Praktica Appreciation Thread

[chuck3565]

I just got a Praktica BMS electronic with a 135F2.8 lens. I am a lont time Nikon user but I read some interesting reviews about praktica and pentagon and I decided to give it a try.
The shutter and advancing seems to work fine (I haven't bought the batteries yet) but the viewfinder is very dark, to the point that I am able to focus only in full light. As I only have that one lens I wonder whether it could be a lens issue or a viewfinder issue, and if it's a known problem.
Update: I found the lens being stuck to the smallest aperture, I will try to see if I am able to release the aperture mechanism, but any suggestion will be more than welcome

B series Prakticas have bright viewfinders in contrast to the L series. I would guess there is oil on the aperture blades. Working the lever on the back of the lens back and forth might make it usable for a while.

 

[chuck3565]

Is asking price of €150/- for Praktica BX20 with 50mm Pentacon lens any reasonable? I am bit surprised and should I bring the sanity to the seller?

8 years ago I bought a brand new BX20s for $75.00 so 150 Euros for a lesser camera seems a wee high.

 

[BJC0000]

New member and first post so I hope someone's still reading this thread.
I have a Praktica IV (several actually) with a jammed shutter - jammed cocked.
Having taken several to bits out of curiosity I have a good idea how to open them up; but here's the problem.
The advance lever can only be removed when the shutter is released - but I can't release the shutter so I can't get the top cover off - catch 22.
I know the camera isn't valuable but I hate to be beaten by inanimate objects.
Anyone know how to release the shutter?

 

[GRHazelton]

I just picked up this camera, marked as a Praktica LTL. However, the leatherette, plastic-tipped winder, rewind knob and split screen focus aid in the viewfinder are all consistent with later models, specifically the MTL 5. Does anyone know if this variant of LTL was supposed to have existed? Maybe someone serviced an MTL 5 at some point and put an LTL top cover on it. I have not found any index of Praktica serial numbers vs. model or date to check against.

Praktica LTL by Howard Sandler, on Flickr

Interesting. My old LTL, bought in perhaps 1972, has rather plebeian leatherette covering, no plastic tip on the advance lever, and a self-timer. Focus aid is a microprism circle.

 

[AgX]

I assume that on the L-series the split-image focusing aid was only included from the 3rd generation on.
(Exception: VLC, with its exchangable screens)

 

[markjwyatt]

New member and first post so I hope someone's still reading this thread.
I have a Praktica IV (several actually) with a jammed shutter - jammed cocked.
Having taken several to bits out of curiosity I have a good idea how to open them up; but here's the problem.
The advance lever can only be removed when the shutter is released - but I can't release the shutter so I can't get the top cover off - catch 22.
I know the camera isn't valuable but I hate to be beaten by inanimate objects.
Anyone know how to release the shutter?

Sorry to hear that. Are Praktica VF's similar? I have one, and the lower speed settings do not work ("B" works), so I suspect I need to get a cover off (I was thinking maybe the lower).

Any online instructions for older Prakticas (preferably in English, but German could work).

 

[BJC0000]

Sorry to hear that. Are Praktica VF's similar? I have one, and the lower speed settings do not work ("B" works), so I suspect I need to get a cover off (I was thinking maybe the lower).

Any online instructions for older Prakticas (preferably in English, but German could work).

Information on repairing the early Prakticas is hard to find - I've spent HOURS searching and either it's well hidden or simply not there (or my search technique is rubbish).
To ask the obvious: you are lining up the red triangles on the speed selector when trying the low speeds?
links you may find useful if not seen already:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/20735/16844.html?1256997248
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/5957.html?1147650201
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/6502.html?1148165155
Finally a diagram for removing the top cover. (I was reluctant to post this as I can't acknowledge the origin -

I can't quickly find the site it came from - if anyone recognises it please let me know).

 

[BJC0000]

PS. Praktica models MX, FX, IV &V and all variations thereof are pretty similar.

 

[Helios 1984]

Finally a diagram for removing the top cover. (I was reluctant to post this as I can't acknowledge the origin -View attachment 241232 I can't quickly find the site it came from - if anyone recognises it please let me know).

Rick Oleson aka Very reliable.
- Link 1
- Link 2

 

[AgX]

links you may find useful if not seen already:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/20735/16844.html?1256997248
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/5957.html?1147650201
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/6502.html?1148165155

Welcome to Apug !

Link #2 is for the Praktina

 

[BJC0000]

Rick Oleson aka Very reliable.
- Link 1
- Link 2

Thanks for that - never considered checking Flickr

 

[markjwyatt]

@BeejayC, @Helios 1984, Thanks. Gives me some ideas.

 

[BJC0000]

Welcome to Apug !

Link #2 is for the Praktina

Quite right - just pulled out 3 of the hundreds I have trying to find detailed info on these old models.

I'd echo the request made by markjwyatt - any repair diagrams, schematics exploded views..please, please post links

 

[markjwyatt]

@BeejayC, "To ask the obvious: you are lining up the red triangles on the speed selector when trying the low speeds?"

Yes, plus I chose the red numbered speeds as well. Only "B" seems to work as indicated.

 

[Helios 1984]

Thanks for that - never considered checking Flickr

A gold mine for camera tinkering but you have to dig because Google won’t help.

 

[chuck3565]

Information on repairing the early Prakticas is hard to find - I've spent HOURS searching and either it's well hidden or simply not there (or my search technique is rubbish).
To ask the obvious: you are lining up the red triangles on the speed selector when trying the low speeds?
links you may find useful if not seen already:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/20735/16844.html?1256997248
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/5957.html?1147650201
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/6502.html?1148165155
Finally a diagram for removing the top cover. (I was reluctant to post this as I can't acknowledge the origin -View attachment 241232 I can't quickly find the site it came from - if anyone recognizes it please let me know).

