - Something about (Elektronenblitze) for electronic flash. Hummel wrote that about 100 of this variant (Hummel 039) were produced during March of 1950 before the factory decided to do away with the "Varex" markings. One could infer these were pre-production models, as Hummel records no production between March 1950 and February 1951. Another 1,150 cameras were then produced between February and August 1951, differing only in the absence of the "Varex" marking (Hummel 040). At this point it was decided that the top speed of 1/250 was unreliable. The top speed was recalibrated to 1/150. Some unknown number of cameras were produced to this specification between August 1951 and February 1952 (Hummel states 11,817 for this "first change" variant, usually designated Hummel 041). At that time the labels on the flash contacts were modified from the German "V" and "E" to the more international "M" and "X" ("second change," Hummel 042, Hummel's production figures 6,980). At some time about May
of 1952 the blacklacquered lens bayonets left over from Exakta II production were exhausted, and further Exas were furnished with bayonet mounts of chrome-plated brass ("third change," Hummel 043, Hummel's production figures 13,852). There is some question how many black flange Exas were produced. Hummel's book describes these variants at his Figures 038 through 042. His production figures would lead one to believe that about 140 "Exa Varex" versions were produced, among as many as 18,000 black flange Exas in all. Serial numbers, however, suggest far fewer. Exa serial numbers start at 200000. Several examples demonstrate that serial numbers above 209000 have chrome flanges. The highest blackflange serial number I know is 203444, in Maurizio Frizziero's
collection. Klaus Wichmann's book illustrates an example with a serial number of 202375. The Ebay electronic auction recently offered a black flange Exa serialled 202483 with a
bizarre Russian snakeskin cover. I am of the opinion the
total number of black flange Exas produced is perhaps three
to four thousand in all. There is also some controversy as to the actual
specifications for the early models. Klaus Rademaker called my attention to strap rings, which Hummel writes were added during the
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
production run of thirdchange Exas (Hummel 043). Hummel's photos of earlier models show no strap rings, and he states t h a t these were added during the production of the third change, i.e. Hummel 043. Early factory manuals show no strap rings. However, all early Exa
production examples known to me or pictured by Wichmann show strap rings. I suspect that the factory records Hummel used did not accurately reflect the cameras that were actually manufactured forty years
previously. Aguila and Rouah's book Exakta Cameras 19331978 contains little information on early Exas. More information is available to those who can read German. I suggest that collectors interested in Exas should obtain a copy of Klaus Wichmann's book Exa, die Preiswerte Kleinbildreflex. It is currently available from Lindemanns Verlag in Stuttgart. Another valuable German reference for Exaktas, Exas, and most other East German single lens reflexes (now out of print) is Richard Hummel's Spiegelreflexcameras aus Dresden, written by the former chief engineer of Ihagee Dresden. [Louis Emmet Mahoney, 18 Jan 1999] (Note by MF: I wish to thank the author, Louis Emmet Mahoney, for his efforts to make our knowledge grow. I hope to receive more articles like this one from other Exakta collectors!)
Exa V1 Ribbed pattern - 1952 - #206332
Exa, Version 1, #206332, ribbed pattern. I did not see this ribbed pattern on the Exas until I purchased my first Exa in the US. Two bipolar sockets, the release blocking rod on the finder and the shutter release button without protective cover. (half moon cover). The camera and the leather case are in very fine condition.
Exa, Version 1, #206332, superficie rigata che non avevo mai visto finchè non ho acquistato una Exa negli Stati Uniti. Due prese bipolari, il blocco dello scatto situato a lato del pozzetto e il bottone di scatto senza protezione (copertura a mezza luna). la macchina e la borsa di pelle sono in condizioni molto belle.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa V1 Ribbed pattern - 1952 - #210399
Desidero inserire questa macchina nella mia collezione per parecchie ragioni l’ultima delle quali è che essa è quasi nuova così come la custodia di cuoio. Che altro? Il numero di serie è 210399.
