Barebones EXA 1C

Do you think the Zenit as probably the most primitive and barebones SLR ? Think twice!

The EXA series is THE definition of a barebones SLR !

Exa 1C and accessory pentaprism

Exa 1C top view

This is the quintessence in terms of limited resources. In all aspects.

The EXA 1C is the last of the EXAs a very long-lived family of cameras created originally by Ihagee (Dresden, ex-DDR) to be a very simple version of the damn complicated Exaktas.

The original EXAs were made of solid metal and with the old Exakta lens mount. But let's talk about the one I'm showing here, the last of the EXAs.

It's not made by Ihagee, but by Certo and not metal made but plastic. And this last version uses the M42 screw mount for lenses. In all other aspects it's identical to the older models.

The first thing you may note is the waist level viewfinder. It's like an old school TLR. Inverted image and a dark focusing screen with no focusing aid like a split image or microprism. It's just plain and that's it.

The good thing is that you can also use a pentaprism. Not great, but it's an option to the waist level finder.

Continuing with the limitations, there are just 5 shutter speeds B, 30, 60, 125 and a weird 175 ! Who needs more? =)

The shutter release button is in a very awkward position on the left side of the camera front. Maybe good for left-handed people.

One of the most curious aspects of this camera is the fact the mirror has no instant return and the shutter has NO curtain. The mirror box itself acts as the shutter. It's clever but limits the maximum speed.

And of course, it has no light meter!