The Hanimex Praktica 66 is a single lens reflex camera and a variant of the Pentacon Six. The cameras were built by VEB Pentacon Dresden in the GDR and sold by Hanimex in Australia. Hanimex is derived from the company name “Jack Hannes Import Export”. The Sydney-based import/export company sold cameras and flashes from other companies under its own name in Australia and later in the Commonwealth.
The lenses of Hanimex Praktica 66 are interchangeable. Lenses with a Praktisix bayonet / Pentacon Six bayonet / P6 bayonet can be used. The Hanimex Praktica 66 has no autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand.
The Hanimex Praktica 66 does not have an exposure meter for the correct exposure. However, there is a suitable attachment with built-in exposure meter and prismatic viewfinder. The aperture and exposure time can be selected by the photographer as desired.
The medium format camera has a bulb mode. The shutter is open for a variable time. An external flash unit can be used via the PC flash socket. The Hanimex Praktica 66 has a thread for a tripod and cable release. The camera also has a self-timer.
Films for the Hanimex Praktica 66
The Hanimex Praktica 66 uses 120 film. Although the film format was presented many decades ago, there are still some companies which make fresh films. Nice films for black-and-white or color images are the Ilford XP2 Super* and the Lomography Color Negative 400 120*. The film is exposed in 6×6 format. One roll of film has room for twelve shots with this picture format. The camera also can be used with 220-film.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Lens mount | Praktisix mount / Pentacon Six mount / P6-Mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 42,50 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 6 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 53,00 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 52,67 Euro (56.28 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 51,23 Euro (55.20 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Hanimex Praktica 66
Is the Hanimex Praktica 66 an automatic camera?
No, it's a manual focus camera. You have to adjust the focus yourself using the viewfinder. There's no autofocus system.
How do I get the correct exposure with this camera?
The camera doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to either use an external light meter or an attachable one made for it.
What kind of film does this medium format camera use?
It uses 120 film, which is a common medium format film. Each roll gives you twelve 6x6cm exposures, but it can also be used with 220 film for double the shots.
Can I use a flash with the Hanimex Praktica 66?
Yes, it has a PC sync flash connection so you can use external flash units. This allows for creative lighting options.
What type of lenses can I use on the SLR camera?
The Praktica 66 uses interchangeable lenses with a Praktisix/Pentacon Six/P6 bayonet mount. A wide variety of lenses are available for this mount.