Introduction: The Exakta VX 1000 at a Glance
The Exakta VX 1000 is a single-lens reflex for 35mm film, produced by Ihagee in Dresden from 1967 to 1970. Roughly 105,000 were made. Among our SLR film cameras it stands out for finders you can swap, a lever that cocks the shutter and winds the film together, and a layout meant for the left hand.
Exaktas had a reputation as relatively pricey tools for professionals and serious amateurs. Related reading: the Exakta RTL 1000 kit review and the Exakta Twin TL review.
Shooting with a mechanical SLR like this slows everything down. You compose, set your speed, cock the lever and release, and each step is deliberate. That pace changes how you see a scene.
Design Roots and Historical Background
A Dresden SLR with swappable finders
The VX 1000 belongs to the Exakta Kine and Varex family. Its specification matches the Varex IIa, but the handling changed: a new cocking lever, a new frame counter and a mirror that returns instantly.
The manual lists a finder hood, a pentaprism and a lens magnifier as interchangeable, so you can choose how you frame.
Built around the left hand
Nearly every operating element sits within reach of the left hand, and the film travels from right to left. The release button is mounted on the front. The rewind knob has a small crank, the back door is hinged rather than removable, and the film cutter was redesigned.
Once you steady the body with one hand and operate it with the other, the layout makes sense.
Key Technical Highlights
Shutter and speed settings
The speed controls are split over two knobs. The small knob covers 1/30 s to 1/1000 s, plus T and B. The large knob handles the long exposures from 1/8 s up to 12 s, and the same large knob also sets the self-timer between 1/4 and 6 s.
The lever cocks the shutter and transports the film in one action, and the shutter can only be released once fully cocked.
Quick-return mirror and the red signal
After the exposure the mirror drops back at once, so the scene stays visible. A red signal in the finder reminds you that the shutter has fired and the lever still needs a stroke.
Film, flash and format
The camera takes standard 35mm film with 24x36 mm negatives. It has three flash sockets: X for electronic flash, FP and F for flashbulbs. On X, set 1/60 s or slower.
- Format: 35mm film, 24x36 mm frames
- Small knob: 1/30 s to 1/1000 s, T and B
- Large knob: 1/8 s to 12 s, also self-timer 1/4 to 6 s
- Finders: hood, pentaprism or lens magnifier
- Flash sockets: X, FP and F
Modern-Day Use in 2026
Where the VX 1000 excels
In 2026 the VX 1000 suits anyone who wants a deliberate, hands-on way of shooting film. The swappable finders let you choose how you frame, and the quick-return mirror keeps the scene in view.
Use it for:
- Slow, considered street and travel photography
- Learning exposure with a handheld meter or a phone app
- Waist-level compositions with the hood fitted
- Flash work using the X socket
Practical shooting tips
- Use 1/60 s or slower with electronic flash on the X socket.
- Cock the lever straight after each frame so the red signal never catches you out.
- Meter with a handheld meter or app and pick a film speed that suits the light.
- Run a test roll first and check the negatives for light leaks.
Buying and Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying used
Work through this list:
- Light seals and back door: look for decayed foam and check that the hinged back closes firmly.
- Shutter: fire it at every speed on both knobs and listen for sluggish long exposures.
- Lever and counter: the lever should cock fully, advance the film and move the counter.
- Mirror and finder: confirm that the mirror returns, the red signal appears, and the screen is clear of haze, fungus or dust.
- Finder fit: make sure the hood, prism or magnifier locks on properly.
With the back open and the shutter on B, look through the body toward a bright window to spot pinholes in the curtains.
Film and power for accessories
Choose fresh 35mm film and load it carefully in the hinged back. If you add an electronic flash or a handheld meter, check its battery compartment for corrosion.
- Check the expiry date on the film box.
- Wind a little extra at the start to confirm that the film is transporting.
- Develop test rolls soon to catch problems early.
Basic care and accessories
A few simple photography accessories keep the camera in good shape:
- A padded bag or case for protection against knocks
- A blower and microfiber cloth for glass and the focusing screen
- Body and lens caps to keep dust out
- A handheld light meter for exposure readings
What to pay
At DutchThrift, recent working examples sold for about €45–€50 as body only.
Conclusion: A Left-Handed Classic
The Exakta VX 1000 offers a distinctive take on the 35mm SLR. It combines swappable finders, a mirror that returns instantly and a layout built for the left hand, all in a mechanical body from Dresden. It asks you to learn its logic and rewards you with a hands-on way to shoot film.
If you enjoy tools with character, the VX 1000 deserves a look. Inspect it carefully, test the shutter at every speed, and it can be a rewarding camera in 2026.
FAQs
What film does the Exakta VX 1000 use? It takes standard 35mm film and produces 24x36 mm negatives.
Can I change the viewfinder? Yes. The finder hood, pentaprism and lens magnifier are interchangeable.
Which flash socket should I use? Use X for electronic flash, with the shutter at 1/60 s or slower. FP and F are for flashbulbs.
What does the red signal in the finder mean? It shows that the shutter has been fired and the lever still has to be operated.
Where can I find the Exakta VX 1000 manual? The original instruction manual is available as a free PDF download on this page, under the first photo.
Ready to explore cameras like the Exakta VX 1000? Browse our SLR film cameras and the wider range of analog cameras at DutchThrift.com.
Sources: original Exakta VX 1000 instruction manual; Exakta VX 1000 and VX 500 and Exakta Kine and Varex Series on camera-wiki.org, text licensed under GFDL 1.3; price range from DutchThrift's own recent sales.