Ihagee Exakta Varex VX - How Does a 70-Yr-Old Pro 35mm Perform Today?

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Exacta and Pentacon have a place in my heart. In the late Sixties I had one of each and I have not yet lost my love of them. The industrial design of the VX (called Varex in the West) is beyond inspired. It must have been by visitation. Both camera systems are the gateway to some very special glass, some obscure and short runs. The Varex in particular is built like a truck, but a truck with very good fit and finish.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think you’re absolutely correct about the lenses. Even though shooting with the Exakta was frustrating (mostly due to the left-hand shutter release) that Zeiss lens won me over. And I’ve heard that are many, many other excellent options. I hope I haven’t discovered a new rabbit hole, but then again, I sorta hope I have :-). Thanks for watching!

[@jamesjacocks6221]

It's a friendly rabbit hole, looking glass style. East German cameras are being rediscovered in the US. My bro-in-law gave me a VX in 1972 which he bought while stationed in Germany. That and a Canon Vt DeLuxe/black, complete with 1.2 lens. Later he sold his C2 (1963 conv.) to me for a flower drum song (he was being stationed in Nam). He will always be right, in my book. I have a Rolleiwide E3 which I would love to be reviewed. Best in all.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Great video! A few years ago I was lucky enough to snap up a near mint 1956 Dresden Varex and a full set of lenses up to 300 mm. The quality of the body and the precisely machined lenses from all the top 1950s European manufacturers is amazing. I might do a video on that system someday. You’ve done all the heavy lifting on how to use it. Thanks again!😊

[@vintagecameradigest]

Wow! I’d love to see a video on that whole system. I’ve just barely scratched the surface with my kit. Thanks for tuning in!

[@macbookdieter]

Best review of this camera I’ve ever seen

[@vintagecameradigest]

Many thanks!

[@daveschroeder9187]

The arrow on the shutter speed dial is for cocking the shutter without winding the film. You can change speeds turning either direction.

[@hifienthusiast8768]

correct, giving you multiple exposures

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for that clarification. I had to look at two different versions of the manual to find my way around the camera, and both of them instructed to turn the dial in the direction of the arrow. So I was just erring on the side of caution. To be fair, the manual didn’t say what the result would be if I did, indeed, rotate it in the “other” direction. So I guess it was just more of a “suggestion”. Thanks for tuning in!

[@tadeusz11000]

Great feed and thanks for giving new life to old cameras . Good to see your process and approach to photographing each scene.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! And thanks for the kind words!

[@Seapatico]

Haha, I do the same thing when I'm thinking and talking at the same time, but I was chuckling at the settings you were saying out loud: "1/250th at f8" Then in the same light a minute later, "1/20th at 2.8" I really love all the videos, friend!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! Yes, I suppose I should’ve clarified more about the shutter speeds. What I meant to be saying was 1/120 (since the Minolta meter doesn’t let me select 1/125 for some odd reason). When I was reviewing the footage I kept thinking the same thing you were, lol. 1/250 to 1/20 is a pretty big jump! I must have some aversion to saying the word “one” back to back. I’ll do better :-) Thanks for tuning back in!

[@Seapatico]

@@vintagecameradigest Haha, I appreciate the explanation. I could not make it add up. 🙂

[@RobertRollins]

My dad passed away a few years back and recently I was helping mom cleaning out the garage. In one of the boxes I found my grandpa's Exakta VX IIa and great grandpa's Rolleicord. There are bunch of other cameras, but these are the two I'm learning how to use right now. The Exakta isn't as intuitive as my Canon R5C (love that camera). So this video is helping! Thank you!

[@mohamodriaz]

Wow that's really amazing 🎉

[@vintagecameradigest]

What an awesome find! Being able to use these cameras is great. But using ones with a special provenance such as yours is special in countless ways. And I agree - the Exakta is counter-intuitive in just about every way. It’s the antithesis of modern mirrorless designs. It makes it a challenge to use but that’s where the fun resides. Keep at it! And thanks for watching!

