However, considering that the initial Akarette model was perceived as expensive during a time when Germany was still facing significant economic challenges, a more affordable model was introduced to the market—the Akarette 0. It is identifiable by its black front plate (which often turns brown with time, as seen in this specimen). The Akarette 0 does not have a self-timer, even though the shutter barrel underneath is equipped with a slot for a lever. It features two separate viewfinders for the 50mm and 75mm lenses; in the latter, a yellow filter stands out to prevent confusion. The small lever that moved an obstruction in the viewfinder, considered too costly and complicated to assemble, is absent in the Akarette 0. An accessory shoe is present on the viewfinder housing.

However, the lens mount remains the same, allowing the use of lenses from the Akarette series. The lens isn't exactly a screw mount but is secured by a rotating ring (the second ring from the camera body).

Like all cameras in this family, this model exudes a sense of quality and craftsmanship, even in this basic version.

There is a distinction between the Akarette 0a, featuring a Vario shutter (1/200), and the Akarette 0b, equipped with a Prontor shutter (1/300), which is slightly more expensive.

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)