Exakta Ultrix Simplex 1360

Produced by Exakta between 1924 and 1933, the Ultrix Simplex 1360 represents an early and practical attempt at the 35mm format camera market. While its specific type is unclear today, its 135 designation confirms it used the standard 35mm cine film, adapting it for still photography during a period when this format was still finding its footing for amateur use. Exakta, a German manufacturer known later for their pioneering SLR models, positioned this camera as an accessible option, likely featuring a simple fixed lens, basic shutter speeds, and a straightforward film transport mechanism. Its longevity of nearly a decade suggests it offered a reliable, if unspectacular, entry point into small-format photography for enthusiasts.

The Ultrix Simplex 1360 occupies a significant niche as a precursor to the more famous Exakta SLRs that followed. It embodies the era's transition from larger formats towards the convenience of 35mm, demonstrating the German photographic industry's early engagement with this emerging technology. Its production run predates the landmark Kine Exakta SLR of 1936 by over a decade, placing it alongside other foundational 35mm cameras like the early Leicas. While lacking the groundbreaking features of its successors, its consistent manufacturing run indicates it filled a specific market demand for a compact, affordable 35mm camera during the formative years of the format.