Ihagee Exa
The Ihagee Exa is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera made in Dresden as a simplified, lower-cost companion to the Exakta line. It was introduced in the early 1950s and aimed at amateur photographers who wanted SLR viewing without the full feature set of the Exakta.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Ihagee Exa have sat in a narrow £25–£45 band, with a median around £30 in today's market. These are saleroom wholesale figures rather than dealer retail, and clean, working bodies with a matched lens tend to sell for the upper end of that range while rough examples struggle to reach £30.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: October 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | £25 | Chiswick Auctions | |
|
Auction: Photographica (Lot 283) Title: 4 EXA Vintage 35mm Film Cameras.
Description:
4 Ihagee EXA Type I Models, each with signs of normal use. Meyer Trioplan, Meritar and Primotar lenses. All with shutters firing. |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Dec 2023 | £30 | Special Auction Services | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 87) Title: An Ihagee Exa SLR Camera
Description:
An Ihagee Exa SLR Camera, type 4, 1956-59, shutter working, body G, light brassing bellow Exa logo on front plate, with Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Dec 2023 | £45 | Special Auction Services | |
|
Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 88) Title: An Ihagee Exa SLR Camera
Description:
An Ihagee Exa SLR Camera, type 5, 1959-60, shutter working, body G, with Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar lens, barrel G, elements G, in ERC |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
Frequently asked questions
What is an Ihagee Exa worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results place the value between roughly £25 and £45, with a median near £30 depending on cosmetic condition and whether a working lens is included.
How much does an Ihagee Exa sell for at auction?
Complete bodies typically sell for £25–£45 at UK salerooms, with the price driven largely by shutter function and finder clarity.
Is the Ihagee Exa a good beginner collectable?
Yes — its low price and straightforward mechanics make it an accessible entry into East German SLR collecting, though buyers should budget for the possibility of shutter service.