Hi to all.
there is a long history of this make and an enormous number of several models produced since the 60s.
Does anybody know , which one is recommnedable and which less or not recommendable and could tell me the reasons ?
Without any deeper knowledge the MTL5 and the older LLC got in my focus or a TL 1000. I would be contended even with a meterless model, would save me the battery issue.
Which one, and which lenses ? I would take a 2,8/29, 1,8/50 and a 2,8/135 ?
Any specials ?
Thanks !
bertram
Bertram,
The Pentacon company can trace its roots to the very beginning of camera making in Dresden, through Zeiss-Ikon. The most direct bloodline is from KW (Guthe & Thorsch), where it started as the pre-war Praktiflex; after the post-war adoption of the Contax M42X1mm mount it became the Praktica.
If you are interested in Praktica M42X1 screw mount models, here is a brief rundown of the generations:
1. The waist-level series: very traditional and simple cameras, only the later models feature automatic stop-down striker plate, but provide the function of disengagement for compatibility with early lenses with greater intrusion into the mount. I have a specimen of the first model Praktica, and it is a jewel!
2. The IV-V series: basically a late model waist-level FX-type with permanently fixed pentaprism, along with modifications like an added lever wind at camera bottom like the Retina. It is considered by some commentators as the one with the best engineering. If you can get a VF of VFB, buy it; it is very rare and the first one with modern shutter speed progression and instant-return mirror.
3. The Nova series: a new chassis with normal top-mounted level wind. The Nova still has the old dual-range rotating shutter speed dial but the Nova I models have modern non-rotating dial incorporating all speeds. Generally in poorer conditions when found, but still very useable. Variations include two TTL-metering versions, the Prakticamat and the Super TL; the Super TL is the first one without the disengageable automatic diaphragm actuator. They take the dreaded PX625 button cell and the metering accuracy can be a little dicey now.
4. The L-series: New-look, "folded paper" styling with metal shutter. Made in five generations. Those with "LC" or "EE" in the names require a large PX21 alkaline cell which might be a little tricky to find, and they feature full-aperture metering if used with "electric" lenses. Those with "TL" in the names also have TTL metering but using the stop-down principle so can be more compatible, and they use the PX625 as well, except for a few models. Speaking of the more common, later ones, the MTL5B uses a standard 76/44 button cell and may be the pick of the lot, and the MTL50 made prior to that uses a PX28 which is basically four of those 76/44 stacked together, as used by the Canon A-series and others. if you don't like to mess with batteries, you can consider the L or the L2, from the first and second generation respectively; they are completely meterless.
Nearly all of the original screw-mount lenses for Prakticas were supplied by two firms: Carl Zeiss of Jena, and Hugo Meyer of Gorlitz; the latter firm was bought by Pentacon and gradually the Meyer name was replaced by Pentacon. Very few of these lenses are less than satisfactory; in fact I prefer them to almost all others regardess of origin and age.
If you like Meyer lenses, the Orestegon 29/2.8, Oreston 50/1.8, Orestor 135/2.8 (and the Pentacon-badged equivalences) make for a nice allround kit. Earlier lenses such as the Lydith 30/3.5 (preset diaphragm), Orestor 100/2.8, Orestegor 200/4 are also very capable.
From the Zeiss stable, you might want to consider a trio consisting of the Flektogon 35/2.4 (or the earlier 35/2.8), Pancolar 50/1.8 (or the very scarce 50/2), and the Sonnar 135/3.5 (or the earlier 135/4). The Pancolar nowadays are sought after, but the simple Tessar 50/2.8 is still no slouch. Other Zeiss lenses of note are Flektogon 20/2.8 and the earlier 20/4, Pancolar 80/1.8 and the big Sonnars.
Good luck!
