The Werra covered a range of models produced by Carl Zeiss Jena, distinguished by the features fitted to each camera as well as progress over time. They all share an unusual streamlined look with the shutter tensioning and film advance by a short twist of a bezel at the base of the lens. The lens hood reverses over the lens when not in use which adds to the compact shape. The covering on some models is green vulcanite on others black.

• I - Basic model without exposure meter or rangefinder. Various lenses were fitted. Introduced 1954.
• II - Fitted with selenium exposure meter. Tessar lens. Introduced 1957.
• III - Fitted with coupled rangefinder and interchangeable lenses. Tessar lens. Introduced 1957.
• IV - Fitted with coupled rangefinder, uncoupled exposure meter and interchangeable lenses. Tessar lens. Introduced 1957.
• V - Specification as a model IV except the meter is coupled, meter needle is visible in finder. Tessar lens. Introduced 1960.
• Werramat - Coupled exposure meter but fixed lens and no rangefinder. Introduced 1961.
• Werramatic - A renamed model V. Introduced 1961.

In 1959 the Vebor shutter was replaced by the Prestor RVS.

Interchangeable Lenses:

• 35 mm Flektogon.
• 50 mm Tessar.
• 100 mm Cardinar.

On the model IV the film speed, shutter speed and apertures are cross-coupled. In use the film speed is set around the shutter housing. The meter dial shows apertures, the indicated aperture is set against an index on the lens, the coupling is disengaging for this. The most suitable shutter speed and aperture pair can then be selected by moving one dial.

The finder is exceptionally bright. The shutter blades open when being tensioned requiring a capping blade. In 1960 a model IV cost £44.9.6, wide-angle and long-focus lenses cost £25.18.6.