The Praktica FX2 is a single lens reflex camera. It was produced by VEB Kamerawerke Niedersedlitz and presented in the 50s. In West Germany the camera was sold by Photo Porst as “Porst Reflex FX2“.
The lenses of the Praktica FX2 can be changed. A M42 lens mount was installed for this purpose. The M42 screw mount is a standardized, manufacturer-independent lens mount for interchangeable lenses. The first M42 lens was developed by Zeiss. Zeiss, Pentax, Beyer-Optik and Pentacon have produced, among others, the lenses for the M42 screw mount. The Praktica FX2 does not provide an autofocus function. The focus is set manually.
The Praktica FX2 does not have a sensor for measuring the exposure. The aperture and shutter speed can be individually configured.
The camera has a bulb mode. The shutter is open for a variable time. An optional external flash can be used via the provided PC flash socket.
Films for the Praktica FX2
The Praktica FX2 is designed for the 35mm format. Films of this format are still easy to get today and are still being developed. A good choice for color photography is the Fujifilm Superia 400*. If you want to stay monochrome, the AgfaPhoto APX 100* is not bad.
The 35mm camera has a connector for a cable release. There is also a thread for mounting a tripod. At a size of 635 g the weight of the camera body is 15 x 9 x 5 cm. A power source is not required for photographing.
The Praktica FX2 is nowadays only available trough the used market. The value of a used copy of the camera depends mainly on the condition and if it works correctly.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/2 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 15 x 9 x 5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.91 x 3.54 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 635 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Company name of the manufacturer | VEB Kamerawerke Niedersedlitz |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 116,92 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 28 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 95,08 Euro (102.83 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 91,48 Euro (98.50 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 93,54 Euro (100.66 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Praktica FX2
Is the Praktica FX2 a digital camera or a film camera?
The Praktica FX2 is a film camera, specifically a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses film rolls for taking pictures, not digital memory cards. You'll need to get the film developed after shooting.
How do you focus the lens on this camera?
The Praktica FX2 uses manual focus. There's no autofocus. You have to manually adjust the focus ring on the lens until the subject is sharp in the viewfinder.
What kind of lenses can I use with the camera?
The Praktica FX2 uses M42 lenses. This is a screw-mount system, so many different manufacturers made compatible lenses. You can find many used lenses.
Does this camera have an automatic light meter?
No, the Praktica FX2 doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to manually set the aperture and shutter speed based on the lighting conditions. You might use a separate light meter.
Where can I buy one of these cameras today?
Since it's an older model, you can only find the Praktica FX2 on the used market. Online auction sites or camera shops specializing in vintage equipment are good places to look.