[@davidpearson3579]

Just came across your channel with a breath of fresh air. Your approach is very informative and running commentary is great. Its so nice to see you actually taking these cameras out instead of just talking about them as other channels I've seen. It made me laugh thinking about how many keys must be in that river below them locks. I've started to use an old Practical FX2 made in Germany,love the sound of it whilst all them cogs & spring bring life to an old object. Anyway keep doing this as many people will love it. Best regards from the UK.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. It’s been a lot of fun for me so far. It’s good to know there are others out there who might appreciate it. Plus, it encourages me to get out and do more shooting. I’ve had some of these cameras for years and have never put any film through them. Hopefully this project will remedy that fairly quickly! Cheers!

[@mrstandfast2212]

An excellent review of these wonderful cameras. I've so far resisted the temptation to own one, but the chance find of a Zeiss Ikon Contaflex circa 1957, led to an appreciation of the early German SLRs cameras in general. I love the quality of manufacture, and indeed the quality of the images. All the lenses on my Contaflex are Tessars, and comparable in quality to my Nikon, Minolta or Olympus gear from three decades on. Then there are the early offerings from Voigtlander and the Kodak Retina Reflex models. I'd dearly love to see you review a Contaflex. Sure, they don't have an instant return mirror, but they have lovely (if somewhat delicate) leaf shutters.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes the craftsmanship on these is excellent. The movements are so precise and smooth. I don’t currently own a Contaflex (although I’ve looked at a few). I do have a Super Ikonta 530/2 on its way back from a CLA, though, that will appear here soon. So at least I’m moving in the right direction. In the meantime I’ll keep my eyes open for a good deal on a Contaflex. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mrstandfast2212]

@@vintagecameradigest That's interesting to hear. I have a Super Ikonta 530/2 (and several other Zeiss Ikon 120 folders) and love it despite the uncoated lens. The level of detail in 6x9 is superb. The focusing system is convoluted and weird to look at, but works very well. These cameras really do need a filter though, otherwise the images will be flat even though they are sharp.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for the insight. A set of filters did come with the camera, so I’ll be sure to do some tests with them. Cheers!

[@rickyzagalo]

Very interesting camera, without doubt, a nice piece of machinery. I feel the same every time I shoot with my Kodak Retina IIIC. Both are cameras with very good built quality, excellent performance, that do the same as all other cameras but in their very own way. Barnack Leicas are the same as all other "old" rangefinders and M Leicas, the same as less old rangefinders. Kodak Retina works differently from other rangefinders, as this Exacta from all other SLR cameras. The fact that you think out loud, about the setup and exposure you are choosing, his a great entertaining and learning feature, a big plus. Tanks and Cheers

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much! Using this camera was an eye-opening experience. I’ll take it out again just to use this beauty of a lens. I was quite surprised how much I liked the results. I hope my “thinking out loud” can continue to entertain instead of proving I’m an idiot. It’s a fine line.

[@daveed4475]

Thank you for demystifying this camera and brand. Love your reviews and how you talk-through your photo walks.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you enjoy it! I know I need a LOT more practice with this one! But glad it helpful. Many thanks!

[@enonurb]

Thank you for this very interesting video. I got this camera about a year ago and, as you said, it's a joy using this old lady, it's the most fascinating reflex body in my collection. Two of the three lenses that I have got for this camera, the Tessar 50/2.8 and the Flektogon 35/2.8 have got a cursor on the bottom that allows you to open the diaphragm for easy focusing. When you shoot, you have to press the button on the lens barrel that pushes down the shutter button on the body. It has got two positions, the first closes the diaphragm at the selected value and pressing further, activates the shutter. This makes the life much easier. The Jena 135/4 is even easier because the diaphragm closes automatically when you press the shutter button. Furthermore, I can mount the lenses of my Topcon on the Exakta because use the same mount, but in this case, it works in stop down only.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes! I’ve seen those lenses with the button on the lens barrel and always sorta wondered what the deal was. But after using this camera/lens combo, it clicked in my mind “a ha!” It’s a very clever solution. I’ll be on the lookout for a Flektogon 35. I think it would be a nice addition to my kit. I’ve also always wondered why Topcon went with that same mount for their upscale bodies. I could be wrong, but I don’t think there were any others that did so. Perhaps they thought it would turn out to be as ubiquitous as M42?

