EXAKTA VAREX IIA

Name: Exakta Varex IIa
Brand: Exakta

The Exakta Varex IIa is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera produced by Ihagee Kamerawerk in Dresden, East Germany, from 1960 to 1963. As an updated version of the original Varex, the IIa refined ergonomics, shutter performance, and lens compatibility, representing one of the final evolutions of Exakta’s manually operated, all-mechanical SLR line before the introduction of more automated designs.

Overview

The Exakta Varex IIa was introduced in 1960 as a direct successor to the Varex and Varex II models, consolidating improvements in shutter reliability, viewfinder optics, and mechanical precision. Marketed primarily to advanced amateur and professional photographers, the Varex IIa was positioned as a precision instrument for studio, photojournalism, and technical photography applications. It retained the modular design philosophy that defined Exakta’s SLRs, allowing interchangeable viewfinders, focusing screens, and a wide array of accessories via the proprietary bayonet mount system.

One of the Varex IIa’s defining traits was its compatibility with the Exakta bayonet mount (often referred to as the "Exakta Standard" or "Kine Exakta" mount), which supported a broad range of lenses from manufacturers such as Zeiss Jena, Meyer-Optik, Schneider-Kreuznach, and others. This flexibility, combined with a focal-plane shutter offering speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, made the Varex IIa a versatile tool in an era when SLRs were still gaining acceptance over rangefinders. The camera featured a horizontally traveling cloth focal-plane shutter with a redesigned speed control mechanism, reducing shutter lag and improving consistency at high speeds.

The Varex IIa also introduced a revised film advance mechanism with a longer lever throw and improved film tensioning, reducing the risk of film misregistration. It maintained the top-mounted accessory shoe for external light meters and viewfinder attachments, including the popular pentaprism and waist-level finder options. Unlike later SLRs, the Varex IIa lacked built-in light metering, requiring users to rely on handheld or accessory-mounted meters, a common limitation of the period. Nevertheless, its robust all-metal construction, precise engineering, and extensive accessory ecosystem cemented its reputation as one of the most capable mechanical SLRs of the early 1960s.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1960–1963
Lens Mount	Exakta Bayonet (Kine Exakta mount)
Shutter	Horizontal cloth focal-plane shutter; speeds 1 sec – 1/1000 sec + B
Metering	None (no built-in light meter)
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Interchangeable (waist-level or pentaprism via accessory shoe)
Dimensions	Approx. 145 × 95 × 55 mm; Weight: ~750 g (body only, no lens)

Key Features

Interchangeable viewfinders and focusing screens: Allowed customization for different shooting styles, including eye-level pentaprism or waist-level ground glass.
High-speed focal-plane shutter: Capable of 1/1000 sec, rare among early SLRs and ideal for action and bright-light photography.
Exakta bayonet lens mount: Supported a wide range of third-party and Zeiss Jena lenses, enhancing system flexibility.
Flash synchronization at all speeds: Via PC sync terminal and X/M contacts, with T-sync for time exposures.
Modular accessory system: Included motor drives, intervalometers, and specialized backs, making it suitable for scientific and technical use.

Historical Context

The Varex IIa was released during a transitional period in 35mm photography, as SLRs began to supplant rangefinders as the preferred tool for professional photographers. Competitors such as the Asahi Pentax Spotmatic (introduced in 1960) and the Nikon F (1959) were beginning to integrate through-the-lens (TTL) metering and faster lens systems, but the Varex IIa remained a purely mechanical design, emphasizing reliability and precision over automation. Ihagee, operating under East German state control after World War II, faced increasing challenges in competing with Japanese manufacturers who offered more modern electronics and mass-production efficiencies.

Despite these pressures, the Varex IIa was well-regarded in Europe and North America for its build quality and optical performance. It was particularly popular among technical and industrial photographers due to its compatibility with macro rails, bellows, and scientific attachments. However, its lack of built-in metering and complex mechanical operation limited its appeal to the broader consumer market. By 1963, production ceased as Ihagee shifted focus toward simpler, more affordable models like the Exakta VX and later the RTL series. The Varex IIa thus represents the culmination of Exakta’s pre-electronic SLR engineering.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Exakta Varex IIa is a sought-after collectible among vintage camera enthusiasts, particularly those interested in mechanical precision and modular system design. In excellent working condition, with a matching pentaprism and original case, values typically range from $400 to $700 USD, depending on lens inclusion and provenance. Fully serviced units with clean viewfinders and reliable shutters command premium prices, especially when paired with classic lenses like the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 or the Meyer-Optik Domiplan 50mm f/1.4.

Collectors should be cautious of common issues such as shutter cloth degradation, light seals disintegration, and stiff or inaccurate shutter speeds—particularly at 1/1000 sec, where timing inconsistencies are frequent in unrestored units. The camera’s intricate internal mechanics require skilled servicing, and replacement parts are scarce. Additionally, the bayonet mount, while robust, can suffer from wear or misalignment, affecting lens seating and infinity focus. A functional film advance and reliable flash sync are key indicators of a well-maintained example. Due to its mechanical complexity, the Varex IIa is not recommended for novice users but remains a rewarding project for experienced collectors and restorers.

Similar Cameras

Nikon F (1959) – A professional-grade SLR with modular design and extensive lens support.
Asahi Pentax Spotmatic (1964) – Introduced TTL metering and a more user-friendly platform.
Praktina FX (1952–1960) – Another German SLR with interchangeable components and bayonet mount.
Konica F (1960) – Japan’s first SLR with a focal-plane shutter up to 1/2000 sec.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Known for its bright viewfinder and advanced metering system.

Repair & Maintenance

The Exakta Varex IIa requires no batteries, operating entirely mechanically. However, regular maintenance is essential due to age-related wear. Common issues include sticky shutter curtains, inaccurate speeds (especially at 1/1000 sec), and worn film advance gears. The cloth focal-plane shutter is sensitive to humidity and can tear if not properly lubricated. Light seals around the back and prism housing should be replaced to prevent light leaks. Lubrication of the shutter mechanism and film transport should only be performed by technicians experienced with vintage Exakta models, as improper servicing can lead to jamming or timing errors. The camera’s modular design allows for disassembly, but reassembly demands precision alignment, particularly of the mirror and shutter linkage. Periodically checking the mirror return spring and film pressure plate ensures consistent frame spacing and image quality.