Film cameras
Praktica BX20 User manual
User manual for Praktica BX20. 16 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
16 pagesEnglish1.6 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Praktica
- Model / document
- Praktica BX20
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 1.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 2 · Read text
Introduction Shutter release Technical features Locking the metered value Guide to individual parts Exposure compensation Preparing to take pictures Semi-automatic mod e Inserting the battery Holding the camera Checking the battery Flash photography Opening the back Changing the lens Inserting the film Focusing Closing the back Depth-of-field indication Preparing to shoot Infrared photography Setting the film speed Release button Taking pictures Locking the release button Automatic shutter speed control Self-timer Preselecting the aperture Changing the film Automatic mode, indication Care of the cameraView original page 2
Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us With the PRAKTICA BX 20 you have bought a high-quality 35 mm SLR camera that combines ease of operation with a versatility ideal for any kind of creative work. The shutter speeds are automatically controlled within the range from 1/1000 s to 40 s.(seconds) In addition, the camera's microelectronics permit the use of fixed shutter speeds between 1/1000s and 1s as well as unlimited shutter speeds with the B setting. TTL light metering with open aperture and, thus brightest viewfinder image is made possible by the electronic transfer of the aperture setting from the lens to the camera. The PRAKTICA BX 20 is also equipped with a system which, if a dedicated computerized flash unit is used on the camera, measures the light coming in from the flash unit, makes a split second evaluation, and closes the shutter as soon as the right amount of light has struck the film. It goes without saying that conventional electronic flash units can be plugged onto the camera as well. Manual corrections of the automatically controlled shutter speeds are possible for the purpose of deliberate overexposures and underexposures. LEDs on both sides of the clear and bright viewfinder image indicate the shutter speed to be expected, limits, mode of operation (automatic or semi-automatic), memory function, exposure compensation and flash readiness including the O.K. signal for dedicated computerized flash units. The bottom of the finder image provides information on the preselected aperture and whether the shutter is wound or not. The PRAKTICA BX 20 accepts an auto winder and the wide range of PRAKTICA accessories. FEATURES · SRL camera for a frame size of 24mm x 36mm open-aperture TTL metering system with electronic aperture setting transfer · automatic electronic shutter speed control (stepless) in the range from 1/1000 s to 40 s · change-over from automatic to semi-automatic mode possible; fixed speed range from 1/1000 s to 1 s · electronic TTL metering system for flashes and correct dosage of light for dedicated computerized flash unit, X synchronization (approx. 1/100s) · flash readiness indication (and "flash O.K." signal) in viewfinder image · LED information on expected shutter speed in viewfinder · indication of overexposure or underexposure · aperture setting displayed at bottom of viewfinder image · shutter "winding" information · manual exposure compensation of + 2 exposure factors, indication of compensation by red LED at,, + a · locking of metered value and indication there of by green LED at "AEL" - (automatic exposure lock) · self-timer (approx. 10 s) with starting button serves also as stop-down lever for depth-of-field checking · focusing system comprises Fresnel lens with innovative diagonal triple wedge, microprism ring and ground glass ring · viewfinder image shows approx. 95 per cent of picture sidesView original page 3
Page 6 · Read text
23. Hot shoe with center
contact
24. Center contact
25. Coupling point for
computerized flash unit
26. Indicator of exposure
compensation with index
27. Camera back
28. Film take-up spool
29. Film sprocket
30. Shutter blades
31. Film cartridge
compartment
32. Eyepiece with
accessory holder
33. Memo holder
34. Lid of battery compartment
35. Tripod socket
36. Guide way for motor winder
37. Coupling for motor winder
38. Catch for motor winder
39. Contacts for motor winder
40. Mark (for insertion of battery
compartment lid)View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Inserting the batteries
A 6 V source is required to power the whole electronic system. It may be an alkali-manganese, silver oxide
(SR) or lithium battery.
Webmaster: On the left is an example of two PX-28 batteries from a Ricoh
manual. This is how the batteries should go looking down at the camera. Not
sure where the positive marks are on the body so this could be backwards. If
using 4-SR44 batteries you should have two bumps going in one direction and
two in the opposite.
Four button cells (e. g. LR 44) in a battery case (order no. 961 363) will also do. (the bumps on the batteries are
the negative sides, the two bumps should go in the same direction)
Under normal conditions, a fresh battery lasts for about 2 years. To insert the battery, push the battery
compartment lid (34) in the direction of the arrow and swivel it out Wipe the contacts in the battery
compartment and those of the fresh battery with a dry cloth. Press the plus pole of the battery against the spring
contact (polarity marks in the battery compartment) and tip the battery in. Close the lid and let it click in.
