The Praktica LB is a single lens reflex camera. The company Pentacon built the camera from 1972 to 1977.
The lenses of the Praktica LB can be easily interchanged. Lenses with a M42 lens mount can be used with the camera. There is no autofocus with the 35mm camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand.
The M42 thread was in the past very common, so there are a variety of lenses for this mount. The lens mount was originally invented by Carl Zeiss in Jena, East Germany. Zeiss, Pentacon and Pentax were among others major manufacturers of M42 lenses.
The camera comes with an exposure meter. The correct exposure is measured through the lens of the SLR camera. The aperture and shutter speed can be freely set by the photographer. The camera has a bulb setting. With the Bulb setting, it stays open as long as the photographer holds the shutter button down. An external flash can be connected via hot shoe.
Films for the Praktica LB
The Praktica LB is an analogue camera and needs to be equipped with 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced by different producers. Nice films for black-and-white or color images are the Kodak T-Max 400* and the Agfaphoto Vista 400*.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories.
The Praktica LB can be connected to a cable release or tripod by means of the corresponding threads.
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 |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1977 |
| Production duration | 5 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 53,53 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 21 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 70,22 Euro (75.77 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 59,46 Euro (63.86 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 52,50 Euro (56.28 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Praktica LB
Is the Praktica LB a manual focus camera?
Yes, the Praktica LB requires manual focusing. You adjust the focus ring on the lens until the subject is sharp in the viewfinder. There's no autofocus feature.
What kind of lenses can I use with this camera?
The Praktica LB uses M42 screw mount lenses. This is a common mount, so you'll find many lenses available. Remember to check for compatibility.
How does the light meter work on the Praktica LB?
The Praktica LB has a built-in light meter. You look through a window on the camera body; the meter helps determine the correct aperture and shutter speed settings for proper exposure.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash with the Praktica LB. It has a hot shoe for connecting a flashgun. Make sure it's compatible with the camera.
What type of film does this old camera use?
The Praktica LB is a 35mm film camera. You'll need standard 35mm film rolls, available in color or black and white. Many brands are still produced today.