The Praktica BC1 is an East German made 35mm SLR that first arrived in 1984, and adhered to the trend of predominantly black bodied cameras of the era. The body is a typically robust metal casting with a polycarbonate top and prism housing. The body was quite slim line, also in keeping with the trend. The BC series Prakticas were automatic aperture priority, though easily switched to manual and very intuitive in use. Lenses hailed from the Zeiss stable, and results ought to reflect this heritage. Competively priced as they were, Praktica BC series deserved to sell in more numbers than they did, as Praktica cameras were usually competent instruments. The shutter was classic noisy Praktica, a noise like a small car crash emanating from the body on release, accompanied by a tinny clang, did rather give the impression of poor build quality, even if this wasn't the case. This little used and exceptionally clean example was donated to the collection in May 2009, by Mr. T. Hoffman, as part of a complete kit, including Pentacon 70-210mm Zoom and a 28mm wide angle (illustrated at bottom). All it needed to get it working was a new battery.

Body No.6330398
Shutter, Vertical metal blind, speeds B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500 & 1000th
Lens No, 4922983, Prakticar 50mm f/1.8
Condition, 5F