The contacts of the battery and in the compartment should be checked from time to time, and cleaned if
necessary. Low temperatures have an adverse effect on the battery; it should therefore be suitably protected in
cold weather.
If the camera is not used for an extended period, the battery should be removed.
Checking the battery
The shutter must be wound. Press shutter release (22) and then memory key (12). If the LED indication is bright
the battery still has a sufficient power reserve. When the battery is spent, the LEDs on the right side of the
viewfinder image will go out. The battery condition can not be checked in the B and setting.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Opening the back Pull the rewind button (18) up as far as it will go to unlock the back Open the back completely the frame counter (5) will automatically return to the starting position. Inserting the film Before the film is inserted the shutter speed dial should be set to a fast fixed shutter as otherwise a slow shutter speed may be formed in the "auto" mode. The winding lever is blocked until the shutter has completed operation. Do not use force! An undesired slow shutter speed that may have formed in the "auto " mode can be cut short by changing from "auto" to B. Such a slow speed is also obtained in the "auto" mode when the shutter is released without a lens being connected to the camera. Put the film cartridge into the cartridge compartment (31). Press the rewind button (9) back in all the way; turning it if necessary. Insert the film leader at least 1 cm into the slit in the take-up spool (28). Carefully operate the winding lever until the teeth of the film sprocket (29) engage in the film perforation.. Swing the winding lever fully out and let it return. Release the shutter. Closing the back Press the middle of the lock side of the back against the camera body until the lock is heard to engage.View original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Preparing to shoot
The winding lever (6) may be swung out a little way without starting the winding procedure. This readiness
position increases the handling reliability when taking rapid picture sequences. Swing the winding lever as far
as it will go, return and press the shutter release (22). Repeat the procedure and continue to do so until the
automatic frame counter (5) indicates frame 1.
Information on whether the shutter is wound or not is given at the bottom of the viewfinder image:
* aperture reflected into viewfinder appears red -shutter is not wound
* aperture reflected into viewfinder is colorless -shutter is wound
Proper film advance can be checked by making sure the rewind button (9) rotates as the winding lever (6) is
moved.
If you shoot with a winder attached to the camera refer to the instructions for use of the PRAKTICA winder
made by VEB PENTAGON DRESDEM We shad not be liable to you for damage caused by using a winder of
different make.
Setting the film speed
Press the unlocking key (11) and turn the film speed dial (10) until the film speed given on the pack (ASA
value) matches the index of the compensation indicator (26). The flap from the film pack can be put into the
memo holder (33) as an additional aid to the memory.
Automatic shutter speed control
In the "auto" mode, the PRAKTICA
BX20cperates automatically in a stepless
shutter speed range from 1/1000 s to 40s. The
shutter speed is electronically controlled in
consideration of the lighting conditions, the
preselected aperture and the film speed.
LEDs at the edge of the viewfinder indicate
the controlled shutter speed. Should the
shutter speed range be exceeded, OVER or
UNDER is indicated.
The TTL metering system automatically takes into account all factors influencing the exposure such as focal
length of the lens, filters and extensions.
If lenses with the 42x1 PRAKTICA thread are used with an adapter, light metering is automatic at working
aperture.View original page 9Page 11 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Shutter release
After shutter speed has been checked in
the viewfinder the shutter is operated by
fully depressing the shutter release (22).
When pressure is removed from the
shutter release the electronics are
automatically switched off.
With slow shutter speeds the removal of
pressure from the shutter release does
not affect the exposure procedure. In
this case the electronics are switched off
when the shutter cycle has been
completed.
If the cycle needs to be broken off prematurely with a very long shutter speed (e. g. after an accidental shutter
release), the shutter speed dial (21) should briefly be turned to B.
Locking the metered value (exposure lock - AEL)
If the subject features extreme
contrasts (e. g. people wearing dark
clothes in sunlit snow or a light-
colored object in front of a dark
background), the exposure value
can be determined by individual
metering of the most important
element in the picture from close
up. The value obtained in the close-
up measurement is stored, and the
image section can then be changed
without another shutter speed being
set.
To store the metered value first depress the shutter release (22) slightly (camera is wound) to initiate the
metering process, and then briefly press the memory button (12) to lock in the metered value (LED at "AEL" is
lit).
No new measurement is made before the shutter is released, and the shutter speed will correspond to the locked
value. The locked value is erased when pressure is removed from the shutter release and the electronics are
switched off.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Exposure compensation
Another way of influencing
the exposure individually is
by using the exposure
compensation system (10,
26). Such compensation is
necessary when the
character of the object varies
greatly the norm, e. g. with
dark objects in front of a
light background (+1, +2)
and with bright objects in
front of a very dark
background ( - 1, - 2).
