Exakta Duplex

The Duplex by Ihagee/Exakta represents an important early chapter in the development of 35mm photography, occupying a transitional period between the experimental years of small-format cameras and the mass-market adoption that would come later. Produced from 1925 to 1933, this camera emerged during the same era as Leica's groundbreaking models, establishing Exakta as one of the pioneering manufacturers in the 35mm format. The camera's dual-name origin reflects its developmental period—it was initially marketed under the Ihagee brand before becoming part of the Exakta line that would later gain more recognition. While specific technical details are less well-documented than those of more famous contemporaries, the Duplex helped establish the viability of 35mm photography at a time when this format was still finding its footing in the professional and enthusiast markets.

As one of Exakta's first 35mm offerings, the Duplex featured interchangeable lenses—a significant innovation for its time that would become standard in modern photography. The camera employed the 135 format (35mm film in cassettes), which was gradually gaining acceptance despite initial resistance from photographers accustomed to larger formats. Though production was limited and its design was not as influential as some contemporaries, the Duplex contributed to the technical foundation upon which Exakta would build more sophisticated models. Its existence demonstrates the parallel developments occurring across different manufacturers in the formative years of small-format photography, ultimately helping to shape the direction of camera design for decades to come.