Praktica VLC2 without battery?

[newfilm]

Ok, this is not a rangefinder but this sub forum sound like the correct place for this post.

Here goes, does anyone using one of the Praktica VLC2 camera? My particular interest in it is that it has a waist level finder (never have one before curious to try, also I wear glasses so something bigger than tiny viewfinder appeal to me), oh yes the question, does it work without a battery? I mean it will be without metering of course, but will all shutter speed and aperture settings will work like a full manual camera?

Many thanks!

 

[dotur]

VLC2 is a fully mechanical camera, it will work without battery.
Moreover, the unobtainable original 4.5V battery can be replaced with common 1.5V AA battery, the light meter needs no adjustment.
Have fun!

 

[sevo]

It is a full manual camera (without AE), with a mechanical shutter - so yes, the battery is only needed for metering.

For reference: The reasoning full manual = battery independent is faulty, it is the mechanical shutter which makes them battery independent. Almost all cameras with both aperture priority AE and a full manual mode had electronic shutters. And there even have been some battery-dependent electronic-shutter full manual cameras without AE, the most widespread ones probably being the Canon AT-1 and Yashica FR.

 

[newfilm]

I see, Thanks! I guess it should work with any M42 mounted lens as well? From the pictures on the internet it seems that the VLC2 has some electronic contact for its own lens (50mm electric or somthing), but if I go for manual mode only it'll probably work for, lets say a russian Helios 44-2 ?

 

[sevo]

I see, Thanks! I guess it should work with any M42 mounted lens as well? From the pictures on the internet it seems that the VLC2 has some electronic contact for its own lens (50mm electric or somthing), but if I go for manual mode only it'll probably work for, lets say a russian Helios 44-2 ?

It always is in manual mode - there is no AE in any VLC version (the only AE cameras in the Praktica L series were the EE/EE2). It will only do open aperture TTL measurements with M42 electric lenses - you will have to stop down for measurements when using a plain M42 lens.

 

[newfilm]

that clear things up nicely, many thanks guys!

 

[newfilm]

a bit of update, I've got my hands on a Praktica VLC2, for some reason I can't find VLC3 although I was hoping to get the "latest" possible model.

here's are my first impression:
- The VLC2 I've got is with the WLF, much smaller than my expectation, still need to use the magnifying glass for critical focus.
- I've put a Helios 44-2 lens on it, there is a ring setting on the camera that suppose to switch between "full aperture metering" or "stop down aperture metering", not sure what is the relation of this setting if using lens without electronic contact?
- The meter is some what not so sensetive? (then again I'm trying it out in room light maaaybe it's not that sensitive in night light)
- The ergonomic is some what need to getting used to, holding the camera with 90 degree hard edge corner is some what weird to my fingers, maybe I should hit the shutter button with my thumb instead of my index finger.

All in all, very weird for me !

😀

 

[tunalegs]

You need to use the stop down metering mode for that lens.

Full aperture metering will only work with the "electric" lenses with the contacts on the back.

 

[pschauss]

FWIW Batterymart.com carries the battery for this camera. I have a couple of Praktica PLC3s and some M42 electric lenses for them. The open aperture metering is very convenient. Using a PLC3 with a standard M42 lens is bit inconvenient, however, because the button which turns on the meter does not stop the lens down.

 

[Eugen Mezei]

The meter will work with anything between 1,5 and 4,5 V but it moves slower with an AA battery. I use a 3V CR123A lithium cell. It is cheaper than the original 4,5 V, not so cheap as an AA cell (but not by much) and makes the meter more responsive.

WLF for Leica format cameras are practically unusable. WLF is usefull beginning with MF.

The difference between VLC2 and VLC3 is minimal. As far as I remember it is only the matte glass they origianlly came with. But this is changeable. Get yourself a matte glass with rangefinder triangles if you don't like the microprism only.