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Collector's  Guide  to  Praktina  System
by Alberto Taccheo  
Introduction
The Praktina cameras were manufactured by Kamera-Werke, a German Company located in Niedersedlitz near Dresden. The prototype of Praktina was presented in 1952. One year later Kamera-Werke carried out the final design of the Praktina and in the second half of 1953 started the marketing of the Praktina FX. The cameras named Praktina FX were produced in three models up to 1958. Kamera-Werke presented in 1958 a renewed camera named Praktina IIA. The cameras with this logo were produced in two models up to 1960.

This well made camera is of great historical importance and represents a milestone in the development of the 35mm SLR. The Praktina is the first camera to get the full interchangeability of lenses, finders, focusing screens, camera back and motor capability. It was also the first SLR in the world to have the diaphragm's control internal to the camera body. With its lenses and accessories it is the first example of a professional 35mm SLR camera system. The Praktina holds for some years an outstanding position into specialized applications due to its original accessories as remote control of electric motor, 17m magazine back, special viewfinders and various scientific devices.

This site provides to the owners and collectors information about cameras, accessories and lenses. This edition contains some corrections, many additional information and a new page with the Directory of Praktina cameras.

From the 2009 issue a new Coding System has used in order to make a better classification of each model currently classified by type and version.

To contact me send an e-mail to: taccheo.alberto@tiscali.it

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