[@throtol]

I finally purchased the Varex VXiia for a lens - Steinheil Munchen Auto-Quinon 55mm f1.9. One of my favorite lenses. In any case, I first started using Exakta lenses with my Topcon cameras. The camera that I purchased had a case, excellent lens and a number of options. I will be taking it out this afternoon to test drive it. I was positively surprised by how easy it is to load film. This review answered all of my questions. Next week I receive another Varex VXiia but with the Zeiss Biotar. I cannot wait!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Very nice! And an excellent way to procure some great lenses (along with a rather nice body). Hope the shoot went well!

[@throtol]

@@vintagecameradigest I was surprised that it went well. Every photo came out! Tomorrow I will try to mix and match with some Topcon lenses.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Sounds as if you’re off to a great start! Would love to know your thoughts on the Topcon lenses. I have only one Topcon camera - the Unirex, so it has the odd mount, and like zero interchangeability.

[@throtol]

@@vintagecameradigest I am familiar with the Topcon Unirex. It is a good camera. There are two families of Topcon - amateur and professional. The Unirex falls into the former category. I own one. It takes great photographs and I believe is interchangeable with the UV series Topcon lenses which use a strange proprietary mount. The lenses are inexpensive. However, due to the type of architecture of the camera, once it stops working, it needs to be replaced, not repaired since it is far too expensive. The Topcon RE: series are the professional lenses which use the Exakta mount. Topcon makes some of the finest lenses in this mount. On paper Topcon lenses should work on all Exakta lenses, but I would say most based on my experience. Topcon RE cameras in my opinion are some of the finest SLR cameras ever produced.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, the UV lenses are a bit strange regarding the mount. I’ve looked at the Super D a few times over the years, but ended up putting it off. I’m sure I’ll get the opportunity to experience one at some point.

[@ChrisTDownTheRabbitHole]

Thank you for the nice presentation 👍

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Iandreid]

Great vid. Thanks! Memories!! I still have my father’s Exacta from the 50s so I am now going to have to break it out and see if it still works. At the time I was a kid and had the baby brother - the Exa. It was a shocker but I put a lot of film through it. 😂😂

[@vintagecameradigest]

Break it out! These seem to be some of the sturdiest cameras out there. Complex, but solid. Glad you enjoyed the video! And thanks for watching!

[@russellyoung2852]

"A bit fiddly" might be an understatement! I own a VXIIa and rarely use it for that reason. Probably, like many pre-1960 cameras, it becomes second nature, if that's the only camera you shoot. Having never shot any Exakta except mine, I'm surprised by the differences between our models. Another superb review of a great camera/lens.

[@vintagecameradigest]

“Fiddly” was the kindest word I could think of, lol. I think I filmed that section 3 times. Interesting concept, but not completely necessary- as every SLR since has proven out. As for the differences, I have two different copies of the VX manual, and both show slightly different controls. Two of the most obvious differences are the shutter release guard and the mechanism for setting the film counter. So I’m assuming there are several varieties for each model. Thanks for tuning in again!

[@ElwoodYang]

Thank you very much for your video. Not long ago I bought a set of EXAKTA VX on the second-hand market, but I found that its counter was different from other VX, and its rewinding operation was also different (which caused me to lose a roll of film). I looked up the information for a long time, and finally found that this is an early version of VX (it was produced for a few months in 1951, there are only about 3900), and finally found your video, our cameras and lenses are all exactly the same.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you found this video helpful! From what I’ve read from others who own multiple Exakta bodies - it’s almost as if they were in constant evolution to some degree. Minor adjustments/changes in design from year to year. But they must have been aware that the overall design was solid since it didn’t change very much over a 30 yr period.

[@leezodeezo1173]

fantastic review! Knew form the first seconds that was the vid I needed :)

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much! And I’m glad you found it helpful! Cheers!

[@herbertwebb7215]

Great video. I inherited a 1959 version of this camera from my grandfather along with the 5000+ slides he took and annotated with time and place. It needs a new shutter but besides that is very clean and I can’t wait to use it once I get it fixed. It has been a challenge finding someone competent to work on it. I will know if this person exists shortly and let you know if you are interested.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, I’d love to hear how that goes. Thanks!

