Exakta Cameras

**tonyzoc** · 02-05-2022, 09:25 AM - **1 Like**

How about an Exakta thread...
The VX1000 with 50mm f/2 Zeiss Pancolar, a VX500 with 50mm f/2.8 Zeiss Tessar, the Exakta V with 58mm f/1.9 Meyer Primoplan and an Exakta VX with a Schneider 50mm f/1.9 Xenon.

**ismaelg** · 02-05-2022, 09:51 AM

Hello,

Those are nice! But that V and VX are just gorgeous with that font on the nameplate.
I don't have any Exakta yet. Need to learn more about them.

Thanks,
Ismael

womble · 02-05-2022, 10:09 AM - **1 Like**

"... yet" oh oh...!

**i_trax** · 02-05-2022, 11:23 AM

Yes , Exakta Varex was my first " real" camera , after little Agfa Karat.
I can not remember the exact model ( the lens was all silver , Biotar ? ) but it was superbly made and the presentation and performance was fantastic.

It is still with my Family in Europe , but not in working order , apparently not fixable ,

very sad indeed.....

**tonyzoc** · 02-05-2022, 02:30 PM

My first SLR was the Exakta V with that Meyer Gorlitz Primoplan and a WL finder which my uncle gave me in the mid-1970s. He purchased it new in 1951 for $350. The body in the picture isn't my original Exakta V, but I still do have it. It needs new curtains which I'll get around to doing at some point. I remember in my freshman year in college (77) my roommate saw my Exakta and wanted to trade his Nikon F2 for it .. then he changed his mind. Right now I can buy 3 Nikon F2 cameras for what that Meyer Gorlitz lens it worth. I'm glad he backed out...

---------- Post added 02-05-22 at 02:36 PM ----------

Originally posted by ismaelg

Hello,

Those are nice! But that V and VX are just gorgeous with that font on the nameplate.
I don't have any Exakta yet. Need to learn more about them.

Thanks,
Ismael

I think the V (Varex) and the VX (Varex VX) are the best built Exakta bodies. I've purchased 6 this year with good working curtains. The later VXIIa and VXIIb always seem to have bad cracked curtains. Exaktas aren't too difficult to rebuilt. Most of the time just a clean and lube gets the back working. If then need new curtains you have to make your own, which I've done.

stevebrot · 02-05-2022, 07:37 PM - **2 Likes**

I have a VX that is restorable as well as a VX IIa and VX1000 in full working order.

Below is the VXIIa with waist level finder (not proper for model) and Pancolar 50/2.0 (also not proper for model)...

Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B)

Followed by the VX1000 with eye level finder and Flektogon 35/2.8 (yes, the 18cm mfd version)...

Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B)

Steve

**tonyzoc** · 02-06-2022, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

I have a VX that is restorable as well as a VX IIa and VX1000 in full working order.

Below is the VXIIa with waist level finder (not proper for model) and Pancolar 50/2.0 (also not proper for model)...

Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B)

Followed by the VX1000 with eye level finder and Flektogon 35/2.8 (yes, the 18cm mfd version)...

Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B)

Steve

I've got a few 35 flektogons, preset, semi-auto and full auto, but I don't have the Zebra, which I plan to get. They're getting more and more expensive and a decent one is $150 and up plus shipping. I better get one before they're $500. Exakta lenses are getting expensive these days.

I have a few of the VXIIa embossed version. My best on recently developed some light leaks on curtain #2. I will definitely get it fixed because the camera is near mint condition. While I plan to replace curtains myself, is there anybody out there doing Exakta curtain replacement? Cambridge maybe?

Last edited by tonyzoc; 02-06-2022 at 08:59 AM.

**Sam_I_am** · 02-06-2022, 04:51 PM

Beautiful cameras.

stevebrot · 02-06-2022, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by tonyzoc

While I plan to replace curtains myself, is there anybody out there doing Exakta curtain replacement?

I dunno. If I run across anything, I will let you know.

Steve

elecraft · 02-16-2022, 05:16 AM

The Exakta cameras are interesting but what really impressed me is their broad selection of lenses.

kypfer · 02-16-2022, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by elecraft

The Exakta cameras are interesting but what really impressed me is their broad selection of lenses.

Indeed, there were several lens manufacturers in Germany "back in the day", Carl Zeiss, Enna, Meyer Optik, Schacht, Steinheil, ISCO and probably a couple more I've missed, who were all competing, to a degree, for the same market, so they all seemed to come up with something "slightly different" to attract attention!

**tonyzoc** · 02-17-2022, 04:39 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kypfer

Indeed, there were several lens manufacturers in Germany "back in the day", Carl Zeiss, Enna, Meyer Optik, Schacht, Steinheil, ISCO and probably a couple more I've missed, who were all competing, to a degree, for the same market, so they all seemed to come up with something "slightly different" to attract attention!

Also Kilfitt, Angenieux, Rodenstock, E. Ludwig, Japanese glass such as Nikon, Tamron Adapt-a-matics and Adaptall, Vivitar and Soligor T4 and TX mounts. Plus Topcon which had a modernized Exakta mount with internal stop down pins and aperture index pin. There's a bunch of lesser brands like Voss and Vemar and others. The list was endless.

---------- Post added 02-17-22 at 04:45 AM ----------

Originally posted by kypfer

Indeed, there were several lens manufacturers in Germany "back in the day", Carl Zeiss, Enna, Meyer Optik, Schacht, Steinheil, ISCO and probably a couple more I've missed, who were all competing, to a degree, for the same market, so they all seemed to come up with something "slightly different" to attract attention!

BTW, my favorite unique design feature is with the Angenieux automatics, which has an aperture selector dial, rather than a ring. It's something that I don't think was ever copied.

