The Exa 1b is the sturdy response from Dresden to whatever life served up between East German high-rises and the Baltic beaches.
While the West was busy developing its first analog SLRs made largely of plastic, the Exa stayed true to heavy metal and a handful of straightforward shutter speeds. No light meter, no shortcuts—instead, you get that iconic trapezoid shape and a left-handed shutter button that lets you know right away: things are done differently here.
It’s a camera for individualists who kept their cool even when waiting in line for imported fruit. Salt-of-the-earth, rock-solid, and definitely not found in any Intershop.