The Manual for the Praktica L says; ” We congratulate you on having chosen the high-quality PRAKTICA L and wish you every success in working with this modern reflex camera”
Why thank you! However, time to test out if indeed we have a “High quality” and ”Success(full)” camera.
Weighing 1 1/2 lbs or 700 grams the box like Praktica L is a basic but very capable mechanical camera, in my limited experience with it. It comes from the late 1960’s. While it may not have any light meter built in to it or any other features that we have grown to accept, it more than makes up in its simplicity of use.
It is substantial and sat comfortably in my hand.
Shutter speeds range from B to 1/1000 of a second. The prominent shutter release button is located on the front of the camera not on the top plate. After the initial feeling of awkwardness, I soon found myself using my index finger to change shutter speeds and my middle finger to operate the shutter release.
The film take-up spool is a little different from what I’m used to seeing. Initially reading through the manual left me a little confused as to how I should load the film.
However, you simply place the film under the plastic guide ‘rail’ (known as the supporting piece) ensuring the film leader meets the green line. You can see it in the image below.
Winding the film on causes the metal wire bracket to wrap itself around the film leader…
…until the film is secured onto the film sprocket.
So what kind of images can we expect from this ‘high quality’ camera? It seemed appropriate to fit the Pentacon 50mm f1.8 lens to this Pentacon made GDR camera.
It would seem that congratulations are indeed in order. The camera has rewarded me with images that I am very pleased with. The 50mm Pentacon lens also contributed. I enjoyed being able to get so close to my subject with this f1.8 lens.
For a 50 year old mechanical camera that may well have languished in inactivity in a desk draw for some considerable time, it is testimony to it’s ‘high quality’ construction.
I can’t say that I would use the Praktica L as my walk about camera. There are other cameras I enjoy using in that capacity. However, when I’m in landscape/portrait or otherwise meditative mood, this camera ticks all the right boxes. It has all that I need to enjoy those contemplative moments.
arhphotographic 