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Praktica BC-1

I really want to like Prakticas. I really do. But it seems that no matter how hard i try, Prakticas don't like me. I'll try to explain that a bit more. But first some history.
In 1992 - if my memory serves me right - i decided that it was about time to buy a camera. I went with my brother on a camera shop and i was trying to bargain a Praktica MTL-5. Eventually I couldn't afford it and i went instead for the much cheaper BMS. I learned the basics with that camera and it served me well for 5 years until its shutter started becoming erratic. The quote for repair was as high as the camera cost me so I decided to save some money for some time and buy another one (I bought the EOS 5 finally).
A couple of years ago, i took my Zenit 12XP to the local repair shop to change the light seals and while i was waiting, i spotted an MTL-3 (or was it a MTL-5?, not sure) and i asked him if i could take a better look. He handed it to me and while i started winding up the shutter and firing on different speeds, the shutter got jammed. It was an embarrassing moment. I left the shop having paid only for the light-seals - he did not charge me for the Praktica.
Three months ago I picked up a Praktica BC-1 in very good condition in a car boot sale for £2, together with the 50 f/1.8 Prakticar and an original Praktica bag. I dropped a fresh battery in and i started taking some pictures. Unfortunately, the shutter gave up on me. Under some circumstances and while on auto mode, the shutter will remain open. I will have to turn the dial to "B" to close the shutter. The battery is new so there must be something wrong with the electronics.
That's what i mean when i say that those cameras don't like me. Maybe I was unlucky with those samples, there are countless Praktica funs that swear on Praktica's reliability but all the Prakticas that I've tried seem to develop problems with the shutter. When they work ok they produce beautiful pictures and the Prakticars are amazing lenses. The 50 f/1.8 is a lovely lens, sharp and with nice bokeh.

The shutter and the mirror are a bit on the loud side but this model comes with a depth preview button and a aperture priority mode. It is also very nice size, smaller than the Zenit and almost half the size of the Canon.








Conclusion

So, what is the conclusion here? I am quite puzzled to be honest. My personal experience says to stay away from Prakticas as all three samples I got (and some I found on car boot sales) developed a problem with the shutter. Personally I would avoid the "B" models and since my Zenit gives me a trouble free service, i don't see the point in buying an MTL or LTL model.
Matt Denton on his website praise some Praktica models and so do the guys in PUGW. My suggestion would be: since all Prakticas sell for as little as £10 - £40, get yourself one and see how it works.
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Comments

  1. D.26 October 2010 at 09:41

    Great cameras... with these full manual cameras you must think before shot! I love them!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown18 May 2014 at 12:51

    I have this issue with my BX20. The manual states that this happens if the shutter is pressed with no lens being present. My camera doesn't meter with my 50mm f1.8 but is fine with my 70-210mm. I believe these shutter faults on the bayonet mount cameras are caused by the lens not being detected.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Paulo Moreira25 August 2014 at 11:40

    I have a quite a few Prakticas, all in working condition, including the LLC, made in 1969 and was the world's first linlless camera regarding the lens operation, the so called Electric system. This system is basically the same in the BC-1, only refined. I think your camera is not to blame, but the lens and its 3 contacts, could also be that the same contact in the bayonet mount have oxyded and do not receive info, try cleaning them with vinegar.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dutch Wine Lover13 February 2017 at 12:17

    I know of shutter issues with mainly MTL-3/5's being dealt with by 'a knock on the tabel'. Had the B-100 and BMW in the late-1980s', no problems. Currently possess a B-100, B-200 and BC-1... No problems yet, but I only take the out one role a year. Anyway, there is something about Praktica that makes me love them. So many types, the feared opponent from my youth, making above-par cameras that brought hard currency. The decline in the mid-1980's and above average complaints of 'minor' (ehm)quality issues until the collapse of the GDR, Treuhand and the demise of a fascinating part of history.

    ReplyDelete

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