KW Praktica VLC 21979

History

VEB Pentacon introduced the original Praktica LLC (Lichtmessung, Licht-Computrisiert) -- the same camera also designated VLC in some export markets -- in 1969 as the flagship of the Praktica L-series. The L-series used a new vertical metal focal-plane shutter and a redesigned body compared to the earlier Praktica IV-series. The LLC/VLC offered open-aperture TTL metering, a genuine technical achievement for an East German consumer camera.

Production of the VLC line continued through the 1970s with incremental revisions. The VLC 2, appearing around 1979, introduced the interchangeable finder system and refined the auto-aperture mechanism. It represents the mature endpoint of the VLC lineage rather than a radical redesign -- the shutter mechanism, body dimensions, and M42 mount remained unchanged from the original L-series.

By the late 1970s the Praktica line was undergoing major revision: the Praktica B-series (BMS, BCA) introduced a new bayonet mount and electronic shutter in 1979, aiming to compete more directly with Japanese cameras offering aperture-priority automation. The VLC 2 therefore sat as the refined top of the legacy M42 line at the moment the B-series arrived, with both available concurrently for a period.

Why It Matters

The VLC 2 matters chiefly to collectors and M42 users as the most refined Praktica body offering open-aperture TTL metering on the universal M42 mount. The interchangeable finder system is a genuine practical advantage, unusual on a camera at this price point and particularly useful for macro photography. The combination of a robust vertical metal shutter, open-aperture metering, and the enormous M42 lens ecosystem makes the VLC 2 an underappreciated working camera.

The VLC 2 also represents a design philosophy that was passing out of fashion as it arrived: a fully manual camera with TTL metering guidance, built for photographers who set every parameter deliberately. Against the aperture-priority and program automatics entering the market in 1979-1980, it was conservative -- but for photographers who prefer manual control, its approach is straightforward and reliable.

Lenses & Accessories

The M42 screw mount gives access to one of the largest lens ecosystems in 35mm photography. For open-aperture metering, compatible lenses with the auto-aperture coupling pin are needed: Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50/1.8 Electric, Flektogon 35/2.4 Electric, Sonnar 135/3.5 Electric; Meyer-Optik Oreston 50/1.8 (auto versions). Any M42 lens without coupling reverts to stopped-down metering. The interchangeable finder system accommodates waist-level and magnifying finders for close-up work. Standard accessories: cable release, PC flash, M42 extension tubes.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Marketed to advanced amateurs and semi-professional photographers in East Germany and Eastern European export markets seeking open-aperture TTL metering at below-Western prices.
• Competed in Western European camera shops against bodies such as the Pentax Spotmatic F and early Olympus OM-1 during the mid-to-late 1970s.
• Valued today among M42 system collectors as one of the most fully specified Praktica M42 bodies.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Praktica VLC -- series overview covering VLC variants and metering system details