Pentacon FBM

Between 1958 and 1962, the Pentacon FBM SLR camera was produced by VEB Zeiss Ikon Dresden. A functionally identical model is the Contax FBM. The brand name Contax was used in the country of production, GDR. The name Pentacon was used for export.

Camera functions

Lenses

One of the outstanding features of the Pentacon FBM is its lens compatibility. With an M42 lens mount, the camera offers the flexibility to use different lenses to expand photographers’ creative possibilities.

The standard lens often paired with this camera is the “Carl Zeiss Tessar” with an aperture of f/2.8 and a focal length of 50mm. The aperture can be varied from 2.8 to 16, giving photographers a wide range of creative options to experiment with depth of field and master different lighting conditions.

Shutter and exposure times

The Pentacon FBM is equipped with a horizontal cloth shutter, a technology valued for its reliability and precision. The camera offers a diverse selection of exposure times ranging from Bulb, 1 to 1/1000th of a second, allowing photographers to optimally capture a variety of subjects and scenes.

Focusing and flash

Focusing is done manually, allowing users to make precise and conscious decisions about image composition. In terms of flash functionality, the camera has a sync socket (X-contact) on the top, although there is no hot shoe.

Light meter and viewfinder

The camera has an uncoupled selenium exposure meter, which is covered by a flap and supports the photographer in optimally setting the exposure. The prism viewfinder, equipped with a field lens and a cross-sectional rangefinder, offers a clear and precise view of the subject to be photographed.

Film transport and other features

The film is transported via a knurled screw, and the shutter release is located diagonally at the front, equipped with a cable release thread. The camera also has useful features such as a self-timer, a film type index under the rewind button and a film counter located under the film advance and tensioning thumbscrew.

Films for the Pentacon FBM

The Pentacon FBM is designed for use with the 35mm format. Fortunately, a wide range of film stock for color and monochrome photography is still available in this format.

For vivid color images, the Kodak Ultramax 400* is recommended, while the Ilford FP4 Plus* is an excellent option for black and white recordings. Both films have proven to be reliable products that consistently produce high quality results.

In terms of development, the color film is designed for the C-41 process, which is offered by most specialized photo laboratories. In addition, many drugstores offer this service for color films. Monochrome films, on the other hand, offer various development options; They can be professionally edited in a photo lab or, with the right equipment, developed at home.