Ihagee Exakta V (Varex)
The Ihagee Exakta V, sold in most European markets as the Exakta Varex, is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced at the start of the 1950s and built in Dresden. Its defining feature when new was an interchangeable viewfinder system, allowing the user to swap between the waist-level finder and a pentaprism, which positioned it at the upper end of the amateur and semi-professional SLR market of the period.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Exakta Varex have ranged from roughly £35 to £130, with the two verified sales averaging around £80. As of today the model trades as an affordable entry point into early East German SLR collecting, and these are saleroom wholesale levels rather than dealer retail — a clean, working body with a matching standard lens can sell for more than a cosmetically tired one, and condition of the cloth shutter is the dominant factor in what a Varex is worth.
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: December 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Dec 2024 | £125 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 111) Title: An Ihagee Exakta Varex SLR Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 791728, F-G, internal film guides slightly dirty, shutter works but noisy, has eye-level finder, with a Kilfitt Makro-Kilar f/2. |
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| Aug 2023 | £35 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 234) Title: An Exakta Varex SLR Camera
Description:
An Exakta Varex SLR Camera, shutter working, body G, with Meyer 50mm f/2.8 Domiplan, 30mm f/3.5 Lydith, 135mm f/2.8 Orestor lenses, G, waist level & |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_41543) Title: Exakta V. with Xenon 2/5cm prototype
Description:
very interesting early US export version of the Varex with removable back door and 'FE 017/18/1' engraved on the loupe cover, note the uncommon "too early" serial number ending with 'D', in very good condition, with most probably a prototype coated Xenon 2/5cm no.32599 Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40700) Title: Ihagee Exakta V (Varex) outfit with Biotar 1.5/7.5cm
Description:
very early first version in near mint condition, with clean and clear Xenon 2/50mm no.2212920 (front lens cap and original hood), rare clean and clear Jsogon 4.5/40mm no.2472088 (rear cap), extremely early Biotar 1.5/7.5cm no.2667126 (hood + both caps) later coated, with almost perfect lenses, clean and clear Triotar 4/13.5cm no.2830258 (hood + both caps), body cap, leather strap, Metraphot with extender, 3x filters, macro extension tubes, Swedish instructions, in wooden outfit case (leather and canvas covered) Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,400 |
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| Jun 2019 | EUR 700 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37046) Title: Ihagee Exakta Stereo outfit
Description:
Exakta Varex in beautiful condition, with Tessar T 3.5/50mm no.3697847, T-coated stereo beam splitter f=50/2m-inf. no.32414 (condition B+, front cap), stereo prism f=50/0,15-2m no. 34011 (condition B/A, rear cap), Stereflex viewing attachment Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,500 |
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| Mar 2004 | £71 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT - THE PROPERTY OF A COLLE (Lot 32) Title: Exakta Varex no. VX778265
Description:
Exakta Varex no. VX778265 Estimate: £40 - £60 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ihagee Exakta Varex worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices sit between about £35 and £130, so a typical working example is worth somewhere in the middle of that range depending on cosmetics, shutter health and whether a lens is included.
How much does an Exakta V sell for at UK auction?
The limited verified sales show the Exakta V selling for £35 at the lower end and £125 for a tidier example, which gives a working guide to current saleroom value.
Is the Exakta Varex the same camera as the Exakta V?
Yes — Exakta V was the designation used in markets where the Varex name could not be used, so the two refer to the same 35mm SLR with its interchangeable-finder system.
What affects the price of an Exakta Varex the most?
Shutter condition is the single biggest driver of value, followed by the presence of a clean prism finder and a matching standard lens; cosmetic wear alone has a smaller effect on price.