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Overview
The first WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. was introduced in 1954. All WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. subsequent models have four features that define them and make them easy to recognise.
- The film advance is incorporated into the lens housing. A twist to contact the shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. and advance the 35mm film.
- A removable screw-on lens cover that doubles as a lens shade.
- The film frame counter and rewind are on the bottom of the camera
- The whole back of the camera can be removed to access the film and mechanism
- The whole design is ‘modern', compact, and sleek.
My WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 has a Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar Lens and a Synchro-Compur ShutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. (1 to 1/500th & B). Although research shows that some WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 cameras are equipped with a coated Novonar f/3.5 lens and a Vebur shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. with a top speed of 1/250 and slow speeds down to 1s.
To my eyes, the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 is a beautiful camera with its smooth lines and space-age looks. The camera looks simple and hides the complexity and advanced mechanics within.
The earliest WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 camera did not have a flash shoe later versions of the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 had a cold shoe mount above the viewfinder as well as some simple design changes including the addition of a WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. logo.
In many ways, for me, the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. camera is an example of form over function. In that, the camera looks better than it handles. Having said that the mechanical construction is excellent and there are lots of good-condition working examples available.
Werra 1 Gallery
Werra camera model range
The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 is the basic and as you may guess the first model: no rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. , no meter. The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 2 (or II) has an uncoupled meter in the top plate but no rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. ; the 3 has a coupled rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. but no meter; the 4 and 5 each have a rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. and uncoupled meter; the Werramat is similar to the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 with a coupled meter and read-out in the viewfinder, and the Werramatic is a 3 with a ’Mat-style meter. Early models had different top plates; late models used a common top plate with a removable front window to allow several configurations with the same top plate.
Where and how to buy a Werra Camera
Good examples of WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. cameras are available in all the usual outlets. As with buying any camera read the description and double-check what is being sold. Also, check where the camera is being shipped from. With most sites, you can filter the results for your country. Buying a camera overseas may be good value but it can attract additional taxes when imported. When searching you may find that cameras are posted as WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. Mat, Werramatic, WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1, or WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. I (capital i). WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. used both numbers and roman numerals in the camera description. If you are looking for a WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 like the one featured in this post you may alo want to add ‘olive' or ‘green' to the description.
More specifically with WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. cameras, it is essential that the shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. twist mechanism works and the shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. fires. They are difficult to repair. The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. I does not use batteries or have a light meterA device that measures the scene’s luminosity in order to determine the best exposure value. Light meters can be part of a camera or a separate instrument. There are both analogue and electronic light meters. – later models do have a light meterA device that measures the scene’s luminosity in order to determine the best exposure value. Light meters can be part of a camera or a separate instrument. There are both analogue and electronic light meters. but it is unlikely that it will be working.
Werra cameras available through Etsy
Werra Wiki
Werra
WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area., a twist apart
Contents
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The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. is a series of 35mm viewfinder or rangefinder cameras manufactured by the Carl Zeiss Jena factory, which was primarily a lens-making plant. The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. is named after a small German river.
The cameras offer a high degree of control with a minimum number of levers, knobs or rings. In their simplest incarnations, the Werras feature only a shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. release button on the top plate. With its streamlined styling, one could call the Werras a design camera. Nearly all other controls are incorporated into the lens barrel.
Twist that lens!
The most unique feature of the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. is the covered ring around the lens barrel. Twisting the ring cocks the shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. and advances the film in one motion. In addition, the lens cap doubles as a shade (compare the pictures below).
The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. uses a central shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS.. It has flash sync at all speeds (B, 1 to 1/750s). It has an X and M setting and a self-timer V.
Markings on this camera
The lens, a 50/2.8 Tessar, is often marked T instead of Tessar and Jena instead of Carl Zeiss Jena because of a conflict between the East- and West-German division of the firm -- though examples of export Werras with both disputed marks do exist.
On the lower left part of the barrel or shutter speed dial, there is a logo, "Q1," meaning "Erste Qualität" or first quality. This was a designation for East-German exports to the West. Models meant for the home market lack this logo.
The lower right side featured the Ernemann tower logo derived from a tower found at Ernemann's camera factory in Dresden.
Variations and later models
Several variations were made.[1] In keeping with the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of the camera, the different models are not distinguished by different names on the camera bodies. There is an olive green version of the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1. The WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 2 and Werramatic models have selenium cell lightmeters. The models WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. III, WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. IV, WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. V and Werramatic have a coupled rangefinder together with interchangeable lenses, allowing tele- and wide-angle lenses.
Notes
- ↑ Alfred Klomp lists five versions of the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area., three versions of the WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. E, Werramat and Werramatic variations, and some sub-variations.
Links
In English:
- Werra 1 review at Casual Photophile
- Werramatic by Alfred Klomp.
- Werra cameras evolution at cameracollector.net
- Werra, the design that came from the east at Classic Cameras by RaúlM.
- Werra 1-4 and Werra Matic PDF manual from www.OrphanCameras.com
- Werra 1-3 WerraMAT PDF manual from www.OrphanCameras.com
- Werra 1-5 Werra V PDF manual from www.OrphanCameras.com
In French:
- Werra page (in French) at KRG's website (archived)
- Werra page at Dirapon website (in French)
- Werra I, Werra Ic, Werra Ie on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand (in French)
Instagram #werra1
Resources and links
Fixing a rusty Werra – Simon Hawkett part 1 and Part 2 – detailed repair of a WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1
Werra Cameras – CJ's Classic Camera Collection Comprehensive post covering all WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. cameras and attachments
Carl Zeiss Jena Werra 1 Review – Function Following Form Review of WerraWerra cameras were made in Eastern Germany, GDR, from 1954 to 1968 by Carl Zeiss Jena, at the Eisfeld factory. Werra comes from the name of a small river close to the factory. So if you search for Werra you will often find photos of the river and surrounding area. 1 – also read comments about later models
Werra; An East German Wonder Note there are two pages full of content.
Photography Books
- Photo Walk Log Book – 30 Walks and 20 Top Tips£4.00
- The PurmaTom Purvis, a renowned artist, and Alfred C. Mayo founded Purma Cameras Ltd. in 1935. David Brock of Brock Fireworks gave financial help to launch the company in London. Their office was at Brock House, Langham St, London W1. (Tom Purvis is perhaps better known as a commercial artist who was responsible for many of the great LNER Railway posters of the 1930s.) Camera Book: A Vintage Camera Guide – Hardback£16.00
- The YashicaYashica was a Japanese manufacturer of cameras, originally active from 1949 until 2005 when its then-owner, Kyocera, ceased production. 35 Camera Book – Hardback£24.00
- The YashicaYashica was a Japanese manufacturer of cameras, originally active from 1949 until 2005 when its then-owner, Kyocera, ceased production. 35 Camera Book – ebook£1.99
- McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 1992-1993£15.00
- OlympusOlympus introduced its first camera in 1936, the Semi-Olympus I, fitted with the first Zuiko-branded lens. The first innovative camera series from Olympus was the Pen, launched in 1959. The half-frame format, allowing 72 pictures of 18 × 24 mm format on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, made Pen cameras compact and portable for their time. Pixel More Pen Camera Guide – Focal Press First Edition 1963£5.00
- Photography Log Booklet 35mm 384 Exposures: Tables of Six Exposures per Page.£3.95
- Photography Log Booklet 35mm 192 Exposures: Tables of Six Exposures per Page.£4.25