This Praktica LLC is not currently for sale even though it performed well on its film test. We were in a hurry and the weather was nice so we took it out to film-test it before it was thoroughly bench-tested (this old video shows some of the ways we test). This is not the ideal order of operations.
On the bench, the camera jammed during a 'torture test' where I advanced and released the shutter very quickly multiple times. Oh well. It's not the end of the world. No mechanical parts were broken but it will require a full servicing. I was able to unjam the camera easily and it's seemingly working perfectly again (and has accurate light metering and shutter speeds) but we won't sell it until we're certain this issue won't recur.
The Praktica LLC atop its repair manual.
Our pet peeve: the high price of broken cameras
One of the themes we'll be writing about in future blog articles is how untested, not-fully-functional cameras are often vastly overpriced. The now-retired Kodak Retina expert repairman Chris Sherlock noted on his excellent website: "It is unlikely that you would recover the cost of having a camera repaired if you are planning on having it repaired so that you can then sell the camera in working condition. Dead, or marginally functional cameras fetch a significant percentage of the price that a fully working example would."
Though he was specifically writing about classic mid-century cameras made by Kodak's German branch, this is increasingly the case with any cameras, especially since the COVID era.
Part of the issue is that there are many unscrupulous sellers. But many more aren't conscious scoundrels, but rather low-information volume flippers. If it turns on and the shutter clicks, they call it good enough and charge what the market will bear for a 'working' camera. But it's not good enough: probably fewer than one-in-ten SLR cameras we find pass our tests without requiring significant servicing or adjustment.
This problem would go away tomorrow if the film camera buying public were more discerning. But it's a lot to ask of people who are just getting into a hobby or art practice. Used film cameras aren't tracked by consumer protection watchdogs like Consumer Reports, CBC Marketplace, or Protégez-Vous.
When film camera shopping we'd strongly recommend you limit your search to reputable sellers who thoroughly test their wares and offer a good guarantee (like ahem us). Camera repair shops are also trustworthy places to shop; technicians often repair cameras in their spare time and sell them on their websites (for example Douglas Banks' shop in Ontario).
Film testing the LLC
Back to the Praktica LLC: We really enjoy using these 1970s East German cameras. Made by VEB Pentacon Dresden, they feature a very reliable and accurate vertically traveling, metal-bladed shutter that's functionally similar to the Copal Square shutters used in Nikkormat and Konica Auto-Reflex models but it's an original design.
The viewfinder is not one its strengths. It's somewhat dim and its fresnel lines can be a bit distracting. It is however pretty quick and easy to see if your subject is in focus.
Their light meter is a balanced bridge style circuit (similar to the Pentax Spotmatic models) that isn't very particular about battery voltages. It originally used a 4.5 volt PX21 mercury battery but works fine with a common 1.5 volt AA alkaline cell.
They feature a variant of the common M42 lens mount that was first used in German cameras but later became almost a 'universal' standard used in hundreds of cameras by the 1960s. The LLC's version adds electrical contacts to allow open aperture metering. The camera is compatible (in stopped down metering mode) with earlier lenses that don't have these contacts. The included lens is a Pentacon Electric 50mm f1.8. It's a 6-element, 4-group, double-Gauss design. We really enjoy the results from this lens.
Processing notes
We shot Kodak Tri-X 400 black-and-white film and used Flic Film Classic MQ developer (the clapperboard says 'HC-110 developer' but we ran out and used this D-76 equivalent instead). We used Kodak Indicator Stop and Flic Film Quick Fixer. The negatives were scanned on a Nikon Coolscan V ED.
Praktica LLC negatives on a light table
Film test notes
The photos were mostly taken on a spring day in Montreal on a walk to a courier's office. The camera was a pleasure to use. It's a simple camera, almost primitive, but it doesn't get in your way. The match needle metering is quick and easy to use once you get the hang of it (one slight complaint is that it doesn't do a great job telling you when you're out of its metering range). All told, this was an enjoyable camera to use. I hope to have it serviced and up for sale sometime soon.