[@311djr]

Another well-presented and filmed episode. What an amazing camera. I have never seen one, but not sure I'm ready to try the 'left-handed' approach yet. Doesn't look like an average consumer camera. Can't imagine picture-taker-snapper Uncle Joe taking photos of the kids with this camera. And there was the cost. Probably for the wealthier pro photographer. Enjoyed the video, as always. Keep it up.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I can guarantee that no one in my family had one either. All I can recall are 126 Instamatics. But the Exakta is one heck of a camera. I just need more practice with it to get the controls down pat. I read that they chose to go with this design to free up the right hand for the more important act of focusing. Still, it’s hard to unlearn 40 yrs of camera technique.

[@charlesfick729]

When you think about it, a problem some people have is moving a camera is moving the camera when pressing the shutter button. I don’t have that problem but, I did notice that with the shutter button in front of the Exakta camera, “squeezing” the shutter release is find of fool proof because you’re squeezing the camera, not pushing it down.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Interesting observation…hadn’t thought of that. But that does make sense. Thanks for the insight!

[@liveinaweorg]

Enjoyed this. I own an Ihagee Kine Exacta V1 from 1936, an Exa 500 as well as a much later RTL1000. Gorgeous design in the earlier ones, bit more utilitarian in the RTL.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Those early designs are really quite stunning. I’d love to hear your take on the Kine Exakta - such a historical piece!

[@liveinaweorg]

@@vintagecameradigest It is currently in Gorlitz, Germany being serviced along with the lens. I figured being one of an estimated 1400 it deserved to be given the once over before I use it. I should have it back by February 2024 so will let you know my thoughts.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That is going be SUCH a prize! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

[@kieferngruen]

The arrow on the shutter speed dial doesn’t mean that you are only allowed to change shutter speeds in that direction. That is possible in both directions. It shows in which direction to turn the dial (without lifting it) to cock the shutter without transporting the film for double exposures. Thanks for the video!

[@vintagecameradigest]

That may be true - as others have also pointed that out - so I don’t doubt the fact. However, two different versions of the manual for the camera stated otherwise. So, I just err on the side of caution.

[@keikokenziesirasta7086]

I got a hand me down Varax from my father when I was 11 years old, back in the 60s. I also had the 3D attachment which was a screw on adapter on the lens and a binaural eyepiece which doubled as a 3D viewer.. I learned photography with this camera and being left handed, I loved it. Wish I still had it.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for the comment re: left-handedness. It occurred to me that this camera would be perfect for the left-handed photographer. As I was using it I wondered to myself if this was how lefties feel when using a non-Exakta. Very eye-opening!

[@Skipsul]

As the series developed, the aperture preset got more sophisticated. On quote a lot of lenses you still pre-set the aperture, but then you cock the diaphragm wide open with a lever or slider on the lens body. The lens has a spring loaded shutter extension, which when pressed not only releases the aperture down to the preset, but also presses the shutter release in one stroke. It does mean you have to both cock the lens and advance the film in separate actions, but this way you won't accidentally shoot with with aperture still wide-open. If you don't cock the lens, the aperture stays at whatever stop it was set for.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Ah…The lens I have on my Pentax H2 works exactly the same way. So, yes, that is a useful update to the system.

[@DynoosHD]

The trick with partialy shooting is great. You can use it for a full film as well. This way you do not have to rewind the film. Just cut at the end and spool the last frame on.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, that would also work very well!

[@michaelcase8574]

If you are looking for a used copy of this camera, be sure to check the curtains. It is common for them to have with pin holes in the camera. Can be hard to find them till film is developed.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Excellent tip! Thanks!

[@jasongold6751]

Great camera, very useful features! Lots of lenses available. Your slow speeds usage, not your shiniest moments! Seen a old pros work in early 60's, when I bought 1st Pentax S1a! His work crunched mine!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, I’ve come to the conclusion that even though the controls are completely counterintuitive for me, it’s worth getting familiar with since it’s such a fine camera. I actually stayed away from the proper slow speed dial because I didn’t think it was working correctly. Still not sure. But I realized that my “thinking out loud” was confusing. Every time I meant to say something about 1/120, it came out as 1/20 instead - because my mental wiring has glitches, lol. And that’s one of the reasons I’m pretty sure the camera needs a CLA. None of the speeds I used should have been slow enough to cause camera shake, but it was definitely there in a few. And the negs were a bit dense, so that sorta confirms it for me. But I definitely love that lens, so I’ve gotta put in some practice time. I’ll get better! Thanks for tuning in!

