Founded in 1912 by Johan Steenbergen, Ihagee became the largest independent camera maker in Germany. Other manufacturers, such as Voigtlander, Agfa and Zeiss Ikon were actually owned by other firms. Ihagee is best known for their long line of Exakta and Exa cameras. The Kine Exakta of 1936 was the first SLR that used 35mm film. It was part of a camera system that offered a variety of viewfinders, film backs, lenses, and other attachments.
Uniquely, these cameras are designed to be used left-handed. The winder and shutter speed selector are all on the left shoulder of the camera – while the shutter release is on the front, just above and to the left of the lens. It’s been said that the purpose of this design was to free up the right hand for the more important task of focusing the lens. However, if you’re used to cameras that are the complete opposite (and most are), using a vintage Exakta will take a bit of practice to master.
Still, the models produced in Germany from the early 1930s to early 1970s are considered solid and reliable for the most part. And they’re quite common to find these days. Sometime in the early 1970s, the Exaktas’ manufacture was shifted to Japan and made by such companies as Cosina and Topcon – retaining only the Exakta name.
Ihagee cameras in my collection
Video Review
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Vintage Camera Digest 