PRAKTICA FX identification

[pancolart]

<p>Hi!<br>

I have this Praktica FX that is a bit special or at least it doesn't fit exactly into categories by Mike: http://www.praktica-collector.de/Praktica_FX.htm. Photos bellow.<br>

Characteristics:<br>

- low serial #: 64712<br>

- label font without black color<br>

- 3x flash socket, one different<br>

Thank you,<br>

Jure</p><div></div>

[pancolart]

<p>Another photo:</p><div></div>

[pancolart]

<p>Another:</p><div></div>

[JDMvW]

<blockquote>

<p>label font without black color</p>

</blockquote>

<p>That may not be diagnostic, since the enamel/whatever can be partially missing even on ones that definitely had black originally.The earlier Prakticas generally did not have enamel, the later FX model usually did.</p>

<p>As for the flash connectors, either in construction, or at a later date, the later style connector introduced later in the FX run and also used on the FX2 on, has been used instead of the original plug (like the lower 2). Hummel number 125 is what your camera started out as, in all likelihood (9/1952-2/1954), and one of the plugs was perhaps replaced with the double-pole X-synchronization plug from the post 6/1954 models. [Or perhaps a double-pole plug was added to Hummel 127 with 2 single-hole X-synch, but that seems less likely to me because of the spacing of the plugs, but it's a close call].</p>

<p>You have to understand that these things were tinkered with both by users who sent them back to the factory for updating, and by independent camera repair operations, updating a flash connection, for example.</p>

<p>Moreover, in the conditions of socialist production (where the commitment to the consumer was "ensured" by the people's ownership-no Consumers Union here): waste not, want not. There were often "hybrids" created as the models shifted from one set of components to newer ones. It seems, nothing was thrown out; but parts from earlier models would usually continue to be used until the supply was exhausted. It's also speculated that if an old box of parts was found in the back somewhere, that they might be used up in later models.</p>

<p>So it is possible that your body was originally made around February of 1954, but that for some reason-perhaps something that needed to be reworked in testing-it ended coming back on the production line in June of the same year where the newer double-pole connections were in the parts box.</p>

<p>Just speculation, other paths could lead to the same combination, but it's a plausible tale. Perhaps someone owned an older single-pole plug flash and had a later FX backward converted?</p>

[pancolart]

<p>Thank you JDM for your elaborate answer!<br>

BR, Jure</p>

[subbarayan_prasanna]

<p>A very neat and efficient camera. Has some of the smoothest knob mechanisms in cameras. All hand crafted. I have an older model made in 1950. Still works well. Cherish it! regards, sp.</p>

[pancolart]

<p>Hand crafted? Good to know. It took a while to accept the shape (design) but now i find it good looking too. I also have two older models with low serial numbers: 023170, 029688. I guess first serial production?</p>