Exakta Hexacon

The Hexacon represents Exakta's continued exploration of the single-lens reflex format in the mid-1950s, an era dominated by their pioneering waist-level finders. Following the success of models like the Varex, the Hexacon introduced a more streamlined, modernized body design while retaining Exakta's characteristic bayonet lens mount and focal plane shutter. It offered a practical, enthusiast-oriented 35mm SLR experience with a full range of shutter speeds and interchangeable lenses, positioned as a reliable tool for serious photographers seeking an alternative to the dominant Leica rangefinders. Its significance lies primarily as a product of Exakta's enduring influence on SLR development, showcasing their commitment to the reflex principle during a competitive period before the Nikon F revolutionized the market.

While sharing the core mechanical architecture of contemporary Exaktas, the Hexacon prioritized functional design over elaborate features. It included a standard reflex viewing system with a ground glass screen, coupled with a robust metal construction typical of Exakta build quality. The camera offered manual focus through a helicoid focusing mount, supporting a wide range of Exakta lenses. As a mid-1950s offering, it lacked the advanced prism finders or sophisticated automation that would emerge later, instead providing a straightforward, dependable shooting experience valued by photographers familiar with the Exakta system but seeking a more contemporary body shape than the earlier Varex series.