johnf04
Well-known
johnf04
Well-known
The oldest is the camera at the right front - from 1952. It has a simple diaphragm Steinheil Cassar S lens.
The FX-3 and IVB both have variants of the 58mm f2 Biotar lens. These were very dirty, and had marks of fungus on some elements. I cleaned off the fungus marks with toothpaste, rubbed carefully on a finger.
The LLC - back right - I bought new in 1973.
The FX-3 and IVB both have variants of the 58mm f2 Biotar lens. These were very dirty, and had marks of fungus on some elements. I cleaned off the fungus marks with toothpaste, rubbed carefully on a finger.
The LLC - back right - I bought new in 1973.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
More like a 'pride' of Prakticas ... 
Crazy Fedya
Well-known
My favourites are FX2 and FX3. I have a prism for FX, which I like using with 80/2.8 Biometar. This kit looks unwieldy, and is a pain to use too, but I like it..
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
Nice grouping !
I would like a VLC and a basic L to round out my herd of Prakticas.
I would like a VLC and a basic L to round out my herd of Prakticas.
davidnewtonguitars
Family Snaps
My first 35mm camera was a Praktica Nova with a 2.8 lens, looking like the lens in your picture back left, in 1968. I bought it mail order from a photo magazine. I was 16.
finguanzo
Well-known
Wouldn't that be a Praktici ?
johnf04
Well-known
Wouldn't that be a Praktici ?
Then one of them would be a Prakticus....
MikeWebb
Established
I'm pretty sure I have an eye level adaptor for the FX2 that uses mirrors not glass although it's prism shaped. To my surprise it seems worthless - I can post at cost but bear in mind I'm in the UK. 50 years ago I had an FX2 which I was pleased to sell when money allowed 15 quid for the prism as I recall although that seems a lot to pay so maybe it was less.
15 quid for the prism as I recall although that seems a lot to pay so maybe it was less.
sebastel
coarse art umbrascriptor
somehow the generation of the praktica nova is missing in this collection.
my dad used to use a super tl until that one actually disintegrated in his hands -- so i can't blame anyone for not going for these.
my dad used to use a super tl until that one actually disintegrated in his hands -- so i can't blame anyone for not going for these.
johnf04
Well-known
MikeWebb - how much would the postage be?
Sebastel - the Novas don't appeal to me.
Sebastel - the Novas don't appeal to me.
Nokton48
Veteran
My first 35mm camera was an FX3. I tried to like it but then went to the Minolta SRT100.
I've thought about replacing it for sentimental reasons.
Some of those CZJ Zeiss lenses are pricey!
I've thought about replacing it for sentimental reasons.
Some of those CZJ Zeiss lenses are pricey!
johnf04
Well-known
The two Biotars, the Steinheil lens, the FX-3, the 1952 Praktica, and another FX-3 came as one lot from an online auction. They were all pretty rough, and needed cleaning and some repairs.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Very nice grouping.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
pagpow
Well-known
Actually, it is a Praxis of Prakticas. I know, because I read it on the internet.
Huss
Veteran
Huss
Veteran
More like a 'pride' of Prakticas ...
A Pickle of Prakticas.
It's a Herd of Hasselblads.
And of course, a Luxury of Leicas..
sebastel
coarse art umbrascriptor
fair enough.
ACullen
Well-known
I used an MTL3 many years ago and thought it to be the high of luxury compared to the Zenith EM.
Now I have the FX model, featured bottom right in the picture above. It's got the same three pin flash connector. It's a real challenge to use. The shutter speed markings are minute and the fresnel focusing screen isn't too bright. Even using the flip up magnifier eye piece focusing can be challenging.
I tend to use it with a Takumar 17mm f4 fisheye.
Now I have the FX model, featured bottom right in the picture above. It's got the same three pin flash connector. It's a real challenge to use. The shutter speed markings are minute and the fresnel focusing screen isn't too bright. Even using the flip up magnifier eye piece focusing can be challenging.
I tend to use it with a Takumar 17mm f4 fisheye.
johnf04
Well-known
The only one of these I've had film through, is the LLC. They should all work with film, though, except for the IVB. I think someone has been inside it, and disturbed the shutter timing - the shutter doesn't clear the film gate when its wound. I had to repair the 1952 model (FX). The mirror wasn't latching when it was wound.