The Akarelle P departs significantly from the sophistication of its predecessors. It represents more of an aesthetic modification akin to the Arette models rather than a continuation of the original Akarelle line. The characteristics of the Akarelle P are modest, and all the unique features that defined the brand have vanished. The lens is fixed, and the materials used are of lower quality. The subpar Isco lens is the kind found in economical German productions from the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s.

It's evident that the brand was in its twilight years and had to resort to using a camera manufactured by Regula or Franka to have something to offer in its lineup.

The brand logo on this model is ambiguous, leaving one to decipher whether it reads Aka or Akw.

The history of the Aka brand (an acronym for Apparate & Kamerabau) is closely linked to World War II and its aftermath. The brand was founded in 1946 by the Armbuster brothers in the French sector. One of the brothers had skills in camera production, having worked for major German manufacturers of cameras and shutters. The other had a foundry and a tool factory.

Production of a central shutter camera with interchangeable lenses began in an old hotel in Wildbad. This camera was called the Akarette and aimed to be a more affordable competitor to the Leica. The first models produced negatives of 24 x 32 mm, which allowed for more shots per film. However, this was quickly abandoned in favor of the 24 x 36 mm standard. Production gradually increased with the German economy's recovery, requiring larger premises. Unable to find any in Wildbad, the company moved to the shores of Lake Constance, to Friedrichshafen, in the former pilot school. Production started there in April 1949. The range diversified with simpler models than the first Akarette, or more elaborate models with rangefinders.

In 1958, one of the brothers left the company for Feinwerktechnik, while developing a stereo camera compatible with View-Master, whose financing was a source of dispute between the brothers. This departure marked the beginning of the company's decline. Bankruptcy followed in 1960. A new company, Arette Feinwerktechnik GmbH, built cameras until 1963, using the parts still in stock.

Aka cameras are sometimes found at French flea markets. Sellers who know the history of their camera often mention its purchase by a conscript who served in Germany, either in the Black Forest or around Lindau, in the 1950s.

1 As a reminder, the French, American, British, and Soviet sectors were the result of the Yalta agreements that defined a partition of Nazi Germany between the victorious powers. Each occupying force exercised full administration over its sector. In 1949, the creation of the two German states significantly reduced the prerogatives of the four occupying nations. Military presence was maintained until after reunification in 1993.

2 Friedrichshafen is the city of Zeppelin and Dornier airplanes.

(original document in german)