Introduction: The Altix N at a Glance
The Altissa Altix N is a 35mm analog film camera built by VEB Altissa Camera-Werk in Dresden. It exposes 24x36 mm frames on ordinary 35mm cartridge film, and it lets you change lenses with a bayonet ring.
A rapid-wind lever advances the film and winds the shutter, and the frame counter counts down from 36. The Tempor shutter includes a built-in self-timer, and the base accepts a tripod.
Shooting a viewfinder film camera like this tends to slow you down in a good way. Every frame feels like a small decision, and you think about light, distance and framing before you press the release.
Design Roots and Historical Background
The Altix family from Dresden
The Altix is a series of 35mm viewfinder cameras made in Dresden by Eho-Altissa and its successors, and the series dates back to 1938. This particular model was made by VEB Altissa Camera-Werk, the maker named in the manual.
Later models, starting with the Altissa V from 1954, take interchangeable lenses. Their breech-lock type mount was unique to these cameras.
The Altix N and the end of the Altissa name
Camera-wiki lists the Altix-N under 1957 as a 24x36 model with interchangeable lenses and lever wind, with the name on top of the camera. A version from 1959 carries the name on the front instead. The Altix-NB from 1958-59 was the last Altissa model before the company merged into Kombinat VEB Pentacon.
Key Technical Highlights
Lenses and the bayonet mount
The manual names two standard lenses: a 50 mm Zeiss Tessar with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a 50 mm Meyer Trioplan at f/2.9. They can be swapped for special lenses, namely a 35 mm Primagon f/4.5 and a 90 mm Telefogar f/3.5.
To remove a lens, turn the bayonet ring as far as it goes to the left and lift the lens out.
Shutter, winding and flash
The Tempor shutter sits between the lens elements and offers times from 1 second to 1/250 second plus B. A delayed-action mechanism runs for approximately 8 seconds before it releases the shutter. The rapid-wind lever transports the film and winds the shutter. The camera is flash-synchronised, and with electronic flash you can use any shutter speed.
Viewfinder and framing
The built-in Newton viewfinder is calculated for the 50 mm standard lenses. The 35 mm and 90 mm lenses need the Altissa Special Viewfinder, which compensates for parallax. A bushing with English thread (1/4 inch) in the base takes a tripod.
- Film format: 24x36 mm on 35mm cartridge film
- Standard lenses: 50 mm Zeiss Tessar f/2.8 or 50 mm Meyer Trioplan f/2.9
- Special lenses: 35 mm Primagon f/4.5 and 90 mm Telefogar f/3.5
- Shutter: Tempor, 1 s to 1/250 s plus B, with self-timer of about 8 seconds
- Tripod bushing: 1/4 inch thread in the base
Modern-Day Use in 2026
Where the Altix N excels
In 2026 the Altix N suits photographers who enjoy a hands-on 35mm camera with a bit of history. It takes commercial 35mm cartridge film, so you can choose a stock to suit the light.
Use it for:
- Street and travel photography with a deliberate, one-frame-at-a-time rhythm.
- Group shots with the self-timer, which runs for about 8 seconds.
- Flash photography with an electronic flash, since any shutter speed can be used.
Practical shooting tips
- Use a handheld light meter or a smartphone meter app, and set the time and aperture by hand.
- Use a tripod for the slowest times.
- Estimate distances carefully and, when in doubt, stop down for more depth of field.
- Fit the special viewfinder in the accessory shoe whenever you use the 35 mm or 90 mm lens.
Buying and Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying used
Work through this checklist before you commit:
- Fire the shutter at every time from 1 s to 1/250 s and on B, and listen for hesitation at the slower speeds.
- Test the self-timer and check that it releases the shutter after a few seconds.
- Look through the lens against a light for haze, fungus, scratches or separation.
- Check that the bayonet ring turns smoothly and that the lens locks firmly.
- Wind the lever through a full cycle and confirm that the frame counter moves.
Open the back and look for worn light seals, dust and signs of damp.
Film, batteries and storage
The Altix N uses 35mm cartridge film. Batteries matter only for a separate meter or flash that you use with it.
- Remove batteries from any accessory meter or flash that you will not use for a while.
- Store the camera in a dry place with the lens cap on.
Basic care and accessories
Simple photography accessories help:
- A padded camera bag or case to protect the body and lenses.
- Front and rear lens caps for every lens you own.
- A microfiber cloth and a blower for the glass and the body.
- A compact tripod that fits the 1/4 inch thread.
Conclusion: A Dresden Classic in Daily Use
The Altissa Altix N combines a Tempor between-the-lens shutter, a self-timer, a rapid-wind lever and lenses that change with a bayonet ring, all on 24x36 mm 35mm film.
It also recalls Dresden camera history, shortly before Altissa merged into Pentacon. If you enjoy a slower way of photographing and check the shutter, lens and body carefully, the Altix N is a rewarding camera in 2026.
FAQs
What film does the Altissa Altix N use? It uses ordinary 35mm cartridge film and exposes frames of 24x36 mm. The frame counter counts down from 36.
Which lenses fit the Altix N? The standard lenses are a 50 mm Zeiss Tessar f/2.8 and a 50 mm Meyer Trioplan f/2.9. Special lenses include a 35 mm Primagon f/4.5 and a 90 mm Telefogar f/3.5. They attach with a bayonet ring.
What shutter speeds does it offer? The Tempor shutter runs from 1 second to 1/250 second plus B, and the camera also has a self-timer that runs for about 8 seconds.
Can I use a tripod and flash with the Altix N? Yes. The base has a 1/4 inch English thread bushing for a tripod, and the camera is flash-synchronised. With electronic flash you can use any shutter speed.
Where can I find the Altix N manual? The original instruction manual is available as a free PDF download on this page.
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Sources: original Altissa Altix instruction manual (English PDF); Altix on camera-wiki.org, text licensed under GFDL 1.3.