EXA v6 with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8
Description
It is a simplified budget counterpart of the Exakta Varex cameras (the Exakta V and VX); indeed, the first models, made in very small numbers in 1950, were labelled Exa Varex[1].
While the body is smaller and thicker, and this is the main outward difference from the Exakta Varex, the real difference is in the shutter: in place of a Leica-style focal plane shutter, the mirror doubles as the ‘opening’ shutter blade, and a curved metal piece is the ‘closing’ blade[2], a form of guillotine shutter similar to some used in early large format cameras, as well as some panoramic cameras. This shutter is not capable of either very fast or slow speeds; the range is from 1/25 sec. to 1/150 sec[3].
Viewfinder
The viewfinders on all of the original models are removable, and a number of different prism and waist-level finders (fully-featured, with built-in loupe, and most folding to offer a direct-vision frame finder), were available. The original waist-level finder includes a prong that enters a hole on the top of the camera, which prevents exposures when the hood is closed.
Lenses
All “internal bayonet” Exakta lenses should mount on an Exa, and the shutter release is in the proper place to be actuated by automatic lenses’ aperture couplings. Later Exaktas added a second set of bayonet flanges for larger lenses, outside the camera, which was not present on the original Exas. It may be possible to retrofit an Exa with the later bayonet ring, though one questions the utility of this.
Shutter
The Exa’s shutter is a fairly uncommon type, though it is perhaps a more intuitive solution to the engineering problems of a body shutter than, say, the focal-plane shutter it replaces here. However, it is decidedly a compromise in most regards. The ways that a leaf shutter and a focal-plane shutter each achieve their maximum speeds (obstructing the light path at its narrowest, in the case of the former, and exposing part of the film at a time, in the case of the latter) are both impossible for a shutter that occupies a middle position. Exposure is controlled as on a focal plane shutter, by the width of the slit, but the area of film that the slit exposes is much larger with more diffuse edges. Making the slit narrow enough to achieve an exposure of even 1/500th (as on many low-end SLR’s and rangefinders of the time) would be impossible for this reason. On the other hand the limitation to only moderately fast speeds is due to the expense (at the time) of including a slow speed timer, and is not intrinsic to the design, as the presence of bulb exposure indicates.
Like all Exaktas, the shutter release button is on the left and on the front of the body, not on the top plate[4]. The shutter release is threaded for a cable release, though it is often covered by the aperture coupling of automatic lenses.
There is a lever on top of the camera on the photographer’s left, to set the shutter speed. This can be moved before or after cocking the shutter. Film advance and rewind are by simple milled knobs. There is a manually-reset frame-counter, with a knurled ring to set it.
The low maximum shutter speed limits the usefulness of the camera with long lenses– and additionally, a consequence of the curved shutter design was cropping of the top and bottom of the image when long lenses, extension tubes, or bellows were used, described as “marginal vignetting” in the instruction manual. This began to appear with 70mm lenses, and was obvious at 100mm and above. Of course, one might never know this from looking in the viewfinder.
Exa Version 6
- Produced between 1960-62
- There are numerous variants of the version
- Special features of the version:
- New rectangular shape of the front plate
- New black and white Exa name plate
EXA camera body is unlike nearly all other cameras in this store are sold WITHOUT SERVICE.
Although shutter appears to be working – no warranty is given on the camera. It is recommended to have it serviced by qualified tech before using it with film.
The lens s/n 5221843 has been recently serviced by a qualified tech and is in excellent condition!
Lens has few visible signs of normal use on barrel.
Glass is clean and clear, no fungus, no scratches!
Few light wipe marks / few internal dust particles are possible, but will not affect image quality.
Mechanics are very good – focus is smooth and even.
Aperture blades are free from oil.
Optics:  ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Mechanics: ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Appearance: ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
This product ships from 🇺🇦Ukraine with tracking number
NOTE: Included EXA camera unlike nearly all other cameras in this store are sold WITHOUT SERVICE, in AS IS condition.
Although shutter appears to be working – no warranty is given on the camera. It is recommended to have it serviced by qualified tech before using it with film.
Praktica FX2 is sold in "as is" condition
Modes of payment:
- PayPal
- Credit Cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
We guarantee that the item in this ad looks and works as advertised and offer money back guarantee on this.
