Praktica BX 20

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Praktica BX20 from the front
Praktica BX20 from above
A model of the viewfinder image

The Praktica BX 20 is a single-lens reflex camera of the Praktica B series from the manufacturer Pentacon .

The cameras manufactured in the GDR were also exported abroad. It is the successor to the BC 1 ; compared to this, it has electronic internal flash measurement and metering ( TTL flash measurement ), a different daylight measurement characteristic and a fully plastic housing with first ergonomic features (handle). It was produced from December 1987 to December 1990 in quantities of more than 200,000 copies.

technical features

  • electronically controlled electro-magnetic metal lamella shutter with stepless exposure time between 1/1000 and 40 seconds
  • manually adjustable times: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000
  • Praktica bayonet connection, EDC (electronic shutter control) for TTL metering (internal light measurement) by means of silicon - photodiode
  • Film speed adjustable from ASA 12 to 3200 or DIN 12 to 36
  • Reflection of the selected aperture with information about the clamping state
  • Exposure correction adjustable by ± 2 f-stops, exposure correction displayed by a red LED
  • pentaprismischer viewfinder with 95% field, triple focusing possibility by diagonally-sectional image microprism and focusing screen , LEDs (flashing) for displaying the selected and measured (constant) Exposure Time
  • Exposure lock button ( Auto Exposure Lock , AEL), display by green LED, mechanical self-timer (approx. 10 s), dimming lever
  • Hot shoe X-synchronization (1/90 s), flash readiness display and flash “OK” signal in the viewfinder
  • TTL flash control with SCA system- compliant flash units (e.g. Praktica BC 222, Praktica BT225, post-turn flash units from Praktica, Olympus flash units) by means of an extra photodiode below the mirror
  • Connection option for motor winder
  • frame counter that resets when the rear panel is opened, shutter release
  • Battery V 28PX (6 volts), alternatively with adapter 4 × LR 44

Differences between BX20 and BX20s

Pentacon developed an improved version of the BX20 as a prototype, the BX21. This type was only produced 29 times. Pentacon then developed the BX21 into the finished BX20s. The main differences between the BX20 and the BX20s are:

  • Improved design / improved usability for the BX21 or BX20
  • DX coding of the films was recognized (was already with BX21)
  • Otherwise just like BX20

VEB Pentacon only built the BX20s 37 times during the GDR era. However, Schneider-Kreuznach GmbH bought Pentacon after the political change and resumed production of the BX20s in large numbers until 2001.

Web links