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Exakta 66 Model I Medium Format Film Camera

The Exakta Model I is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its 120 Film Format and Medium Format SLR Design. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Exakta 66 Model I Medium Format Film Camera

Exakta 66 Model I Medium Format Film Camera

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Overview — Exakta Model I

The Exakta 66 Model I is a medium format SLR film camera manufactured during the 1980s, designed for photographers who demand the image quality that only the 120 film format can deliver. Built around a focal plane shutter design, the camera offers a level of flexibility rarely found in medium format systems of its era, allowing users to pair it with a wide range of interchangeable lenses via its lens mount system. Weighing between 1,500g and 1,600g, this is a substantial, solidly built camera that communicates a sense of purposeful construction.

Manual focus operation puts full optical control in the photographer's hands, making it well suited to deliberate, considered shooting styles — studio work, portraiture, and landscape photography being natural fits. A hot shoe provides flash compatibility for those who incorporate artificial lighting into their workflow. Shooting on 120 roll film means photographers benefit from the larger negative size that medium format is known for, offering a significant step up in detail and tonal richness compared to smaller film formats.

For collectors and working film photographers alike, the Exakta 66 Model I represents an interesting piece of 1980s medium format engineering.

Key Features — Exakta Model I

120 Film Format: Shoots standard 120 roll film, producing a larger negative than 35mm for greater detail and tonal depth.

Medium Format SLR Design: Through-the-lens viewing via a reflex mirror gives accurate framing and focus confirmation directly through the taking lens.

Focal Plane Shutter: Built-in focal plane shutter allows use of a broader range of interchangeable lenses without requiring a leaf shutter in each optic.

Interchangeable Lens System: Dedicated lens mount supports a range of compatible lenses, enabling photographers to adapt to different focal lengths and shooting scenarios.

Manual Focus Operation: Fully manual focus gives the photographer direct, deliberate control over focus placement — well suited to studio and portrait work.

Substantial Build Quality: Weighing between 1,500g and 1,600g, the body has a solid, purposeful construction typical of professional medium format cameras of its era.

Specifications — Exakta Model I

Exakta Model I full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Studio, Architecture
SensorMedium Format
AF SystemManual Focus Only
Lens MountOther

Description — Exakta Model I

The Exakta 66 Model I is a medium format SLR film camera from the 1980s, built around the 120 film format and featuring a focal plane shutter design. It accepts interchangeable lenses through its proprietary lens mount, giving photographers the ability to tailor their optical setup to the task at hand. Operation is entirely manual focus, placing creative control firmly with the photographer.

A hot shoe is included for attaching external flash units, extending the camera's usability into controlled lighting environments. With a body weight ranging from 1,500g to 1,600g, the Exakta 66 Model I is a robust, physically present camera — the kind of tool built for purposeful, deliberate image-making. Whether you're approaching it as a working film photographer or as a collector of vintage medium format equipment, the Exakta 66 Model I offers a tangible connection to professional medium format photography of its decade.

Pros — Exakta Model I

  • ✓Shoots 120 medium format film, delivering the larger negative area that the format is associated with
  • ✓Focal plane shutter design offers flexibility in lens and flash usage
  • ✓Interchangeable lens system allows adaptation to a variety of shooting scenarios

Cons — Exakta Model I

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for faster-paced shooting situations
  • ✗Weighing up to 1,600g, the camera is on the heavier end and may be fatiguing for extended handheld use
  • ✗Lens mount is categorized as 'Other,' meaning compatibility with modern or widely available lens systems may require research or adaptation

Videos — Exakta Model I

Testing a Rare Medium Format Film Camera with a Special Lens — Kyle McDougall

Resources & Downloads — Exakta Model I

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Exakta Model I

What film does the Exakta 66 Model I use?+
The Exakta 66 Model I is compatible with 120 roll film, which is the standard medium format film size. This format provides a larger negative area compared to 35mm film.
Does the Exakta 66 Model I support interchangeable lenses?+
Yes, the camera supports interchangeable lenses. However, the lens mount is categorized as 'Other' in the specifications, so prospective buyers should verify compatibility with specific lenses before purchasing.
Can I use flash with the Exakta 66 Model I?+
Yes, the camera features a hot shoe, allowing you to attach compatible external flash units directly to the camera body.
Is the Exakta 66 Model I a manual focus camera?+
Yes, the camera operates with manual focus only. There is no autofocus system, so the photographer must set focus manually using the lens controls.
How heavy is the Exakta 66 Model I?+
The camera weighs between 1,500g and 1,600g according to the specifications, making it a relatively substantial piece of equipment to carry and handle.
When was the Exakta 66 Model I manufactured?+
The Exakta 66 Model I was manufactured during the 1980s, placing it in a period when medium format SLR cameras were widely used by professional photographers.

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