EXAKTA VAREX IIB

Name: Exakta Varex IIb
Brand: Exakta

The Exakta Varex IIb is the last of the East German Exakta 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. VEB Zeiss Ikon Dresden built it between 1963 and 1967. It comes after decades of mechanical development and carries a removable pentaprism and interchangeable focusing screens.

Overview

The Exakta Varex IIb was introduced as the final model in the Varex series, following the Varex and Varex Ia/Ib models. It was built in Dresden, East Germany, while Japanese SLRs were taking more and more of the market. It was aimed at professional photographers and advanced amateurs who wanted mechanical reliability, a system they could expand, and high-quality optics. It kept the classic Exakta bayonet lens mount (Exakta BX) and brought refinements to the shutter mechanism, the viewfinder system and flash synchronization.

The pentaprism on the Varex IIb comes off completely. You can swap in other viewfinder assemblies, such as waist-level finders or specialized prisms, which gives a lot of freedom in composition and shooting orientation. This modular approach set it apart from many of its contemporaries. The camera also has a rapid-return mirror, a self-timer lever, and a flash sync socket that works with both M and X flashbulb types, plus electronic flash through a PC terminal.

The Varex IIb was the last East German Exakta 35mm SLR before production declined under economic and political pressure in the Eastern Bloc. The brand was a pioneer in 35mm SLRs and had introduced the world's first one, the Kine Exakta, in 1936. Despite its advanced features, the Varex IIb had a hard time against Japanese cameras that were lighter, had more integrated metering, and cost less.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film), 24 x 36 mm frame size
Years Produced	1963–1967
Lens Mount	Exakta BX bayonet (48 mm diameter, 48.4 mm flange focal distance)
Shutter	Focal-plane cloth shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B (Bulb); flash sync at 1/30 sec
Metering	None (uncoupled); optional external selenium meter (e.g., Exakta Dicomed) or later CdS meter attachments
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Interchangeable pentaprism or waist-level finder; eye-level prism with central ground glass focusing screen, split-image rangefinder spot
Dimensions	Approx. 145 x 95 x 55 mm; weight approx. 720 g (body only, no lens)

Key Features

Interchangeable Viewfinder System: The pentaprism can be completely removed and replaced with a waist-level finder or other viewfinder options, allowing versatile shooting configurations.
Exakta BX Bayonet Mount: A robust 48 mm bayonet mount supporting a wide range of high-quality East German lenses (e.g., Carl Zeiss Jena, Meyer-Optik, Schneider-Kreuznach).
High-Speed Focal Plane Shutter: Offers shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, with precise mechanical control and flash synchronization at 1/30 second.
Modular Design: Accepts numerous accessories including motor drives (Exakta Motor Drive 1), interchangeable backs (rare), and various focusing screens.
Flash Synchronization: Dual PC terminals for X and M flash sync, with automatic switching based on flashbulb type when using appropriate accessories.

Historical Context

By the early 1960s, Japanese manufacturers such as Nikon (with the F-series), Canon, and Pentax were gaining global market share fast. Their SLRs had through-the-lens (TTL) metering, lighter construction, and aggressive marketing. The Varex IIb stayed purely mechanical with no built-in metering, so it relied on external light meters. That was a growing disadvantage.

Even so, the Varex IIb was technically impressive. Its precision engineering, modular flexibility and high build quality showed the strengths of the East German optical industry. Photojournalists and technical photographers used it in Eastern Europe, and it was exported to Western markets, where enthusiasts who liked its ruggedness and adaptability gave it a niche following. The centralized economy of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) limited production scalability and innovation speed, which made it hard to answer the competition.

Production ended around 1967, and later Exakta models were either rebadged or significantly downgraded. The Varex IIb is the last true high-end Exakta SLR from the original East German design lineage.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Exakta Varex IIb is a sought-after collectible among vintage camera enthusiasts, particularly those interested in mechanical SLRs and Cold War-era optics. It is rare, especially in fully functional condition with original accessories, and that adds to its value. Well-preserved examples with a working shutter, clean viewfinder, and original prism typically sell for $300 - $600 USD. Mint-condition units or complete sets bring higher prices.

When buying a Varex IIb, check the shutter for consistency across all speeds, check the mirror movement for smooth operation, and make sure the film advance and rewind mechanisms work correctly. Common problems are stiff or sticky shutter curtains, degraded light seals (which cause light leaks), and worn leatherette. The camera needs no batteries to operate. Any attached external meter (e.g., Dicomed) may need selenium or mercury batteries, which are now obsolete and require adaptation.

Because of its mechanical complexity and age, servicing should go to specialists familiar with Exakta's unique mechanisms. Replacement parts are scarce, though the sturdy construction means many units still work after a proper CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust).

Similar Cameras

Nikon F (1959) – Professional-grade SLR with interchangeable viewfinders and lens system; direct competitor in modularity and durability.
Pentax Spotmatic (1964) – Introduced TTL metering; represented the next generation of user-friendly SLRs.
Canon FT (1966) – Featured interchangeable viewfinders and a focal-plane shutter, though with built-in metering.
Praktina FX (1952–1960) – Another German SLR with interchangeable backs and viewfinders, though less refined than the Varex IIb.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Japanese SLR with advanced viewfinder and metering options, competing in the professional segment.

Repair & Maintenance

The Exakta Varex IIb needs no batteries for basic operation, so it is fully mechanical and reliable in the field. Common maintenance issues are deteriorated light seals (which should be replaced to prevent light leaks), stiff shutter blades (especially at slower speeds), and worn foam around the mirror box. The cloth focal-plane shutter is sensitive to humidity and improper storage, so long-term preservation requires climate control.

Repairing the shutter or mirror mechanism takes expertise because of the camera's intricate design. Replacing the shutter curtain or adjusting the sync timing is not recommended for beginners. Lubrication of the film advance and rewind gears is essential to prevent jamming. Original Exakta service manuals exist but are rare. Third-party repair guides and enthusiast forums are valuable resources. Given the scarcity of parts, preventive maintenance and gentle use are key.