 |
 |
Exakta cameras' controls are very different from those of any other cameras. Without a manual, you will have a difficult time to understand the functions of each button.
Want to know how to operate an Exakta?
|
|
|
(a) The dial for setting slow shutter speed and self-timer. It is also the film speed indicator.
(b) The regular shutter speed dial which can only be rotated in one direction. It also ROTATES when you release the shutter! A small flip behind it (not shown) has to be flipped up before rewinding the film.
(c) The film winding lever and the film counter. Please wind up the film with your left hand.
(d) A round plate (a common accessory for Exakta) is screwed on to have a smooth feel to press the shutter release button. And yes, you have to press this button with your LEFT HAND!
(e) These two holes are sockets for flash guns. Another pair of holes on the other side are for flash bulbs. Before the mid 50s, these are standard interfaces for flash guns and bulbs.
(f) The film rewinding knob.
(g) It is a knife inside the camera. In the middle of a roll of film, you can pulled out this rod to have the exposed film cut and processed, while the unexposed film can be saved for future use.
(h) A sturdy tripod socket for a heavy camera like Exakta.
(i) The lock of the hinged back plate.
The Exakta designers had tried their best to cater for every need of serious photographers. They were very good engineers and unfortunately, they were hopeless in marketing and ergonomics. (What's the point to build a camera so user-unfriendly that only the very serious and enthusiastic photographer can use?) No wonder they lost the market war to the Japanese camera manufacturers in the 1960s.
Nevertheless, Exakta is a great camera to use. Please click here to return to the main page of Exakta camera.