[@nvrumi]

That's a lovely lens that produces excellent images. I have one in M42 mount that I use on a Sony A7Sii and the out of focus blur is excellent. It is also plenty sharp wide open. I started with an Exa that I bought from a pawn shop with paper route money in the late 60s. It had a 90mm lens on it. I wish I had not sold it.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I was certainly surprised by how much I like that lens. I mean, I should’ve expected it to be good but was still impressed. I’d love to find one in M42 mount. I need to add it to my wish list.

[@CARANDTRAIN]

Excellent video, thank you, I have learned a lot for this new to me camera. How do you set the slow time. Do you need to put the speed on the left button to a certain position?

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! As for the slow times, you’ll need to set the fast shutter speed dial to “T”. Then turn the slow speed winding knob clockwise as far as it will go. After that, you can set your slow time by lifting up on the slow shutter dial and rotating to the speed you want - similar to the fast speed selector. Hope this helps!

[@CARANDTRAIN]

Thank you. I do not have a T position. I have a B and Z position.@@vintagecameradigest

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think the Z is the same thing as the T is. I think you must have a much earlier camera than what I have. Check out this info: www.exaktacircle.org/Books/Exakta%2035mm%20guide%201988%20reprint.pdf

[@5prevent8]

Some of the reason for feeling awkward is that you were trying to hold it as if it were a right-handed camera. Try focussing and other lens adjustments with the right hand and using the left hand for the shutter release - feels much more natural. (My first decent camera was an Exa 1 [= "Exakta lite"] which accepted Exakta fit lenses & viewfinders and was similarly left-handed.)

[@vintagecameradigest]

You are absolutely correct. This is a perfect left-handed camera. From some of the research I did for it, I came across a statement attributed to the designer that this configuration put the important aspect of focusing into the right hand, and the relatively mundane operation of pressing the shutter into the left. Good idea. But SO difficult for me to do after all these years, lol. Cheers!

[@sharikmarius]

I have my dad's old old Exakta VX IIa camera with a Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm/2.8 lens, but I'm guessing it predates yours. It doesn't have a viewfinder; you have to pop open the top and look down into it to frame your shot.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That sort of viewfinder is what we’d call a “waist-level finder”. It was standard on early Exakta cameras. The viewfinders are removable and interchangeable, so it wouldn’t have been odd to have both versions. There is a little lever on the front of the viewfinder (right above the Ihagee name) that will release the viewfinder. Thanks for watching!

[@silvestersze9968]

I can see you took a lot of time and effort to make this video. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks! Yes, it always seems to take a little longer than I anticipate, but I do enjoy it being out and about with a camera!

[@LeendertCordemans]

Nice video. The name Varex was not allow in the states, because it was already claimed by the Argus company. So did Ihagee used the letters VX which stands for Varex. The VX models are export models. I have the same camera.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That is correct. The VX-series was for export. Thanks for watching!

[@sclogse1]

I can't afford or really need to have my VX IIa repaired. It completely falls apart if i try to change it out of B or 1/25th. Then it's just weird luck I manage to sneak it back into operating at those settings. So, along with a German lens coming in the mail that needs the aluminum to be perked up, as the body of my Exacta looks almost new...it's gonna be a goody on the shelf, and probably a subject for a shoot. Which is just fine. I paid about 130 for both.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’ve certainly heard that these can be a pain to repair depending on the precise model. This is my second one. My first worked for a while ad then all of a sudden it didn’t. And it was just cheaper to find another one instead of repair. If I were to shoot it on a regular basis, I probably would go for an overhaul on this one, but I just can’t justify it as things are. But you are right in that it makes a VERY nice subject and conversation piece! Cheers!

[@TheDecguy]

It seems like you are going through my camera collection. I’m looking forward to see how many we have in common.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Ha ha! Maybe so 😁. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffirish3402]

I have two VX a's which came down from my dad. These are fun to use and are clearly throw- backs to the cameras of the 1930's.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It’s a true classic. And built like a tank.

