introduction | Alka | 16 | 16 FR | 16 M | 16 S | 16-S | 16 U | 16 MB | Franka engraved | Franka label

The Edixa 16 started a series of Germany subminiature cameras using the RADA film cassette.  Since it used the RADA-style cassette it also had a rewind crank. The RADA cassette uses single perforated 16mm film. Some cameras, such as the Goldammer Goldeck 16 kept the 10x14mm format but the Edixa and the Rollei have 12x17mm format. Only the Rollei utilities the perforations to advance the film. The Edixa and Goldeck are both advanced by a take up spool.

The Wirgin Brothers of Wiesbaden had been making roll film cameras since the 1930s. The Edixa 16 was introduced in 1960. The camera has a number of novel  design features. It is small at 84x42x32mm (3 1/4x1 5/8 x1 3/8") weighing only 178g (6.25oz). the lens is behind a UV filter. The large silvered viewfinder has frame lines for close focusing. When viewing the frame counter the film advance is a large lever on the left with the clipped down rewind crank on the right. The three milled wheels on the top are the film speed setting and EV aperture dial that can be coupled to a light meter, the shutter release with cable release thread and the focusing dial. On dual scale models this marked in  black for metric and in red for imperial measurement, reading 0.4m to infinity but only from 1.5ft (MB) and only from 2 ft on earlier models.

The coupled light meter, an optional attachment introduced in 1963, is un-marked. The red needle pointer following controlled by the dial. The un-coupled meter, fitted to the 16 -U- model has a scale to take readings. EV scales where fitted to many top camera models at the time. This scale attempts to set both aperture and shutter with one scale often getting it wrong. The LW lever (thumb wheel on later models) is called a change over lever and when taking photographs at 1/30th second allows the aperture to be set independently. For close up  set the distance to 2m (7 ft) where, at EV 12 everything from 1.46m  (5ft) to 3.20m (11 ft) will be sharp. When the EV took over there is no indication at what aperture or shutter speed the camera will be set at. Shutter speeds of 1/30 - 1/150. 

Although well-designed and quite small the film door locking mechanism of the earlier versions is usually now loose.  Other accessories, besides the clip-on selenium exposure meter included push-on filters, flash gun, neck chain, projector, and slide mounts. The cases are either for the camera alone or with coupled meter attached. Cases with a zip and in the style of the Minox B with a button down flap and hole for the case where sold with the camera.

Sold in 1960 the Alka is a branded version of the Edixa 16 with a 25mm (f2.8) lens.

The Edixa 16 was sold in 1960 and has a Kreuznach Xenar Schneider 25mm (f2.8-16) or Ulm-Donau Travegar Schacht 25mm (f2.8-16) lens. Other variations include the lens surround being square or circular and the change over lever being a pointer or circular knob. The film door (bottom of the camera) is secured by a dial that locks onto a very small hook which is usually worn and insecure. The film advance lever is often loose.