Information on repairing the early Prakticas is hard to find - I've spent HOURS searching and either it's well hidden or simply not there (or my search technique is rubbish).
To ask the obvious: you are lining up the red triangles on the speed selector when trying the low speeds?
links you may find useful if not seen already:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/20735/16844.html?1256997248
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/5957.html?1147650201
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/6502.html?1148165155
Finally a diagram for removing the top cover. (I was reluctant to post this as I can't acknowledge the origin -View attachment 241232 I can't quickly find the site it came from - if anyone recognises it please let me know).

Information on repairing the early Prakticas is hard to find - I've spent HOURS searching and either it's well hidden or simply not there (or my search technique is rubbish).
To ask the obvious: you are lining up the red triangles on the speed selector when trying the low speeds?
links you may find useful if not seen already:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/20735/16844.html?1256997248
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/5957.html?1147650201
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/6502.html?1148165155
Finally a diagram for removing the top cover. (I was reluctant to post this as I can't acknowledge the origin -View attachment 241232 I can't quickly find the site it came from - if anyone recognises it please let me know).

If you remove the bottom plate, you'll see a gear train. The gear bearings will have gummed up lube. If you don't want to lose springs or mess up the timing, I've had luck heating the gears while flushing them with a solvent, then dropping thin synthetic oil on the top of the pivots while heating the gears with a heat gun on low. Good luck.

 

[Ian Brett Cooper]

How about posting your results from your Praktica, good and bad experiences,stories etc.

I took a Praktica BC1 with me on a two-year European bicycle tour in 1984. It did just fine, despite being subjected to the usual searing heat and sub-zero temperatures, rainstorms and everything else that nature throws at you when you're cycling nearly every day for 3-8 hours and youth hosteling and camping. I was still using it in 1989 when it finally died due to getting thoroughly soaked in a final rainstorm. I loved that camera, and I doubt any of your Nikons or Canons or Minoltas could stand up to what my Praktica took in its stride. I suspect most folks who say Praktica cameras are no good have never used one.

 

[GRHazelton]

I took a Praktica BC1 with me on a two-year European bicycle tour in 1984. It did just fine, despite being subjected to the usual searing heat and sub-zero temperatures, rainstorms and everything else that nature throws at you when you're cycling nearly every day for 3-8 hours and youth hosteling and camping. I was still using it in 1989 when it finally died due to getting thoroughly soaked in a final rainstorm. I loved that camera, and I doubt any of your Nikons or Canons or Minoltas could stand up to what my Praktica took in its stride. I suspect most folks who say Praktica cameras are no good have never used one.

My LTL withstood perhaps 10 years of pretty heavy use, including being bounced of a sidewalk, and never missed a beat. I put it away many years ago when I went to Pentax K mount; when I checked it out a year or so ago the shutter sounded right! The excellent 50mm f1.8 lens needs a CLA, since the diaphragm is sluggish. I should have that attended to, and resurrect the Tamron f3.5 200mm I also have.

 

[Cholentpot]

Here's a new one.

I've been shooting 16mm stock through my MTL3. It's one of the few SLRs that allows me to do it. I use a Vivitar 24 2.8 and the results are quite something.

This is using Kodak Microfilm

Eastman XX

 

[AgX]

I took a Praktica BC1 with me on a two-year European bicycle tour in 1984.

Welcome to Apug/Photrio !

Assuming that are American, I do not expect you to have a brought over a BC1 from the US, but bought it in Europe. Am I right?

 

[Ian Brett Cooper]

Hi AgX,

I'm actually from England, but I've been living in the US since 1989.

I must have bought my BC1 in England (where I was living at the time). I don't recall buying it, but I do recall asking my dad for advice on what camera to buy, and he was a big Praktica fan, since he had been in the army and was stationed in Berlin in the 1950s. So he advised me to get a Praktica. I don't recall him giving a reason, other than that it was what he used. He had two Prakticas of his own. I'm guessing one was an L2, and the other might have been a Praktica Nova or maybe a Contax/Pentacon.

Anyway, I liked the look of the BC1, which had just hit the stores in 1984, and it served me pretty well. Now, after 30 years without a film camera (I messed around with digital for a while), I'm looking to get back into film photography. I was flirting with the idea of going full-on "old school" with a Praktica L2 (I fancy the idea of learning to do without a lightmeter), but the L2 seems big compared with the cameras I'm used to, and I'm finding the older/smaller Prakticas (like the Contax) are kind of expensive.

 

[AgX]

The UK was a major export market for Pentacon. (Less prejudice against GDR products, which over here typically had to veil their origin.)
Here in West-Germany locally the L-series models are quite common (often veiled in their reteiler brand), the earlier series models to lesser extent, if I see them all. Contax S/Pentacon and Praktina (which all are no Prakticas) I only saw out of dissolved collections.

The L series models may seem big to you but are relatively light without battery.

 

[AgX]

Today I came across on a fleamarket a Praktica Nova. As usual the plastic part of the advance lever was missing. And there was was a dent on the prism casing. For unknown reason I was not in a buying mood.

 

[AgX]

What surprises me in hindsight is that I have not come across one electric lens, but a few electric bodies. Best explanation is statistics and small numbers.

 

[markjwyatt]

What surprises me in hindsight is that I have not come across one electric lens, but a few electric bodies. Best explanation is statistics and small numbers.

Shocking!