Exakta Exona

The Exona represents Exakta's continued presence in the burgeoning 35mm single-lens reflex market during the mid-1950s, a period defined by the transition from pre-war designs to more modern, user-friendly SLRs. Building on Exakta's foundational role as pioneers in the SLR format, the Exona maintained the core characteristics of the Exakta line – a waist-level finder and the distinctive prism housing on the left side – but presented a more streamlined body compared to earlier models like the Varex. It utilized the standard 135 (35mm) film format, targeting enthusiasts seeking a competent SLR from one of the genre's established names. While not introducing radical new technology, it offered a practical, well-built tool for serious amateur photographers looking to step up from simpler cameras or explore the capabilities of the SLR design, fitting into Exakta's strategy to compete with emerging Japanese manufacturers.