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Photographica Pages
An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff
Varilux Meter Attachment for Exakta
The Varilux is a very unusual accessory that allows for through the lens
metering with close-up equipment. It mounts onto the camera like a lens, and
then bellows, extension tubes or lenses may be mounted onto it as if it were a
camera. It can only be used for close-up work because the lens is left too far
away to focus to infinity.
The Varilux has an internal slide which lowers a meter cell in between the
lens and the film. It had to be connected to an external meter by the terminals
on the front towards the top. This is a very uncommon accessory. Some versions
are not marked Varilux, and there may be different types of meter cells used.
![](ihagee/exaaccess/varilux1.jpg)
The Varilux with the cell raised in the shooting position.
![](ihagee/exaaccess/varilux2.jpg)
The Varilux with the cell lowered to the metering position.
![](ihagee/exaaccess/varilux3.jpg)
The Varilux mounted between a camera and bellows in a typical
macro setup.
![](ihagee/exaaccess/varilux1.jpg)
![](ihagee/exaaccess/varilux2.jpg)
![](ihagee/exaaccess/varilux3.jpg)