Exakta VX IIb (Varex IIb)

The Exakta VX IIb (marketed as Varex IIb in some regions) represents a continued refinement of Exakta's pioneering 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) concept, first introduced in the 1930s. Produced between 1963 and 1967, it embodies the practical, workhorse aesthetic of mid-century Exakta SLRs, featuring a distinctive prism housing and robust, angular body design. Characterized by its top-mounted wind lever and the characteristic waist-level finder configuration (with an optional pentaprism available), it maintained the brand's commitment to interchangeability, supporting a range of lenses and accessories like the famous Exakta bayonet mount lenses. The camera relied on a cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds typically ranging from 1 to 1/1000 second, coupled with through-the-lens (TTL) metering in some variants, offering enthusiasts a capable tool for creative control. While it lacked the headline innovations of contemporaries like the Nikon F, the VX IIb solidified Exakta's reputation for providing functional, user-centered SLRs favored by serious amateurs and professionals in the pre-electronic era.

As a model bridging the gap between the earlier Varex series and the fully automatic Exaktas of the late 1960s, the VX IIb appealed to photographers valuing mechanical reliability and the Exakta system's unique handling. Its build quality was substantial, featuring metal construction that promised durability, though the sometimes complex shutter mechanisms could require maintenance. The dual naming reflected Exakta's global strategy, with the VX designation for certain markets and Varex for others. It stood as a testament to the maturity of the 35mm SLR format during a period of rapid advancement, offering photographers a well-engineered, if somewhat idiosyncratic, tool without the later automation that would soon dominate the market.