Exakta 66 (vertical) (1948)

This Exakta 66 (vertical) (1948) represents a transitional phase for Exakta, offering their single-lens reflex technology in the popular 135 (35mm) format during a brief production run from 1953 to 1954. While sharing Exakta's reputation for pioneering SLR design, exemplified by their earlier Kine Exakta, this specific model is distinguished by its vertical orientation and was positioned as a more accessible option for enthusiasts. It featured a sturdy metal construction typical of Exakta products, offering TTL focusing through a waist-level finder, and utilized a reliable focal-plane shutter, making it a capable tool for serious amateur photographers seeking the versatility of interchangeable lenses in a compact 35mm package. Its brief lifespan suggests it may have faced competition or market challenges during that period.

As a product of Exakta's era, it embodies the company's commitment to bringing SLR functionality to the 35mm format after their pioneering work with larger roll films. While not achieving the legendary status of contemporaries like the Leica M3 or Nikon F, it holds significance as a tangible piece of Exakta's history and an early example of a 35mm SLR offering. Its vertical design and specific production window make it a distinct, though relatively niche, model for collectors interested in the evolution of Exakta's camera lines and the development of 35mm SLR technology before the Japanese boom. Its practical features and durable build offered Exakta users a familiar experience adapted to the most widespread film format.