Praktina FX SLR Camera w/ 2 Finders and Winder

The 35mm Praktina FX was made by K. W. in Dresden Germany from 1958-59. This is a system camera; interchangeable finders (including a metered prism), a spring-wound rapid winder, and a bulk film back were all available. interchangeable lenses use a bayonet mount. The eye-level viewfinder allowed the shooter to follow the action with an un-interrupted view after pre-focusing the lens. Insturctions for the camera and winder are available on line.

This is a nice example in overall very good condition. Everything is working. I was able to shoot about three frames per second using the winder.

Here's what you're getting:

• The camera: shutter speeds of 1 - 1/1000 second plus B. Working at all speeds but has not been calibrated. Self timer. The finish is VG - excellent except for some minor corrosion on the top near the winding knob (see photo). The leatherette covering is very good but the covering over the back latch appears to have been replaced with a brown colored material.

• The lens: C.Z. Jena Biotar 58mm f2.0-16. Preset lens - the aperture is set using the front ring, then opened full for focusing using a lever. It stops down when the shutter is released but must be re-opened for focusing the next shot. The lens shows some haze but is otherwise free of visible defects. Cosmetic condition is very good with evidence of normal use.

• The winder: Spring activated, good for about 10 shots on a full wind. This is not a motor drive; the release must be pressed for each shot. There is a lever to activate the rewind button so film can be changed without removing the winder from the camera. Working condition is excellent; it fires consistently when fully wound. Cosmetically, the black fabric covering is worn, exposing the underlying metal. No corrosion is evident. It is missing a small cover on one end that I believe covers the attachment for the bulk film magazine.

• The penta prism: Excellent condition with no haze or visible defects in the glass. A very bright split-image focusing screen is built into the camera body.

• The waist-level finder: Also excellent, appears unused. It features a flip-up magnifier to aid focusing.