Praktica BCS

The Praktica BCS is an SLR camera. It was produced by Pentacon from 1989 to 1990 Pentacon and sold among others also in West Germany. The production run was about 34000 units. It is very similar to the Praktica BCA, but it lacks the connection for a motor winder and exposure compensation.

The lenses of the SLR camera can be changed. A Praktica bayonet was built into the camera for this purpose. Unfortunately, the 35mm camera does not have a built-in autofocus system.

The Praktica BCS has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 12 to 3200. The light meter is built to measure the exposure through the lens of the camera.

The aperture can be freely selected. Which values can be set depends of course on the lens. The exposure time is set automatically by the camera. However, the exposure time is displayed in the viewfinder. There is a Bulb setting for long exposures in low light.

The Praktica BCS has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a connection for a cable release and tripod. An external flash can be connected to the hot shoe.

Films for the Praktica BCS

35mm films are exposed in the Praktica BCS. 35mm films are still made by various producers. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Portra 160*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford Delta 400*.

The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. With a normal film (135-36), 36 photos are usually possible.

Four LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are needed for the camera. This type of battery is easy to get and also relatively inexpensive.

The used price of the 35mm camera depends on the condition and functionality.