Automatic diaphragm
No instant return mirror
Same as Ib, but all black with greater use of plastic
The information about the following exakta cameras were provided by Gary Turner.
From Jacob:
The exa 1a was produced as a "little sister" model to the more
expensive exas (with cloth shutter). It hat the exa/exakta bayonet mount. Due to
the very simple shutter mechanism (which is, by the way, very smooth -- no
vibrations, hold the 1/30 free-hand with f 50 mm or more), shutter speed is
limited to around 1/150 s (varies within models). The 1b was a modification
towards the more commonly available m42 lenses -- somehow a step back, but then
was highly appeciated by customers; m42 lenses were cheaper and still are. The
1c was another modification -- more plastic parts, black outline, produced in a
different factory -- but otherwise identical to the 1b. The camera back is not
"interchangeable" but just goes off in order to load a film. Very crude, but
just works. A perfect camera for indoor shots without flash -- iso 400
print film, 1/30, any m42 wide-angle 2.8 (I use a Tamron 2.4/24 which is
tremendously sharp) will give fine results even in low pub lighting. Once you
have experience in using the non-prism top-view finder (pic is sharp when you
see more details than before), you'll love it. It is good work, although
minimalism in technical things. Wind, point, focus, trigger -- and here you are.
No more need for batteries or manuals. Due to the lack of high shutter speeds,
this camera is not intended for use with tele optics. But it is an SLR. WYSIWYG.
Outdoors, use a good light meter. Not a "one cam does all" model, but still
great. Very reliable, probably survives a plane crash.