Expert: David Silver - 10/26/2004

Question
I have received some vintage cam. equip. from a passed relative, it is a Exacta 35 mm I think model IV or V. I have the manual & some paper work on the history of it. I also have several lenses too: 35mm wide angle, 58mm all purpose, 135mm & 400mm telephoto.I can't remember all of the lens makers but one is a Carl Zeiss ?. Would like to know some good info about the camera & lenses. Also what kind of instruction ( and where I should get it) to use it all correctly.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Thank you,
      Edward Venable III";  

Answer
Hello Edward,

I apologize for the delay in answering you, but it wasn't my doing.  For some reason, the AllExperts automated message system didn't tell me about your question when you first posted it!

But they finally told me just ten minutes ago, and I'm here now!

The Exakta, made in many models by Ihagee of Germany in the 1940's and 1950's, was a professional quality 35mm single lens reflex camera.  Zillions were made, and zillions are still floating around today.  A truly excellent example of an Exakta V (also known as the Varex) from the early 1950's, ideally fitted with a nice Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 lens, would sell for about $100 to $125 today.  They are VERY common, it's a buyer's market, so collectible AND usable value is very stable.  They're so readily available, when Exakta enthusiasts lose one of their cameras to damage or breakdown, they simply buy another Exakta camera body because it's usually cheaper than repair!

Regarding the other lenses, I simply cannot give you a generalized price range (or history) without knowing exactly what they are.  There is a HUGE variance in value among the zillions of lenses that were made to fit Exakta cameras.  For example, if you had a 35mm Westar wide angle lens, I'd say it makes a good doorstop.  On the other hand, if you had a 35mm Angenieux wide angle lens, Id say it could sell for upwards of $100 all by itself.  So if you want to learn more about those other three lenses you have, please feel free to get back to me and tell me what they are.

Finally, regarding instruction, you NEED to get a proper operating manual or guide for your specific Exakta model.  I always have copies of such guides available here at the International Photographic Historical Organization.  The various books are all long out of print and difficult to find, but the controls on the Exakta are very confusing and you can ruin the camera if you don't know what you're doing.  We usually sell the guides for $10 (postage already included within the United States), so contact me privately at <silver@well.com> if you'd like to get one.  There are other places on the internet where original and high quality photocopies of such guides can be purchased, but they all tend to charge $15 to as much as $30 for them.  There's simply no justification for that sort of cost.  If you'd prefer, you can also continue our dialogue on the lenses through my private e-mail, but coming back onto AllExperts is obviously fine as well.

You have a wonderful vintage camera there.  Enjoy it!

Best wishes,

David Silver