Praktica VLC 3

35mm MF film SLR camera • Discontinued

Announced:
· 1976
Production status:
● Discontinued
Country of design:
· GDR (German Democratic Republic)
System:
· Contax/Praktica (1949)

Specification

Format:
Maximum format:	35mm full frame
Film type:	135 cartridge-loaded film
Mount and Flange focal distance:	M42 [45.5mm]
Shutter:
Type:	Focal-plane
Model:	Mechanical
Speeds:	1 - 1/1000 + B
Exposure:
Exposure metering:	Through-the-lens (TTL), open-aperture
Exposure modes:	Manual
Physical characteristics:
Weight:	<No data>
Dimensions:	<No data>

From the Camera magazine (1978)

Four Praktica models with screw mounted lenses replace earlier versions, incorporating minor improvements. The Praktica VLC 3 and PLC 3 thus succeed the VLC 2 and PLC 2 (interchangeable finders and fixed finder respectively); the other two models are the MTL 3 and Super TL 3 with through-the-lens metering at working aperture and maximum shutter speed of 1/1000 and 1/500 second respectively. Improvements of all four models cover a brighter finder image with split-image rangefinder and ground glass ring as focusing aids, additional exposure information in the finder and separate synchronizing circuits for simultaneous use of two flash units.

Pentacon is also extending its range of electric lenses (with electric aperture feedback) in screw mount for the VLC, PLC and LLC cameras. New lenses under the Pentacon Electric label are a 24 mm f:2.8, 28 mm f:2.8, 135 mm f:2.8, 200 mm f:3.5 and 300 mm f:5.6. There are also Jena Pancolar Electric lenses: 80 mm f:1.8, 200 mm f:2.8 and 300 mm f:4. Further new units are a 39-80 mm Pentacon Electric zoom f:3.5 and a 70-230 mm f:4.5. Also available is a Pentacon Electric 2x tele converter to double the focal length of any of the electric lenses with aperture feedback. All the Praktica lenses are now multi-coated.

From the editor

Only 30,102 units were produced from June 1976 to January 1981.

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