The Praktica LLC is a 35mm camera. It is a single-lens reflex camera from Pentacon’s first L-series. The VEB Pentacon Dresden built the East German model from 1969 to 1975.
The lenses of Praktica LLC are interchangeable. This is made possible by the M42 thread. The M42 thread was previously very common, so there are a variety of lenses for this mount. The lens thread was developed in the 1930s at Carl Zeiss in Jena, Germany. The major manufacturers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ. The lens is focused by hand. Praktica LLC does not have an autofocus function.
The 35 mm camera has an exposure meter. It can be used with films from ISO 12 to ISO 1600. As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured by the lens. It was the first Pentacon SLR to transfer exposure data from the lens to the camera. The aperture and exposure time can be freely selected.
The camera comes with a bulb mode. An external flash can be used with the 35 mm camera via hot shoe. Praktica LLC has a thread for a tripod and cable release. She also has a self-timer. The camera requires a Varta V21 PX.
Films for the Praktica LLC
The Praktica LLC is a 35mm camera and needs 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced today and are quite easy to get. Nice films for black-and-white or color images are the AgfaPhoto APX 100* and the Kodak Portra 160*.
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 | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x Varta V21 PX battery |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1975 |
| Production duration | 6 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 65,99 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 16 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 50,71 Euro (54.12 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 62,50 Euro (67.11 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 57,17 Euro (61.70 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Praktica LLC
Is the Praktica LLC a camera with automatic focus?
No, the Praktica LLC is a manual focus camera. It uses the M42 screw mount system, so focusing is done by hand. This is common for cameras of its era.
What kind of lenses can I use with this old camera?
The Praktica LLC uses the M42 screw mount. This is a very popular and widespread mount, so you can find many lenses from different manufacturers, such as Pentax, Zeiss, and Pentacon.
How does the light meter in the camera work?
The Praktica LLC's light meter measures the light through the lens. It works with films from ISO 12 to ISO 1600. The camera lets you choose the aperture and shutter speed manually.
Can I use a flash with the Praktica LLC?
Yes, the Praktica LLC has a hot shoe for attaching external flash units. This allows you to take photos in low-light conditions.
What type of film does this camera take?
The Praktica LLC is a 35mm camera, so it uses standard 35mm film rolls. These are readily available from various manufacturers today, both color and black and white.