The definitive equipment listing for Prakticas on the internet
	Main  |  Camera Bodies  |  Lenses  |  Accessories  |  Photo index  |  Contact  Lenses -> Lens catalogue of 1978 LENSES for single-lens reflex cameras from Dresden The genuine single-lens reflex cameras from Dresden guarantee picture definition because focusing is performed very surely with the large bright viewfinder image. As the optical systems are always subject to very high quality requirements, PENTACON lenses from Görlitz and ZEISS lenses from JENA contributed their share to the high reputation of Dresden single-lens reflex cameras throughout the world. They have put standards from which performance characteristics of international validity were derived. Now we are glad to present you our actual programme for lenses from PENTACON and from ZEISS. All of them represent outstanding optical and mechanical performance criteria. Pioneering design features, highly refractive glasses, modern manufacturing technology and closest quality control guarantee each lens an extraordinary quality in reproduction owing to razorsharp rendition (i. e. high resolving power and best transformation of contrasts), the freedom from distorsion, and the absolute colour fidelity. In colour photography it is most essential that by the reflex reducing and scratch-proof surface finish given to the lens the true colour reproduction could be influenced to become completely neutral. Mention should be made of the reflex reducing multicoating (MC), applied to many types of PENTACON and ZEISS lenses to improve their reproduction quality. Increasingly, disturbing reflexes are avoided and-even in counterlight and with high brightness differences-images of better contrast and brillant sharpness are obtained. Even with the aperture fully open all lenses described below allow to obtain an excellent image quality. Easy and correct focusing with all lenses is possible particularly with the wide apertures (1.8, 2.4, 2.8 etc.). Furthermore, pictures can also be taken at relatively short exposure times under unfavourable light conditions, and that without flash. Regarding the mechanical design we should point out the helical drive for focusing, the automatic diaphragm control speeding-up the readiness for taking, and the interchangeable adapter which allows the use of various lenses in combination with different types of cameras. Within a wide range of focal lenghts, lenses are available from PENTACON and from ZEISS for the reflex cameras from Dresden as well as for some models of the same family produced by other works provided they are fitted with the M42 x 1 thread mount, having been introduced by PRAKTICA cameras, or with the EXAKTA bayonet. This permits the universal use of these cameras and makes the individual composition of the images so advantageous. Because creative photography by the single-lens camera mainly means: application of additional lenses of various focal lengths and utilization of the variations in image scale, perspective and impact of the pictures. Normal lenses Usually, they are supplied with the camera, they are the main part of the optical equipment. The focal length of the normal lens is about the length of the diagonal across the picture: image angle and perspective closely correspond to the visual impression, and the information given by the picture will quantitatively comply with the imagination of the viewer. Therefore, the highly corrected normal lenses are universally applicable: from landscape and architecture to snapshots of of people and animals, including reports and sports photography. Another wide field of application is the photography of material subjects in all branches, above all in the ranges of technique, science, and art as well as close-ups. Wide apertures allow, when using highly sensitive films, dynamic artificial-light exposures (without flash). As the normal lenses are of the interchangeable type, lenses with other focal lengths can be used, too. They are attached to the camera by the PRAKTICA M42 x 1 screw-in mount, by the EXAKTA bayonet, or by the clamping bayonet of the PENT ACON six TL or the PRAKTISIX. Taken with the usually possible 50 cm distance setting Amazing photo with 33 cm distance setting for comparison Normal lenses of the catalogue: Meyer Oreston / Pentacon 1.8/50 Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 1.8/50 Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 2.8/50 Meyer Domiplan 2.8/50 Carl Zeiss Biometar 2.8/80 Wide-angle lenses As their focal length is shorter than that of the standard lenses a wider angular field, a higher depth of field, and an emphasized perspective are obtained. The wide field angle is indispensable for taking short-distance full-subject shots, e.g. for architecture photographs and above all for indoor photography, landscape panoramas, large groups of personnel and material subject standing in confined places, between machines in work shops, in museums, galleries, etc. The broad coverage of the wide-angle lens reproduces more details in the picture and increases its information. This is also of advantage when shooting sports events and news photos for which the enormous depth of field facilitates focusing. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for high-impact perspectives: subjects near to the lens are relatively large, such in a greater distance relatively small. The result is a picture composition with a clear distinction of foreground, centre-ground, and background; this allows to vary the accents in picture composition. All PENTACON wide-angle lenses and those from ZEISS described on page 6 make possible close-up focusing down to relatively short distances without any other accessory. Wide-angle lenses of the catalogue: Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.8/20 Meyer Orestegon / Pentacon 2.8/29 Meyer Lydith / Pentacon 3.5/30 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.8/35 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.4/35 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 4/50 Different focal lengths - various impressions The photos taken for comparison with the camera being unchanged in its position show the different effects ca used by such additional lenses of short and long focal lengths. Having a wide coverage, the wide-angle lens photos include many details, but all are relatively small as compared with photos taken with a standard lens. Meyer Oreston / Pentacon 1.8/50 On the contrary, the tele-lenses with their long focal