And now I wish to add this camera to my collection because of many reasons. The last is that the camera is near mint and the leather case too. What more? The body number is 210399.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa V 1 Fine grain leatherette #224525
Exa, Version 1. #224525 inside the range identified by A&R (200.000 - 235.000). This version has two bipolar flash sockets, M and X, for 2 different synchronizations, the first one at all speeds, the second one for electronic flash. The ribbed pattern is replaced by fine grain leatherette, The camera is in fine condition. Leather case.
Exa versione 1 #224525 cpmpresa nel range identificato da A&R (200000 - 235000). Questa versione ha due prese bipolari M (per tutti i tempi) X (per il flash elettronico) per 2 diverse sincronizzazioni. La finitura rigata è sostituita da una finta pelle a grana sottile. La macchina è in buone condizioni. Borsa di cuoio.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 1-2 - 1952 - #232948
And now a surprise: the transitional Exa version 1-2, with the shutter release safety cover. The body number is close to the end of the known range: 232498
E ora una sorpresa, una Exa versione 1-2 (transizionale) con la protezione del bottone di scatto. Il numero di serie e vicino alla fine del range conosciuto: 232498.
The camera is in good condition with a fine leather case.
La macchina è in buone condizioni e la borsa di cuoio è molto bella.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 2 - 1955 - #243299
Exa, Version 2, #243299. Black coaxial sockets. I had this camera from Clement Aguila during the Castel San Giovanni fair, May 1999. It is difficult to find it (I saw one on ebay during the beginning of January 2004). The camera is in good condition. Dark brown leather case.
Exa, Version 2, #243299 Me la diede Clement Aguila durante la mostra mercato di Castel San Giovanni nel maggio 1999. E’ difficile da trovare (ne ho visto una in vendita su Ebay nel gennaio 2004). E’ in buone condizioni, con una borsa di pelle marrone scuro.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 3 - 1956 - #254479
Exa version 3, #254479 Ihagee was very busy to produce day after day the camera on those days up to date, the Exakta Varex and all its accessories. The Varex was costing around three times the Exa’s price.. In those conditions it was easy to decide it must be produced by another company. Fine condition, leather case.
Exa version 3, #254479 Ihagee era molto impegnata nella produzione dell’Exakta Varex, un grande successo, e dei suoi accessori. Bisogna considerare che la Varex costava circa il triplo dell’Exa e in quelle condizioni era facile decidere di affidare la produzione ad un’altra società... E’ in ottime condizioni, borsa di pelle.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 4 - 1957 - #536989
Exa, Version 4, #526989 This is the most common version, you can find it in fairs, in shops or on Ebay. I am happy to show this camera with its original box. The camera is in fine condition with a nice leather case.
Exa versione 4 #526989 Questa è la versione più comune, la potete trovare nei mercati, nei negozi o su Ebay Sono contento di mostrarvi questa macchina con la sua confezione originale. E’ in ottime condizioni, così come la sua borsa di pelle.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 4 - 1957 - #436296
Exa, Version 4, #436296 I have this camera in my collection because it is nude, without the leatherette, so one can see how it was made.
Exa, Version 4, #436296 Ho questa macchina nella mia collezione per la sua nudità, senza finta pelle, così chi vuole può vedere come è stata fatta.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 5 - 1958 - #557221
Exa, Version 5, #557221 The unique modification of this version is the embossed logo, even if the graphics is the traditional one. On the case there is the Italian Importer name embossed on leather. Fine condition. Leather case.
Exa versione 6 #557221 L’unica modifica di questa versione è la scritta a rilievo dove la grafica tradizionale è mantenuta. Sulla custodia è impresso il nome dell’importatore italiano. Ottime condizioni. Borsa.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
Exa Version 6 - 1961 - #563882
Exa, Version 6, #563882 During the 25th year of production of the 35mm Exaktas, Ihagee introduced the black and white labels as for IIa as for the Exa. This camera is in it original box with owner registry card.
Exa, Version 6, #563882 Durante il 25° anno della produzione delle Exakta 35mm, Ihagee introdusse le etichette bianconere sia per le IIa che per le Exa. La macchina è nel suo box originale con la garanzia.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA I, no strap eyelets - 1963 - #149717
EXA I, Version 1, #149717, This camera had a completely a new body shape (even if technically the same of the previous models) and a new logo, a single socket for electronic flash or bulbs. This camera is in fine condition and its body number is one of the last of the range (100000-150000).
