Difference between revisions of "Exakta 66"
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''See also the earlier East German [[Exakta 6×6 (horizontal)|horizontal Exakta 6×6]] and [[Exakta 66 (vertical)|vertical Exakta 66]].'' | ''See also the earlier East German [[Exakta 6×6 (horizontal)|horizontal Exakta 6×6]] and [[Exakta 66 (vertical)|vertical Exakta 66]].'' | ||
− | The '''Exakta 66''' is an [[SLR]] camera taking 6×6cm pictures on [[120 film|120]] or [[220 film|220]] film. It employs the same lens mount introduced on the [[Praktisix]], one of the last models to do so. | + | The '''Exakta 66''' is an [[SLR]] camera taking 6×6cm pictures on [[120 film|120]] or [[220 film|220]] film. It employs the same lens mount introduced on the [[Praktisix]], one of the last models to do so. |
+ | |||
+ | =Development= | ||
+ | [[Heinrich Manderman]], founder of the [[Beroflex]] firm, started the "Projekt Exakta 66", with the belief that a reasonably priced camera could still be produced in limited runs in Germany, especially in medium format. Principles for the project were that the camera should be qualitatively first rate, but not neccessarily offering the latest technology. Importantly customers used to the 35mm-format should not face any hurdles due to the shape of the camera, or the price. Finally the lenses, a central component of the concept, should be of professional quality, and from [[Schneider-Kreuznach]] (recently acquired by Mandermann).<REF>Fotomagazin 1984 p. 68</REF> | ||
+ | |||
+ | The project manager was [[Dr. Otto Stemme]] from [[Durst]], earlier [[Rollei]] and the Munich camera plant of [[Agfa]]. Several of Stemme's colleagues or partners in Munich were also part of the team, including the design-firm [[Schlagheck & Schultes]], which earlier had designed several Agfa cameras. The design was not entirely original, but an external update of the [[Pentacon Six]] camera, in an attempt to keep costs down.<REF>Fotomagazin 1984 p. 68</REF> The design was said to represent a "macho "rancher"-style camera that doesn't need to be treated too politely"<REF>Popular Photography, October 1984 p. 141</REF>. This was also reflected in the advertising of the camera, stating that it was made "For heaven and hell and all things between. Six by six for men". It was announced by the West German [[Ihagee|Ihagee Kamerawerk]] (Ihagee West) at the 1984 [[Photokina]], and sold from 1986.<REF> {{MK}}, p.439. </REF> | ||
The original version was followed by a model II; then in 1996 a model III offering mirror lockup. These were marked as "Mod 2" or "Mod 3" in the center of the advance lever. | The original version was followed by a model II; then in 1996 a model III offering mirror lockup. These were marked as "Mod 2" or "Mod 3" in the center of the advance lever. | ||
− | + | = Lenses = | |
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" |
Revision as of 21:01, 14 December 2016
Exakta 66 with waist-level viewfinder image by Michael Wagenhäuser (Image rights) |
See also the earlier East German horizontal Exakta 6×6 and vertical Exakta 66.
The Exakta 66 is an SLR camera taking 6×6cm pictures on 120 or 220 film. It employs the same lens mount introduced on the Praktisix, one of the last models to do so.
Development
Heinrich Manderman, founder of the Beroflex firm, started the "Projekt Exakta 66", with the belief that a reasonably priced camera could still be produced in limited runs in Germany, especially in medium format. Principles for the project were that the camera should be qualitatively first rate, but not neccessarily offering the latest technology. Importantly customers used to the 35mm-format should not face any hurdles due to the shape of the camera, or the price. Finally the lenses, a central component of the concept, should be of professional quality, and from Schneider-Kreuznach (recently acquired by Mandermann).[1]
The project manager was Dr. Otto Stemme from Durst, earlier Rollei and the Munich camera plant of Agfa. Several of Stemme's colleagues or partners in Munich were also part of the team, including the design-firm Schlagheck & Schultes, which earlier had designed several Agfa cameras. The design was not entirely original, but an external update of the Pentacon Six camera, in an attempt to keep costs down.[2] The design was said to represent a "macho "rancher"-style camera that doesn't need to be treated too politely"[3]. This was also reflected in the advertising of the camera, stating that it was made "For heaven and hell and all things between. Six by six for men". It was announced by the West German Ihagee Kamerawerk (Ihagee West) at the 1984 Photokina, and sold from 1986.[4]
The original version was followed by a model II; then in 1996 a model III offering mirror lockup. These were marked as "Mod 2" or "Mod 3" in the center of the advance lever.
Lenses
Lens | Lens construction | Filter diameter | Overall length | Diameter | Minimum focusing distance | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schneider-Kreuznach 40mm Curtagon MF f/4 (announced) | 9 elements in 8 groups | 109mm | 104mm | 0.5m | 700g | |
Schneider-Kreuznach 55mm PSC Super-Angulon FM f/4.5 | 10 elements in 8 groups | 157mm | 104mm | 0.5m | 1650g | |
Schneider-Kreuznach 60mm Curtagon MF f/3.5 | 7 elements in 7 groups | 67mm | 81mm | 84mm | 0.6m | 570g |
Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm Xenotar MF f/2.8 | 7 elements in 6 groups | 67mm | 72mm | 84mm | 0.6m | 500g |
Schneider-Kreuznach 150mm Tele-Xenar MF f/4 | 5 elements in 5 groups | 67mm | 101mm | 84mm | 1.5m | 760g |
Schneider-Kreuznach 250mm Tele-Xenar MF f/5.6 | 5 elements in 4 groups | 67mm | 168mm | 84mm | 3m | 900g |
Schneider-Kreuznach 75-150mm Variogon MF f/4.5 | 15 elements in 13 groups | 95mm | 171mm | 98mm | 1.8m | 1770g |
Schneider-Kreuznach 140-280mm Variogon MF f/5.6 | 17 elements in 14 groups | 86mm | 240mm | 95mm | 2.5m | 2070g |
Notes
Bibliography
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.439.
Links
In English:
- Instruction manual for the Exakta 66 (1984?) on Mike Butkus' site
- Other P6-mount cameras at pentaconsix.com
In French:
Praktisix and Pentacon Six lens mount | ||
---|---|---|
Germany | | | Ukraine |
Exakta 66 | Pentacon Six | Praktisix | | | Kiev 6C | Kiev 60 | Kiev 88СМ | Arax |