EXAKTA KINE EXAKTA

Name: Exakta Kine Exakta
Brand: Exakta

The Exakta Kine Exakta, introduced in 1936 by Ihagee Kamerawerk in Dresden, Germany, was the world’s first 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera available to the public. Its revolutionary design established the foundation for modern SLR photography, combining interchangeable lenses, a vertically traveling focal-plane shutter, and a through-the-lens viewing system in a compact 35mm body.

Overview

The Kine Exakta emerged during a period of rapid innovation in 35mm photography, when the format was transitioning from a niche amateur medium to a serious tool for professional and enthusiast photographers. Prior to its release, most 35mm cameras were rangefinders or viewfinder models, which limited framing accuracy—especially for close-up or telephoto work. The Kine Exakta addressed this by incorporating a mirror reflex system that allowed users to see exactly what the lens saw, a breakthrough in compositional precision.

Targeted primarily at advanced amateurs and photojournalists, the Kine Exakta was engineered for modularity and precision. It featured a bayonet lens mount (the Exakta 42mm screw mount, later standardized), enabling rapid lens changes and supporting a growing range of optics from Ihagee and third-party manufacturers. The camera’s trapezoidal body shape—tapered toward the base—improved balance when mounted on a tripod and became a signature design element of early Exakta models.

Historically, the Kine Exakta positioned Exakta as a leader in SLR innovation, predating other major SLR developments by over two decades. It laid the groundwork for the Varex and VX series that followed in the 1950s, which would further refine the SLR concept with pentaprisms and modular accessories. Despite its limited production due to World War II disruptions, the Kine Exakta’s influence on camera design is immeasurable, serving as the prototype for all subsequent 35mm SLRs.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film), 24mm × 36mm frame size
Years Produced	1936–1949
Lens Mount	Original Exakta 42mm screw mount (non-interchangeable with later Exakta mounts)
Shutter	Focal-plane shutter, cloth curtains; speeds from 1/25 to 1/1000 second, plus B (bulb)
Metering	None (uncoupled metering required externally)
Exposure Modes	Manual only; shutter speed and aperture set independently
Viewfinder	Waist-level reflex finder with ground-glass focusing screen; pop-up hood
Dimensions	Approximately 145mm (W) × 85mm (H) × 70mm (D); weight ~650g (body only, without lens)

Key Features

World’s First 35mm SLR: Pioneered through-the-lens viewing and interchangeable lenses in a 35mm format.
Vertically Traveling Focal-Plane Shutter: Allowed faster flash synchronization (up to 1/25 sec) compared to horizontal shutters of the era.
Trapezoidal Body Design: Improved handling and tripod stability, reducing camera tilt during use.
Interchangeable Lenses via Screw Mount: Supported a range of lenses from 25mm to 1200mm, including Zeiss, Schacht, and Meyer optics adapted via mount.
Cable Release Socket and Self-Timer: Advanced features for its time, enhancing usability for long exposures and self-portraits.

Historical Context

The Kine Exakta was developed under the direction of Karl Nüchterlein at Ihagee, a company originally founded in 1912 to produce medical equipment before transitioning to cameras in the 1920s. The name “Kine” derived from “cinema,” reflecting its use of standard 35mm cine film spools, which were repackaged into proprietary film cartridges holding 12 or 24 exposures. This was before the widespread adoption of the Kodak 135 cartridge (introduced in 1934), so Ihagee designed its own loading system, requiring users to load film in a darkroom or changing bag.

Released in 1936, the Kine Exakta debuted at the Leipzig Spring Fair and immediately drew attention for its innovative reflex design. At the time, competitors like Leica and Contax dominated the 35mm market with rangefinder systems. While these offered compactness and precision, they suffered from parallax error and limited macro/telephoto compatibility. The Kine Exakta solved these issues but at the cost of increased size and mechanical complexity. Despite this, it gained a loyal following among technical photographers and press agencies in Europe.

Production was interrupted during World War II, with Ihagee’s Dresden factory heavily damaged in the 1945 bombings. Post-war production resumed under Soviet oversight in East Germany, and the Kine Exakta remained in production until 1949, when it was succeeded by the Exakta VX. Total production is estimated at around 40,000 units, making it a rare and historically significant camera.

Collectibility & Value

The Exakta Kine Exakta is a prized collector’s item, valued for its status as the first 35mm SLR and its role in shaping modern photography. In good working condition with original accessories (such as film loaders, cases, or lenses), examples can fetch between $1,200 and $2,500 at auction or through specialist dealers. Fully restored models with rare lenses or documentation may exceed $3,000. Its rarity, pre-war provenance, and mechanical uniqueness contribute to its desirability among vintage camera collectors.

When purchasing a Kine Exakta, collectors should inspect the shutter operation across all speeds, as the cloth curtains are prone to sticking or tearing after decades of disuse. The leather bellows of the viewfinder hood often degrade and may require replacement. The film transport mechanism, including the rewind knob and frame counter, should be tested for smooth operation. Additionally, the original film cartridges are obsolete, so users typically modify standard 135 cassettes or use custom loaders. Due to its mechanical nature and lack of electronics, the Kine Exakta does not require batteries and can be operated indefinitely with proper maintenance.

Similar Cameras

Alpa-Reflex (1944) – Swiss-made 35mm SLR with superior optics and build, but post-dated the Kine Exakta.
Rectaflex A.1000 (1948) – Italian SLR, one of the first with a pentaprism (though the Kine Exakta remained waist-level).
Praktiflex (1949) – East German SLR, precursor to the Praktica line, influenced by Exakta design.
Leica Standard (1932) – 35mm rangefinder; contemporary but non-reflex, emphasizing portability over viewing accuracy.
Kodak Retina I (1934) – Folding 35mm camera; represented the mainstream non-SLR alternative at the time.

Repair & Maintenance

The Kine Exakta requires no batteries and operates entirely mechanically, making it sustainable for long-term use with proper care. Common issues include stiff or inaccurate shutter speeds due to dried lubricants, which necessitate a full CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) by a technician experienced in pre-war German cameras. The focal-plane shutter must be handled delicately—forcing the curtain or advancing the film without releasing the shutter can cause permanent damage. The film advance lever is prone to wear at the linkage point, and replacement parts are scarce, often requiring fabrication. Regular use, storage in a dry environment, and periodic servicing are essential to maintain functionality. Due to its historical significance, preservation of original components is highly recommended for collectors.