Identify this prism

sbattert · Jul 31, 2012

Can you identify this pentaprism? It's marked Germany, USSR Occupied, KW, so I can safely assume Kamera-Werkstätten was the manufacturer. I'm also assuming it's a 35mm SLR, but that's just a guess. What camera does it go to?

Btw, in researching this piece, I found this really interesting article: John Noble

elekm · Jul 31, 2012

Could you shed a little more light on it? Literally, I mean. Much of the object is in shadow, and it's a bit difficult to see its shape and such.

It's always sort of fun finding these kind of mystery things.

sbattert · Aug 1, 2012

Here are some more. Hopefully this helps.

E. von Hoegh · Aug 1, 2012

I'm thinking Exakta. Dresden was in the Russian sector.

Wait, there's a 'K' and 'S', I don't know. Maybe try searching for camera maufactureer in Dresden?

sbattert · Aug 1, 2012

the K is actually a KW logo, which in 1945 would stand for VEB Kamera-Werkstaetten Niedersedlitz, the maker of Praktiflex. So I think that narrows it down some.

E. von Hoegh · Aug 1, 2012

sbattert said:
the K is actually a KW logo, which in 1945 would stand for VEB Kamera-Werkstaetten Niedersedlitz, the maker of Praktiflex. So I think that narrows it down some.

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Praktiflex

dehk · Aug 1, 2012

My 2 cents, Its def. not Exakta.

E. von Hoegh · Aug 1, 2012

dehk said:
My 2 cents, Its def. not Exakta.

We figured that out already.

sbattert · Aug 2, 2012

But is it for the Praktiflex or another camera?

E. von Hoegh · Aug 2, 2012

sbattert said:
But is it for the Praktiflex or another camera?

Damfino.

sbattert · Aug 2, 2012

Rol_Lei Nut · Aug 2, 2012

KW also made Praktinas and I would have thought they would have been a good candidate, having interchangeable viewfinders... But haven't seen that one in any list of Praktina prisms either...

Who made the Pentacon Super? Maybe it fit that...

Ian Grant · Aug 2, 2012

Praktika made the Pentacon Super long after the KW brand had evolved and changed name but its roots are KW. KW also made the Pentacon 6 which was original known as a Praktisix.

This prism was exported to the US who insisted on the "Germany, USSR Occupied" marking.

The story of KW and John & Charles Noble is quite interesting, the company was very innovative making the first 35mm (full) system cameras, Exacta's never had motor drives and bulk backs.

The eye-cup fit is the same as the later Prakticamat and Nova, etc, cameras.

Ian

Identify this prism

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