Praktica Praktica, Praktiflex FX, FX User Manual

Praktica, Praktica FX & Praktiflex FX User manual, year 1952

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Praktica, Praktica FX & Praktiflex FX

(technically comparable cameras)

Instruction for use, 1952.

Introduction

The PRAKTICA is a one-lens reflex camera taking the perforated 35 mm cine film. The size of the
picture is 24×36 mm.

The PRAKTICA possesses all the advantages of a modern precision miniature camera, e. g. shutter
winder coupled with film advancement, lock against double and blank exposures, interchangeability of
the lenses, and adaptability to microphotography.

Focusing is performed by means of a light-collecting lens which produces a clear, bright image.

The PRAKTICA takes all current daylight film cartridges for 36 exposures in black-and-white and
color film. The PRAKTICA FX is sure to give perfect results and mechanical safety if the instructions
for use are closely followed and carried out.

Explanation of signs

I. Inserting the film

The camera back is unlocked by pushing the knob No. 18 in the direction of the arrow. Open the
camera back and take it off, and pull out the rewind-knob No. 6.

The film cartridge must be placed into the empty chamber with the beginning of the film projecting
in the direction of the picture level. Pull the film from the cartridge and fix it into the empty spool on
the right-hand side of the camera.

It is of importance that the sprocket teeth catch both perforated edges of the film.

Wind the shutter by rotating the knob No. 2.

Make sure that the film lies evenly on the film guide and toothed drum, link the camera back into
the right-hand groove and close it down.

The film pressure-plate must be perfectly clean before the camera back is closed.

After having bolted the camera back, make two blank exposures. The rewind-knob (6) must hereby
turn in the opposite direction of the arrow mark.

When all these manipulations have been performed, the counting mechanism has to be set to stroke
No. 1.

The camera is now ready for the first exposure.

Praktica, Praktica FX & Praktiflex FX User manual, year 1952

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II. Changing the film

36 exposures having been made, a certain resistance will be noticed in winding the shutter – a sign
that the whole film is exposed and has to be rewound into the cartridge.

This is done by pressing down the little button No. 13
and at the same time turning the rewind-knob No. 6 in the
direction of the arrow.

The beginning of the film will audibly slip out of the
cartridge, and the rewinding procedure is completed.

The camera back must now be opened and the exposed
film taken out.

Do not change the film in bright sunlight, but if possible
in the shade. It is advisable to deposit the film in light-tight
paper or in metal box after has been removed from the
camera.

III. Shutter and film transport

a) Winding the shutter

A full rotation of the knob No. 2 as far as it will go to the right (clockwise) winds the shutter,
advances the film to the next picture, and swings the reflex mirror into the light-ray level of the lens.
Take care that the release knob No. 1 is not pressed in while the shutter is being wound up.

b) Setting the speeds

The speeds are set by means of the adjusting knob No. 4
and the supplementary knob No. 5. The speed disc is
engraved with

black figures for the short speeds from 1/500th to 1/25th
second, with

red figures for the long speeds from 1/10th to 1/2

second, and with “B” setting for time exposures of any

desired length.

Praktica, Praktica FX & Praktiflex FX User manual, year 1952

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When set to the speeds of 1/500th to 1/25th second, the red triangle on the supplementary knob No.
5 must point towards the black triangle on the camera top.

When set to the speeds of 1/10th to 1/2 second, the red triangle on the supplementary knob must
point to the red triangle on the camera top.

The “B” setting can be employed in both positions.

To set the speeds, lift the outer ring No. 4, turn it to the desired number and click it in. There is only
one rest-hole for 1/2 and 1/25th second, marked by a dot between the speed numbers 1/2 and 1/25.

1 – Release knob;
2 – Knob for winding the shutter and transporting
the film;
3 – Picture-counting disc;
4 – Knob for setting the shutter speeds;
5 – Knob for setting the speed groups;
6 – Film rewind-knob;
7 – Loops to hold the neck-strap;
8 – Interchangeable lens with rotatable rings for
setting distance and diaphragm, and with
distance, diaphragm and depth-of focus scales;

09 – Light-hood;

10 – Magnifying lens;
11 – Rear flap of the light-hood;
12 – Latch button for light-hood;
13 – Release knob for rewind mechanism;
14 – Film spool;
15 – Sprocket wheel for transporting the film;
16 – Picture level;
17 – Camera back;
18 – Catch for camera back;
19 – Film pressure-plate

c) Releasing the shutter

The exposure is made by gently pressing in the button
No. 1. In order to avoid blurring the picture, the knob
should not be let loose until the shutter has run down.

When set at “B”, the shutter must be pressed as long as the

exposure is to last. For the use of a wire release, the knob
is provided with a thread into which the release can be
screwed. A special wire release is supplied with the
camera for long time exposures in the T-setting (e. g. in
night photography).