Praktica EE2
The Praktica EE2 is a 35mm mirror reflex camera from the Praktica series from VEB Pentacon . It was produced from 1977.
Fully automatic, single-lens reflex camera with automatic timing
The Praktica EE2 is the first Praktica camera from VEB Pentacon with fully automatic exposure setting. It has an aperture priority with aperture preselection. The camera belongs to the second generation of the Praktica L series, which, in addition to the basic Praktica L model, implemented the open aperture measurement with Praktica LLC (1st generation) from 1969 and the “electric” lens series introduced in this context. The successor model, the Praktica EE3, is largely identical, but has a brighter viewfinder image thanks to the coated optics.
There is a prototype of the EE3 in which the type designation is still in the style of the EE2, but which has extended manual exposure times. This further functional development was no longer used in the series model of the EE3, because at the same time VEB Pentacon was promoting the development of the new camera generation with bayonet connection (fourth generation “Praktica B series”). The prototype represents the highest level of development in the top third generation models (“Praktica L series”) with electrical aperture value transmission for open aperture measurement and automatic timing.
Open aperture measurement, the electric lens
The aperture is preselected on the lens using the familiar aperture ring, whereby lenses of the "electric" series allow open aperture measurement as a special feature of M42 camera systems , ie the lens is only stopped down to the preselected aperture value during exposure, the preselected aperture is also without Stopping down is used to measure exposure by setting a potentiometer in the lens to a position assigned to the aperture value. This transmits the associated aperture value to the camera housing via three contacts, which is then taken into account by the exposure meter. The closing of the aperture in the exposure then takes over the "Auto Iris" than Praktica designated and existing in previous housing and lens series automatic diaphragm .
A special feature is that M42 adapters were also offered for the lenses belonging to the Pentacon SIX system, which transferred the mechanical diaphragm transmission system of SIX to the “electric” functionality of Practika. For example, the Zeiss-Sonnare 1: 2.8 / 180mm and 1: 4 / 300mm (and all other SIX lenses with open aperture function) can be used on the Practika for open aperture measurement, even if the aperture of these adapted lenses is manually operated small lever on the adapter could be opened again.
Downward compatibility with older systems
In contrast to many other manufacturers, Pentacon maintained downward compatibility with its own and third-party older lenses. Lenses without "electric" functionality must be switched over to "M" for manual aperture operation if there is a switch between "A" / "M" and the exposure measurement is then carried out with the working aperture, which must also be switched on the camera with a switch (slide on the side of the Mirror box opposite the shutter release). This means that all old lenses with a “preset aperture” can continue to be used without any problems.
Compatibility Limitations
The use of lenses that only have a spring diaphragm but not a manual iris function ("A" / "M" switch missing, only "A" function) is more difficult because the exposure can no longer be controlled. The possibility of closing the aperture to the working aperture value to control the exposure time is no longer given with the omission of the preview button.
Other basic functions
Some shutter speeds can also be set manually. As is usual with all newer Praktica housings, the release button has the usual cable release thread connection, the flash synchronization (X) is possible via an accessory shoe and a socket. The base plate has a tripod thread. The PL system should simplify film loading.
Power is supplied by a PX 21 battery. Without a battery, only B (for long exposures) and the flash synchronization time are available as exposure times. The shutter speed selected by the automatic exposure is displayed on the right in the viewfinder.
Trivia
Sigmund Jähn flew in 1978 with a Praktica EE2 as part of the Interkosmos space program on board Soyuz 31 to the Salyut 6 space station .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ Richard Hummel: Richard Hummel, SLR cameras from Dresden, history - technology - facts . Edition Reitzsch, Leipzig 1994, ISBN 3-930846-01-2 , p. 265 .
- ↑ Michael Lukoszek: Praktica features. Retrieved April 12, 2018 .