Praktica BC3 without Pentacon badge

Praktica BC 3 without Pentacon badge

Producer data

Producer

VEB Pentacon Dresden Betrieb des Kombinates VEB Carl Zeiss Jena

responsible constructor

Werner Hahn, Rolf Noack

production period

1987 to 1988

no of produced cameras

as a part of BC1-series 1th variation (223,129)

Technical properties of the camera

shutter type

steplessly working electronically controlled vertical-run metal-blade focal plane shutter

exposure time
(possible settings)

B, steplessly automatic speeds between 40 sec and 1/1000; manually precise speeds of 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250,1/500, 1/1000; mechanical range 1/90 sec

view finder

fixed eye-level view finder (Pentaprism, field of view: 95%) with field lens with triple rangefinder wedge, truncated microprism screen, groundglass field, LEDs- for shutter speed signalling changes their brightness with brightness of the image

mirror

instant-return mirror

film transport / frame counter

single stroke 125° wind-on quick-release lever with 25° stand off position, accepts B-motor winder, folding crank rewind knob, auto-zeroing frame counter

lens mount

Praktica-B-mount with EDC (electronic diaphragm control)

self timer

mechanically, approx. 10 sec delay

battery

VARTA V28 PX (4xLR44)

metering system

TTL-metering (12 to 3200 ASA) using electronic diaphragm control (EDC) for measurement with open aperture using a Gallium-Arsenide-Phosphide photo-diode, auto exposure compensation with +/- two shutter speeds in half steps, automatic exposure system with memory key, battery check facilities

flash system

X-synchronisation (1/90), accessory shoe at the top of the pentaprism with additional contact for the flash ready signal, additionally coaxial flash socket at the camera body for dual flash systems

flash indication

yes, green LED

aperture reflection into view finder

yes

general comments