[@jeffirish3402]

I ignored mine for years because I had newer SLRs. Then it occurred that my new 35mm SLR cameras (assorted Nikons and Nikkormats) were fifty odd years old... And since using manual cameras was as natural as breathing for me it made sense to put them into the rotation. These Exaktas are quirky as hell to use, but once you've gotten used to them, they are marvelous cameras and were an amazing feat of technology in the day. Too bad they didn't have the capital to compete with the Japanese cameras that overwhelmed the German camera industry.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’ll agree with “quirky”. But easily learnable and great performers if you’re patient enough.

[@jeffirish3402]

@@vintagecameradigest When you get to be my age, quirky is kind of fun...

[@vintagecameradigest]

@@jeffirish3402 Indeed!

[@CzejenAndCodaj]

WoW This cut film solution is so cool.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It is a cool feature, no doubt.

[@kremensky]

What a beautiful piece of history The strangest camera I ever had was "Start" (1962, USSR). With a removable prism (you can install a shaft), a built-in blade, like this Exakta And a sticky mirror. It seems that the soviets copied Start with one of the Exactas. One of the later ones than this one Also, the lens - popular Helios-44 (also soviet) was a copy of this one. 58 2.0 I have many (clone) versions of this Great lens! Good with modern cameras via adapter

[@vintagecameradigest]

That Helios is indeed nice! I owned one for several years in an M42 mount. I had intentions of using it for video but never put it to much use.

[@alexhaselden4623]

They’re wonderful cameras. I have an Exa 500 with two lenses: the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/2 and the Enna Super Lithagon 35mm f/2.8.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Nice! I’d love to have an additional lens - probably wide angle. Need to get this cameras shutter speeds straightened out first. But would you recommend the Lithagon?

[@andrewewalker]

thanks for another good video - i just bought an exakta vx iia late model. i havent received it yet. same lens as yours. did you find a repair shop that would work on your exakta? you mentioned it needed a CLA. i suspect mine will probably too due to age. they have a reputation for shutter curtain issues. thank you - andrew

[@vintagecameradigest]

Unfortunately, I haven’t investigated it any further since this video. However, Camera Service Company (in Atlanta) would be my first guess at a CLA. They’re relatively close by, and I’ve sent them many cameras over the years. An all-manual machine such as this would probably be right up their alley. You’ll love that lens, btw!

[@johnguira]

What light meter is he using?

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’m using a Minolta Spotmeter F

[@sharikmarius]

Question. If you're not using the timer, will the Bulb (B) and the Timer (T) setting on the shutter speed dial behave identically? Meaning you need to press the shutter twice to get an exposure?

[@vintagecameradigest]

Ooh…..good question….let me review this and get back to you. I don’t know right off-hand.

[@vintagecameradigest]

These cameras with separate fast and slow shutter controls can be confusing, but it is my understanding that B and T should not behave the same. And that’s also the way they should work in-general on other cameras. In T mode, one shutter-release press opens the shutter, the next one closes it. With B, the shutter stays open as long as the release is pressed, then closes when it’s released. Hope this helps!

[@sharikmarius]

@@vintagecameradigest Got it!

[@nmd1211]

I always liked the looks of the Varex, but all the left-handed controls make it a poor choice for me. BTW, what light meter are you using? I like the fact you can do so much with it and also get an average for good exposures.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That left-hand operation is tough. But I guess that’s how lefties feel about every other camera in the world. The meter I’m using is a Minolta Spotmeter F. It’s great. The ability for it to average two extreme measurements and give a working exposure to cover both is fantastic. It would be hard for me to use any other meter now. I’m spoiled!

[@nmd1211]

I was looking at it really closely and decided it must be that one. Sherlock Holmes would be proud! You had mentioned Minolta, so I did some searching. Thanks for letting me know. Meanwhile, please keep making the videos - you mention you have an extensive collection of cameras, so looking forward to seeing more about them.@@vintagecameradigest

[@vintagecameradigest]

My plan is to keep it up. Hopefully I won’t run out of steam, lol.

[@geraldillo]

I never really liked this camera, I thought it looked ugly and bulky. I I bought one because it came with a vintage lens that I had set my eye on and they didn't want to sell the lens separately. Now I really appreciate the camera, especially the build quality and I even think it looks nice because it has it's own unique appearance.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It definitely looks dated and “vintage”. It might have looked great in 1936, but hardly a design change well into the the 60s - well it probably looked ancient by then even. But I agree, the lenses make it a bit more attractive these days.