02-05-2022, 09:25 AM - 1 Like	#1
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	Exakta Cameras How about an Exakta thread... The VX1000 with 50mm f/2 Zeiss Pancolar, a VX500 with 50mm f/2.8 Zeiss Tessar, the Exakta V with 58mm f/1.9 Meyer Primoplan and an Exakta VX with a Schneider 50mm f/1.9 Xenon.

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02-05-2022, 09:51 AM	#2
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	Hello, Those are nice! But that V and VX are just gorgeous with that font on the nameplate. I don't have any Exakta yet. Need to learn more about them. Thanks, Ismael

02-05-2022, 10:09 AM - 1 Like	#3
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324	"... yet" oh oh...!

02-05-2022, 11:23 AM	#4
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Yes , Exakta Varex was my first " real" camera , after little Agfa Karat. I can not remember the exact model ( the lens was all silver , Biotar ? ) but it was superbly made and the presentation and performance was fantastic. It is still with my Family in Europe , but not in working order , apparently not fixable , very sad indeed.....

02-05-2022, 02:30 PM	#5
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992 Original Poster	My first SLR was the Exakta V with that Meyer Gorlitz Primoplan and a WL finder which my uncle gave me in the mid-1970s. He purchased it new in 1951 for $350. The body in the picture isn't my original Exakta V, but I still do have it. It needs new curtains which I'll get around to doing at some point. I remember in my freshman year in college (77) my roommate saw my Exakta and wanted to trade his Nikon F2 for it .. then he changed his mind. Right now I can buy 3 Nikon F2 cameras for what that Meyer Gorlitz lens it worth. I'm glad he backed out... ---------- Post added 02-05-22 at 02:36 PM ---------- Originally posted by ismaelg Hello, Those are nice! But that V and VX are just gorgeous with that font on the nameplate. I don't have any Exakta yet. Need to learn more about them. Thanks, Ismael I think the V (Varex) and the VX (Varex VX) are the best built Exakta bodies. I've purchased 6 this year with good working curtains. The later VXIIa and VXIIb always seem to have bad cracked curtains. Exaktas aren't too difficult to rebuilt. Most of the time just a clean and lube gets the back working. If then need new curtains you have to make your own, which I've done.

02-05-2022, 07:37 PM - 2 Likes	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I have a VX that is restorable as well as a VX IIa and VX1000 in full working order. Below is the VXIIa with waist level finder (not proper for model) and Pancolar 50/2.0 (also not proper for model)... Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B) Followed by the VX1000 with eye level finder and Flektogon 35/2.8 (yes, the 18cm mfd version)... Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B) Steve

02-06-2022, 08:45 AM	#7
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot I have a VX that is restorable as well as a VX IIa and VX1000 in full working order. Below is the VXIIa with waist level finder (not proper for model) and Pancolar 50/2.0 (also not proper for model)... Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B) Followed by the VX1000 with eye level finder and Flektogon 35/2.8 (yes, the 18cm mfd version)... Pentax K-3, Tamron 90/2.8 (72B) Steve I've got a few 35 flektogons, preset, semi-auto and full auto, but I don't have the Zebra, which I plan to get. They're getting more and more expensive and a decent one is $150 and up plus shipping. I better get one before they're $500. Exakta lenses are getting expensive these days. I have a few of the VXIIa embossed version. My best on recently developed some light leaks on curtain #2. I will definitely get it fixed because the camera is near mint condition. While I plan to replace curtains myself, is there anybody out there doing Exakta curtain replacement? Cambridge maybe? Last edited by tonyzoc; 02-06-2022 at 08:59 AM.

02-06-2022, 04:51 PM	#8
Sam_I_am Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Toledo, OR Posts: 851	Beautiful cameras.

02-06-2022, 07:10 PM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by tonyzoc While I plan to replace curtains myself, is there anybody out there doing Exakta curtain replacement? I dunno. If I run across anything, I will let you know. Steve

02-16-2022, 05:16 AM	#10
elecraft New Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Posts: 5	The Exakta cameras are interesting but what really impressed me is their broad selection of lenses.

02-16-2022, 09:19 AM	#11
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,594	Originally posted by elecraft The Exakta cameras are interesting but what really impressed me is their broad selection of lenses. Indeed, there were several lens manufacturers in Germany "back in the day", Carl Zeiss, Enna, Meyer Optik, Schacht, Steinheil, ISCO and probably a couple more I've missed, who were all competing, to a degree, for the same market, so they all seemed to come up with something "slightly different" to attract attention!

02-17-2022, 04:39 AM - 1 Like	#12
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992 Original Poster	Originally posted by kypfer Indeed, there were several lens manufacturers in Germany "back in the day", Carl Zeiss, Enna, Meyer Optik, Schacht, Steinheil, ISCO and probably a couple more I've missed, who were all competing, to a degree, for the same market, so they all seemed to come up with something "slightly different" to attract attention! Also Kilfitt, Angenieux, Rodenstock, E. Ludwig, Japanese glass such as Nikon, Tamron Adapt-a-matics and Adaptall, Vivitar and Soligor T4 and TX mounts. Plus Topcon which had a modernized Exakta mount with internal stop down pins and aperture index pin. There's a bunch of lesser brands like Voss and Vemar and others. The list was endless. ---------- Post added 02-17-22 at 04:45 AM ---------- Originally posted by kypfer Indeed, there were several lens manufacturers in Germany "back in the day", Carl Zeiss, Enna, Meyer Optik, Schacht, Steinheil, ISCO and probably a couple more I've missed, who were all competing, to a degree, for the same market, so they all seemed to come up with something "slightly different" to attract attention! BTW, my favorite unique design feature is with the Angenieux automatics, which has an aperture selector dial, rather than a ring. It's something that I don't think was ever copied.