AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Expert: David Silver Date: 7/15/2006 Subject: camera history and appraisal?
Question I have recently bought a 35mm SLR praktica MTL5B in good shape.The lens is a pentacon 50mm f1.8. What can you tell me about this camera? I paid U$S80 for it.Is it a good camera to start in photography?
Iīm writting from Uruguay(South America),thatīs why my english is so bad.
looking forward to your answer and thanking you in advance,
Santiago
Answer
Hello,
The Praktica MTL 5 B is a very basic single-lens-reflex 35mm camera, made by Pentacon of Germany from 1985 to 1989. I believe it would be an excellent camera with which to learn photography. It offers very simple controls that allow the photographer to think for himself! The Pentacon lenses are excellent quality, and since the camera has the classic M42 screw mount there are millions of other lenses available to fit it. I believe $80 is about the correct current market value for this camera in truly excellent condition. You have done very well!
