A Praktica Revisited

<p>Thanks for the responses. I really must try an alkaline PX21 in these cameras, but they're not available down here in New Zealand and, with a landed cost of about USD24 each to import from the US I've always been a little hesitant, given that the exposures seem accurate and consistent with the 1.5v AA cell. Certainly, the reaction time and deflection might improve, but with the needle centered it's a simple matter to move it one stop up or down by adjusting aperture or speed, to achieve exposure compensation. Thanks, <strong>Dave E</strong>, for the comments; nice assembly of Prakticas you have there.</p>

<p>I've never had <em>too</em> much of an issue with the viewfinders, though I'll grant that they are not the brightest examples around. However, the ground glass/microprism focusing aids in the PLC3 viewfinder are very effective, and the position of the shutter release, angled upwards on the front of the camera, is pretty much my ideal. With the smaller digital bodies my large fingers have trouble crooking up and back down to the top-mounted releases.</p>

<p>Thanks, <strong>JDM</strong>, I agree that the L series are a nice meeting of form and function, and <strong>Andrew</strong> seems be discerning enough to agree! I'd have trouble picking very much difference in the results from the Pancolar or the Pentacon, <strong>Christos</strong>, though the Pancolar seems to have something of a cult following and is reputed to be a little sharper. Your experience with the Nova 1B are pretty typical, <strong>Jeff</strong>, and I'll be interested to learn how you get on with the Pentacon lens. And thank you <strong>Chuck</strong>, <strong>Tony</strong>, <strong>Alan, Mike</strong> and <strong>Marc</strong> for your kind words.</p>

<p>Thanks <strong>Rick</strong>! for a nice presentation. They are among my favourites along with the Exakta VX series. SP.</p>