Spring Motor Cameras?

The Praktica with a (optional) spring motor drive was the Praktina - not really a Praktica, as it came later and was a incompatible product line. A separate up-market model line pitched against the Exakta (by a then still privately owned competitor) and Alpa rather than the Praktica and Contax D. It probably wasn't its advancedness that killed it - the ongoing mergers into one single state-owned camera industry that happened in the GDR around then did not give it the time needed to establish itself. Creating incompatible versions of the mount with every model update can't have helped matters either.
 
The Leningrad. Bright finder with permanent frame lines and all shutter speeds but quite unreliable.
 
There's the Ricoh Super Shot. I have one, not working at the moment unfortunately.(shutter problems)
Matt Denton did a write up here
http://mattsclassiccameras.com/ricoh_supershot.html
I think the battery problem he mentions may be solved by wiring two batteries in parallel to maintain the voltage but up the amps. Always meant to give it a go, but too many other repairs waiting.
 
I'm sure I have a Great Wall in the repair box that has a clockwork drive - full frame as well.

Must dig it out and check
 
rjbuzzclick said:
It does not allow rapid fire. You have to press the shutter at each frame. There are also Bell & Howell branded versions of the same camera.
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There were two versions of the Dial, the Dial and the Dail II. The former used an older style battery (PX-1 ??) and had a more restricted ASA range. The Dial II had an improved meter, wider ASA range and used a PX-13 battery (PX-625 also worked properly).

The only B&H/Canon branded variant I've seen was a Dial II like the one I have.
 
I had this lomo 135bc
cameracoffee_7776e_30958149.jpg


In my youth I'd read about it. Last year I got one by chance in perfect condition. Strangely it was a nice ugly little camera, heavy and the spring was a surprise - it worked for 5-6 frames. As it was heavy I did not pay attention to low speeds. Shot 3 rolls and I had to sell it but with a regret.
 
Sorry I've only just had the chance to check the replies.

I've got a good list to get reading up about! That Great Wall looks ace. I still like the sound of the Canon Dial. I had fun doing pseudo panoramas with my Olympus Pen.

Cheers for all the recommendations, keep them coming.
 
David Hughes said:
Hi,

Wasn't there a rare Praktica that took a motor drive? Not sure if it was clockwork or what and can't remember the model name but it was too ahead of its time to sell.

Also a full frame Ricoh (500 series) that took a clockwork motor but again I've seen one and remember less.

Regards, David
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I think you might be referring to the Praktica Super which I believe had motor drive capability with a 55mm/F1.4 Carl Zeiss Jena lens, very big, very heavy, and very, very $$$.
 
cassel said:
Beautiful and rare: the Auto Terra Cameras, late 1950's through 1962. The late "Super" models featured a Zunow lens. If you find TWO, let me know and I'll take one:rolleyes:
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I have five from the Auto Tera IIB to the Auto Terra Super L. Love them all and it has taken me 25 years to get them. Plover and Zunow lenses.
 
hilltime said:
I think you might be referring to the Praktica Super which I believe had motor drive capability with a 55mm/F1.4 Carl Zeiss Jena lens, very big, very heavy, and very, very $$$.
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Pentacon Super, and it had a electric motor! Beware, there never was a Praktica Super, but there is the widespread Praktica Super TL, a mid rank model that sells for less than a Nikon lens cap nowadays. Top of the line of the 1950's KW cameras was the Praktina series (different mount). In the sixties, after some years without a premium model, Pentacon followed up with the Pentacon Super, which (just like the West German attempts at a pro SLR) was bulging with details and nowhere as reliable and flexible as the Nikon F - expensive by sheer rarity (they sell for more than the much superior Leicaflex SL). Last up-market GDR SLRs were the Praktica VLC series, which ported the more desirable Pentacon Super features to a body that shared many components with more humble Prakticas.
 
Why spring drive specifically? A Konica FT-1 is fairly compact, uses excellent Hexanon lenses, (hint, for compactness get the 40mm f1.8) and the built in motor will fire single shot or continuous and it runs off of 4 AAA batteries. Not super compact but interchangeable lenses and auto or full manual exposure control.

Besides all that, their cheap. (ish)

PS, stay away from the FS-1, cheaper but........cheaper, if you catch my drift.

By the way, where are you located?
 
hilltime said:
I have five from the Auto Tera IIB to the Auto Terra Super L. Love them all and it has taken me 25 years to get them. Plover and Zunow lenses.
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Gary! You made me smile just now:) You and I have very similar tastes in cameras....I think you are a few years ahead of me with you collecting experience;) The Mamiya Magazine 35 f2.0 you sent my way has been fun (although it is in for repair right now--- can't quite get consistent shutter action). The Auto Terra cameras are on my wish list for now! They are hard to find - not unlike the Mamiya.
 
zuiko85 said:
Why spring drive specifically? A Konica FT-1 is fairly compact, uses excellent Hexanon lenses, (hint, for compactness get the 40mm f1.8) and the built in motor will fire single shot or continuous and it runs off of 4 AAA batteries. Not super compact but interchangeable lenses and auto or full manual exposure control.

Besides all that, their cheap. (ish)

PS, stay away from the FS-1, cheaper but........cheaper, if you catch my drift.

By the way, where are you located?
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Thanks for the info. And there's no real reason as to why I'd like a spring motor, I just do. I have a soft spot for mechanical things (Gas I guess) I'm sure you've had the same feeling about some camera or other!

And I'm in the UK, why do you ask?
 
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