praktica nova 1b; screw went flying lost plastic on winder

[gatorgums]

I'm beginning to think l wasted my 5 bucks

on the Praktica nova1b l got at the thrift store.

I was minding my own business, passively winding

the praktica and then firing it off as one would do

to prevent the thing from stiffening up .

Then , all of a sudden, the screw which holds the plastic

tab on the winder handle came off and the whole lot, plastic, screw and 3mm

washer, flew off.

I also noticed that the unit seems rather fragile and makes

a whirring sound like a bunch of bearings about to bind and snag up.

 

Wondering if l should just turn it into a piece of art with my oil paints.

 

I noticed that there are a lot of good comments on the Pentax Spotmatics,

especially as they will apparently tolerate a slight variance in

voltage due to a built in bridge circuit.

 

( I learned this after reading about it on the excellent site

http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?MirandaSensorex.html~mainFrame

 

Thought or recommendations?

[john_shriver]

Soviet Block cameras are not known for robustness.

 

Zenits were famous for seizing up.

[bueh]

The Fujica M42 cameras (like the ST801, ST901, AZ-1) have a high reputation, if you still want a M42 camera. Unfortunately, most Soviet and Eastern block cameras are past their "sell-by" date and are often "full of surprises" when actually used. Strangely, the older, the higher the built quality and the more issue-free such gear usually is.

[david_m]

"Then, all of a sudden, the screw which holds the plastic tab on the winder handle came off and the whole lot, plastic, screw and 3mm washer, flew off."

 

-All pretty normal for a Praktica.

[riccardo_mottola]

peole here are very quick at issuing negative comments about Prakticas... Up to now my IV has served me well.. my nova is "repair in progress" though. THey are pretty easy to fix in the small details and the good thing is that you may buy another for 5 bucks and get the parts!

Prakticas, especially the old M42 series are old faithful boxes.

 

Your problem is age: these old cameras need a check-up frop time to time, check that the screws are tightened and that pieces do not break. I had highly reputed Exaktas loosing a piece too when "in action". The same goes for my faithful Fujica... the Shutterspeed knob seems just to be designed to break.... although it might look cool when new and working.

 

I'd try to repair the camera, possibly scavenging stuff. Otherwise buy something else if you dislike it!

[tony_lockerbie]

At any moment it will self destruct, don't stand too close! The Nova series of Prakticas were quite badly put together, trying too hard to match the Japanese price wise. The best of the Practicas is the 1V, or if you don't want a prism, a 11 or 111 are honest cameras.

Tony

[gatorgums]

Thanks for you comments.

I guess in fairness, the thing is rather

an old horse.

It still fires though, so l may yet keep it.

A funky re-do in oil paint or a fancy

covering may still be in order.