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Ihagee Kine Exakta I (round viewfinder) (before war edition)

The Kine Exakta I is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced by the Dresden maker Ihagee in the 1930s, and is generally recognised as one of the earliest 35mm SLR designs to reach the market. The pre-war edition is distinguished by its round magnifier on the waist-level finder, a detail collectors use to separate it from later rectangular-finder versions.

At UK auction the pre-war round-finder Kine Exakta I is a scarce lot: the two hammer results on record sit at £850 and £1,900, giving a wide spread that reflects how condition and completeness drive what this camera is worth today. Because sample size is very small, the market_price at saleroom level is best read as a guide rather than a firm figure, and exceptional outfits can sell for considerably more than tired bodies.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
square viewfinder (later pre-war production change) — — 1 £100 – £100
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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: January 2025

Date Price Source Variant
Jan 2025 £100 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services square viewfinder (later pre-war production change)
Jun 2023 EUR 1,100 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Jun 2021 EUR 850 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2019 EUR 1,000 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Jun 2017 EUR 700 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2016 EUR 1,300 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2016 EUR 1,000 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
May 2009 EUR 1,400 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Jun 2008 EUR 1,500 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2006 EUR 1,900 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
May 2006 EUR 1,550 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2005 EUR 2,600 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2004 EUR 2,240 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction —
Mar 2004 £573 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Sep 2002 £587 🇬🇧 Christie's —

Frequently asked questions

What is a pre-war Kine Exakta I with round viewfinder worth?

The two recorded UK auction hammer prices are £850 and £1,900, so the value of a clean, working example today generally sits within that range depending on condition and accessories.

How much does a Kine Exakta I sell for at auction?

Recent UK saleroom results for the round-finder pre-war edition show a price spread from £850 to £1,900 at the hammer, excluding buyer's premium.

How can I tell a pre-war Kine Exakta I from later versions?

The pre-war edition uses a round magnifier in the waist-level finder, whereas later Exakta I bodies adopted a rectangular magnifier.

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