Exakta Zweiverschluss Duplex (1020, 9x12)

The Zweiverschluss Duplex (1020, 9x12) represents an intriguing, though somewhat experimental, phase in Exakta's early development. Produced between 1927 and 1939, it predates the company's more standardized and influential single-reflex models. Its most defining characteristic, suggested by its name, was the "double shutter" mechanism. This likely involved a complex integration of focal-plane and between-the-lens shutters, potentially offering unique exposure capabilities or a claimed advantage in synchronization speed or reliability. The camera utilized a 9x12cm plate format, a significant detail challenging the provided "135" designation; it's possible this refers to an alternative variant or the model number includes a format code, but the dominant evidence points to a medium plate format. Constructed from metal with a characteristic robust Exakta build for its era, the Duplex featured the waist-level finder and interchangeable lenses becoming hallmarks of the Exakta system, establishing a foundation for the successful cameras that followed. While not achieving the widespread renown of later Exakta SLRs like the Standard or Varex, it stands as a significant early innovation showcasing Exakta's ambition in developing complex shutter systems within the burgeoning medium format SLR market.