[@SelahAvery]

Cool vids 🎉

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you so very much @SelahAvery!

[@fjrocks367]

What kind of light meter do you use?

[@vintagecameradigest]

I tend to use a Minolta Spotmeter F more than anything these days. I also have an old Minolta Meter III that I’ll use on occasion.

[@ChrisRowe]

This is the camera used by Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window

[@vintagecameradigest]

You’re right! I’d forgotten about that.

[@Dahrenhorst]

I have the previous model Varex IIb, which has the same features as the VX, but is made with significantly better build standards. No plastics at all on that camera. I nicknamed it "Heavy Metal", because it is that. I'm convinced, that out of all of my cameras, this might be the one which would survive WW III.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Nice to know! This was a fun one to shoot because it took me WAY out of my comfort zone. I’ll need to check out the IIb. Thanks!

[@foamyes]

i never had intension to shoot anything with this camera but to use it for a display. nothing can beat the look of it even leica

[@vintagecameradigest]

It’s a great design/look - sort of a snapshot of the Art Deco 30s. Interesting that it didn’t change design much over all its years of production.

[@sclogse1]

3 times watching the setting of the dials I got it.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Sometimes I think I should show some of this stuff in slow motion. Especially with this camera!

[@jplum7708]

Help! Who can repair these in North America?

[@vintagecameradigest]

In the US, Frank Marshman in VA used to be one of the best. I don’t think he’s in business doing this full-time anymore, though. Perhaps another commenter will know better than me.

[@Jennifer_Prentice]

I love these.. I own 3 different models with all three of the main lenses you mentioned lol. All of them had major shutter drag and squak .. Its funny because the one I have fully serviced is exactly like the one you used.. I could hear your shutter dragging compared to mine.. But the bright side to that is that we all know that film tends to like to be over exposed anyway and all you had to do was use the correct speeds and the slower shutter would have over exposed lol. The version you used in this shoot is a real pain to service because your model has the flip up gear release .. I know because like I said I have the exact model with the exact lens even lol. I was laughing the entire video because ours look almost identical .. Anyway if you look close at that flip up gear release you will see there is a tiny pin holding that flip up end onto the pole shaft sticking out the top of the camera.. You have to remove that pin in order to take that flip off lever off or the case will not come off the camera. It was horrible :(.. The other model I have that also looks exactly the same but has the Meyer lens has just the shaft poking out and you press it down to release the gears to rewind.. That model you can remove the case without having to fiddle with the lever .. The other model I have is post war and was known for jams .. In fact it was jammed when I got it.. It is in need of shutter cloth but otherwise it is fully functioning so that is a winter project :). Its funny that you did not much care for it because for some reason out of the tons of 35 mm cameras that I own and I own a lot from newer fancy ones with digital readouts all the way down to these 75 year old cameras and for some reason if I had to chose id probably pick one of these to shoot with .. Great to see one being used and thanks for doing this video :).

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for tuning in AND the motivation for me to get this camera out and shoot. I really don’t hate the camera. Once I reviewed the images, it’s evident that it can get the job done. That Zeiss lens is fantastic! I think my biggest hang up is the left side shutter release. I can easily deal with the rest. And like I said, I’d get better at it with more practice. I have a VXII that needs shutter work, and it does have the rewind button instead of the lever. So if I decide to send one in for a CLA it’ll probably be that one (thanks to your info). That camera also has the shutter release guard, which I really could’ve used on my shoot 😄. I probably ended up inadvertently tripping it 8 or 9 times out of two rolls of film. All in all I think it’s an excellent camera - just tricky to use because of the controls layout. It’s definitely more of an “old dog, new trick” issue. And that lens is so nice I’m thinking of adapting it to my mirrorless. Thanks for tuning in!

[@stevepringle2295]

The perfect camera for us lefties 😊

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, I think so! And it occurred to me while using it that this is what lefties feel like when using just about any other camera. Eye-opening.

[@MR-rp3xr]

I have a Pentacon Super like the ones used in Russian Space Program

[@vintagecameradigest]

Nice! How would you say it compares to the Exakta?

[@johnrolling5031]

The correct German phonetic pronunciation of Ihagee is E-hah-gay.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks very much!