lengths have an effect similar to that of a field-glass: they seem to draw near the details and reproduce them within narrow and narrowest angles in a large and picture-filling scale. This will be desired when the subject to be taken shall not or cannot be approached (photographs of animals, sports events, news photos, such of children and stage events, etc.). For picture composition the low depth of field of the long-focal-length lenses is of advantage because unimportant and blurred details can be separated from significant ones. All lenses described below belong to the true telephoto lenses which, as compared to their focal length, have a relatively short barrel construction. Consequently, these lenses are smaller in dimension and lower in mass than just expected as to their focal length. This steadies your camera, and images of exceptional sharpness are obtained. Furthermore, the useful interchangeable adapter of several long-focal-length lenses is of worth wile advantage. It allows to attach the lenses to cameras of different types: much cost-saving for the optical outfit, very convenient in transport. Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.8/20 Meyer Orestor / Pentacon 2.8/135   Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 4/300 Meyer Orestegor / Pentacon / Prakticar 5.6/500 Tele-lenses of medium focal length- the indispensable complementary part for the optical standard equipment for all those who wish to take persons and animals, architecture and landscape details even at a wider distance but in picture-filling manner. The 100 mm to 135 mm focal-length lenses give very well balanced perspectives; excellent for portraiture, groups and material subjects (the larger subject-to-lens distance allows also close-ups of small animals). Lenses with focal lengths between 180 and 200 mm are perfect for special news photos as well as photos of sports events and animals. Tele-lenses of medium focal length of this catalogue: Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 1.8/80 Meyer Orestor / Pentacon 2.8/135 Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 3.5/135 Meyer Orestegor / Pentacon 4/200 Carl Zeiss Jena Biometar 2.8/120 Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 2.8/180 Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 2.8/200 Super-tele-lenses Four proved lenses for specialists in the field of sports and animal photography, but also for extraordinary requirements in reporting (undetected taking at wide distance) as well as for scientific research and documentation. With focal lengths of 300,500, and -1,000 mm you can obtain a 6 x, 10 x, and 20 x magnification (miniature size) or a 3.75 x, 6.25 x, and 12.5 x magnification (6 x 6) at equal subject-to-lens distance. You see, with their optical system these lenses are able to overcome considerable distances; even small details, e. g. in landscape and architecture, are effectively reproduced in a corner-to-corner size. In spite of the extreme focal lengths the maximum apertures of 4 and 5.6 are still used which, even at relatively unfavourable light conditions, allow to photograph with short exposure time (of high importance for fast moving subjects). Super-tele-lenses of this catalogue: Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 4/300 Meyer Orestegor / Pentacon 4/300 Meyer Orestegor / Pentacon / Prakticar 5.6/500 Carl Zeiss Jena Spiegelobjektiv 5.6/1000 Taken with standard-coated lens Taken with multicoated lens Improved picture quality through reflex reducing multicoating (MC) Various types of the PENTACON and ZEISS lenses have got a differentiated multicoating (MC) to their surfaces so that-as compared with standard coating-the reflexes will make nearly no trouble. Disturbing reflexes from sunlight or lamps, excessive irradiation, ghost images, and light spots are widely avoided, even when taking subjects in the counterlight under wide differences in brightness. Particularly brilliant images of best contrast and excellent sharpness are obtained. The reflex reducing effect of the multicoating becomes evident mainly with lenses in which a great number of surfaces is exposed to the air. Automatic diaphragm control for advanced speed The automatic diaphragm control with which the PENTACON and ZEISS lenses are equipped (ADB and ASB) will simplify and speed-up taking because of the omitted time-consuming stopping-down. Focusing is achieved with the lens fully open and with the brightest view-finder image; and when releasing the shutter the diaphragm closes automatically down to the pre-set value. Only the spring diaphragm (SB) needs to be cocked previously. And the pre-set diaphragm (VB) is stopped down (without any checking, too), by a short rotation of the diaphragm ring, to the pre-set stop. PRAKTICA cameras have a power source by which the automatic pressure diaphragm becomes the higher-grade automatic spring diaphragm. PRAKTICA models with diaphragm electrics our programme comprises several PENTACON and ZEISS lenses for which the diaphragm value from internal light metering with fully open aperture and brightest finder image is electrically transmitted to the computing system of the automatic exposure device. The interchangeable adapter for use with different types of cameras Many photographers use two or three differing types of cameras, such as the 6 x 6 camera for colour films and the 35 mm camera for black-and-white films. For this reason, the interchangeable adapter allows the lenses of 135 mm focal length and above, as specified in the list, to be used in connection with various cameras. This will save to buy and to transport additional long-focus lenses for the second or even the third camera. The only thing they need is a well-priced and lightweight interchangeable adapter; some of the PENTACON lenses even use one and the same: the 135 mm fl2.8 and the 200 mm f/4 as well as the 300 mm f/4 and the 500 mm f/5.6. Some interchangeable adapters are available with the PRAKTICA M 42 x 1 lens mount, the EXAKT A bayonet or the clip-on bayonet of the PENTACON six TL and PRAKTISIX. Lenses such as the SONNAR f/2.8 from ZEISS and the 300 mm f/4 as well as the 1,000 mm f/5.6 mirror lens are compatible with interchangeable adapters of miniature cameras; for the PENTACON six TL and PRAKTISIX they are used without adapter. To the SONNAR 180 mm f/2.8 and 300 mm f/4 lenses an electric-adapter can be attached to electrically transmit the diaphragm values into PRAKTICA models with diaphragm electrics. Back | Index | Top