The Praktica BCC is a single lens reflex camera. It was manufactured by Pentacon from 1979 to 1990. During this time around 15000 pieces were produced. The 35mm camera, built in Dresden, was mainly designed for the GDR domestic market.
The Praktica BCC is very similar to Praktica BCA, but the BCC is missing the self-timer, exposure compensation and the connection for the motor winder.
The lens of the Praktica BCC is interchangeable. A Praktica-Bajonett was installed for this purpose. There is no autofocus with the 35mm camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand.
The camera has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films in a range between ISO 12 and ISO 3200. The exposure is measured through the lens of the 35mm camera (TTL). The photographer can easily choose the aperture when taking pictures. This is not possible with shutter speed. The Praktica BCC has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. An external flash device can be fired via the built-in hot shoe.
Films for the Praktica BCC
The Praktica BCC uses 35mm film. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. One way to get color images is the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the Ilford Delta 100* for black-and-white photos.
The colour film is a colour negative film and must be developed in the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories.
At this size, 36 images will fit on a 135-36 film. There is no automatic winder, you have to spool to the next picture yourself.
The Praktica BCC can be connected to a cable release or tripod by means of the corresponding threads. The Praktica BCC needs four LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Nowadays you can buy the Praktica BCC only in used condition. The condition of the camera and whether it still works is today the main factor on the value of a used copy of the camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Praktica B lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 4x LR44 batteries |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1990 |
| Production duration | 11 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 77,59 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 79,72 Euro (85.51 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 56,50 Euro (60.61 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Praktica BCC
Is the Praktica BCC a manual focus camera?
Yes, the Praktica BCC does not have autofocus. You have to manually focus the lens on your subject. This is common for cameras of its era.
What kind of film does this 35mm camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film rolls. You can use both color negative and black and white films. A wide range of ISO speeds is supported.
How does the exposure metering work on the Praktica BCC?
The camera has a built-in TTL (Through The Lens) light meter. It automatically determines the shutter speed based on the chosen aperture and film ISO.
Can I use a flash with this old camera?
Yes, the Praktica BCC has a hot shoe for connecting an external flash. The flash sync speed is 1/60th of a second.
What type of batteries does the Praktica BCC need?
The camera requires four LR44 batteries to power the light meter. These are readily available and relatively inexpensive.