EXA I, Version 1, #149717, Questo modello (anche se tecnicamente è uguale a quelle precedenti) ha una nuova forma ed un nuovo logo, una sola presa per flash elettronico o bulbi. Questa macchina è in buone condizioni e il suo numero seriale è uno degli ultimi del range (100000-150000).
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA I, strap eyelets - 1964 - #163628
EXA I, Version 2, #163628, Almast identical to the previous verson, except for the strap eyelets. This camera is in fine condition and its body number is in the middle of the range (105000 - 175000 A&R).
EXA I, Version 1, #163628, Quasi identica alla versione precedente ad eccezione degli anelli per la tracolla. Questa macchina è in ottime condizioni e il suo numero di serie è dentro il range 150000 - 175000 (A&R)
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA Ia - 1965 - #321841 - Logo Ihagee
EXA Ia, #321841 The body number is in the middle of the range (200000 - 440000). The logo Ihagee Dresden is still engraved on the top while on the last of the range there is the engraving “aus DRESDEN” like on the VX 1000. Fine condition.
EXA Ia, #321841 Il numero di serie è nel mezzo del range 200000 440000 ed ha ancora il logo Ihagee sulla parte superiore mentre nell’ultima fase della produzione c’è l’incisione “aus DRESDEN” come nelle ultime VX 1000. Ottime condizioni.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA Ia - 1968 - #437304 - aus DRESDEN
EXA Ia, #437304 The body number is at the end of its range (200000 440000). On the top there is the engraving “aus DRESDEN” like on the VX 1000. Fine condition.
EXA Ia, #437304 Il numero di serie è alla fine del suo range 200000 440000 ed ha l’incisione “aus DRESDEN” sulla destra del top come nelle ultime VX 1000. Ottime condizioni.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA Ib - 1977 - #809557
EXA Ib, #809557 Restarded production of the Exa Ia. Only differences the 42mm screw mount and the crank (it replaced the wind knob). This camera comes with Tessar, Makinon and Super Takumar to show the versatility of the 42mm mount.
Exa Ib, #809557 Per utilizzare le rimanenze venne riproposta una versione della Ia con le sole differenze dell’attaco a vite 42mm e della leva di ricarica. E’ dotata di Tessar, Makinon 28 e Super Takumar, per evidenziare la versatilità dell’attacco a vite-
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA IIa Version 2 - 1964 - #154983
EXA IIa Version 2, #154983 The difference with version is made by the eyelets on the front of the camera. Works well and comes with a very nice leather case.
EXA IIa Version 2, #154983 La differenza con la versione 1 è fatta dalla presenza degli occhielli sul frontale. Questa funziona bene ed ha una ottima borsa di cuoio.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXA 500 - 1966 - #306349
EXA 500, #306349 The body number is at the beginning of its range (280000 - 380000). The logo Ihagee Dresden is engraved on the top of the prism. Fine cosmetical condition but the mirror do not stop after loading (and the curtains too).
EXA 500, #306349 Il numero di serie è all’inizio del suo range 280000 380000 ed ha il logo Ihagee sulla parte superiore del prisma. Esteticamente è in buone condizioni ma lo specchio non si blocca dopo la carica (ed anche le tendine).
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
EXAKTA 500 - 1967 - #371465
EXAKTA 500, #371465 The same as the previous version. Problems in loading, some dent on the prism top, due to removableflash holder
EXAKTA 500, #371465 Uguale alla versione precedente. Problemi di carica, qualche segno sulla parte superiore del prisma.
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org
VX 200 - 1967 - #358727
VX 200, #358727 Always the same camera but with a different label, probably for the US market. Very difficult to find. This camera works well and comes with a very nice black case.
VX 200, #358727 Si tratta sempre della stessa macchina ma con un nome diverso, probabilmente fatta per gli Stati Uniti. Molto difficile da trovare. Funziona bene ed è è in una bella borsa nera
Collezione di Maurizio Frizziero . www.exakta.org