The Praktina cameras were manufactured by Kamera-Werke, a German Company located in Niedersedlitz near Dresden. The Praktina was presented for the first time in April 1952 but the standardized production started in the second half of 1953 and was discontinued 8 years later. About 100,000 cameras were produced with this name.

This well made camera is of great historical importance and represents a milestone in the development of 35mm SLR. 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, 17 meters magazine, special viewfinders and various scientific devices.

This site provides to the owners and collectors with technical information about cameras, accessories and lenses. It supplies also the indications to identify and classify the Praktina models.

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