Lift the film speed dial (10) and turn the exposure compensation indicator (26) to the desired value.
An LED (+/-) on the left side of the viewfinder image indicates that the shutter speed is overridden. Starting
from the initial position the shutter speed is reduced in the ,,auto" mode by 1 or 2 exposure factors when the dial
is set to + 1 or +2, respectively. The speed is correspondingly increased when the dial is set to -1 or -2. The dial
can be set to half factors. At the limits of the film speed range - 12 ASA and 3200 ASA compensation by two
factors is also possible.
However, the compensation cannot extend the shutter speed range beyond the speeds of 111000 s and 40 s.
Remember to return the dial to the neutral initial position after exposure-compensated shots. The LED (+) will
then go out.
Semi-automatic mode
If you want to shoot at a particular shutter speed, for reproductions or scientific work for example, set the
PRAKTICA BX 20 to semi-automatic mode. Fixed shutter speeds from 1 s to 1/1 000 s and the B setting for
any length of time are available. Select the speed you want using the shutter speed dial (21) this automatically
changes the camera operation to semi-automat/c mode. As with automatic shutter speed control, the camera's
electronics are switched on by gentle pressure on the shutter release.
The shutter speed can again be checked using the LEDs in the viewfinder: While the LED corresponding to the
set shutter speed flashes, the shutter speed required by the lighting conditions, the film speed and the selected
aperture is shown at the same time by a steadily lit LED (two adjacent LEDs light up for intermediate speeds).
To match the two, alter the aperture or shutter speed until the LED is lit steadily. There is no LED display for
the B setting. The fixed shutter speeds will not be changed by the described correction procedure.
Holding the camera
The illustration shows the best position in which to hold the camera. It should be held steadily and tightly, the
elbows should be supported against the body. In this way blur free pictures will be achieved.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
www.butkus.us Flash photography If the available light is insufficient for handheld shots (e. g. indoors) or if the subject has to be additionally brightened up, flash should be used. All fitting electronic flash units can be used, computerized or not. Just push the flash unit onto the hot shoe (23); the electrical connection is thus made. For electronic flash without computer control set the shutter speed dial (21) to . The speed will then be 1/100s. If a dedicated computerized flash unit is pushed onto the hot shoe and the shutter speed dial (21) set to "auto", an LED at the viewfinder edge ( ) will signal flash readiness, and the "auto" indication will go out. Flash readiness will also be indicated in the case of a computerized flash unit when the dial is set to .. Correct exposure is guaranteed by the camera's TTL light metering system: the reflected flash light passes through the lens, is evaluated by the camera computer, and the flash is cut short at the right moment via the cableless hot shoe connection - genuine automatic TTL metering also for flashes. The "flash O.K." signal (film is correctly exposed) is derived from the flash readiness indication. If the LED at lights up again immediately after exposure, the correct amount of light has struck the film. The O.K. signal of the flash unit should be observed in cases deviating from the norm. Flash readiness is retained even if the memory key is pressed and the green LED at "AEL" signals the locking of the metered value. Exposure compensation signaled by the LED at (+ / -), is taken into account by the automatic flash system. To avoid incorrect exposures with flash when the surrounding light is bright, check by switching off the computerized flash unit that the shutter speed corresponding to the surrounding light is slower than 1/125 s. See also the operating instructions for the flash unit for detailed information. Changing the lens Press the unlocking key (2) and turn the lens anticlockwise as far as it will go. Remove the lens from me camera. Insert the PRAKTICA lens in such a way that the red marks (16 and 2) on the camera and lens are opposite each other. Press the lens against the camera body and turn clockwise until the locking pin is heard to engage.View original page 13
Page 14 · Read text
By using the PRAKTICA adapter all original PRAKTICA lenses with the M 42x 1 thread can be connected. Lenses of other makes with the M 42x 1 thread must be suitable for PRAKTICA cameras and equipped for metering at working aperture. The PRAKTICA BX 20 also works automatically with screw-thread lenses, the only difference being that the light metering is made at working aperture. Focusing Focusing is possible with the triple wedge system, the microprism ring or the ground glass ring. 1. Triple wedge The wedge system allows highly accurate focusing. Optimum sharpness is achieved when the contours and lines flow naturally. Incorrectly aligned edges indicate that the image is out of focus. 2. Microprism ring The image is correctly focused when the image inside the grid is c/ear and flicker free. 3. Ground glass ring Especially useful in photomacrography and photomicrography and when using lenses with a small relative aperture (greater than 4). The image must a p pear clear and sharp in the ground glass ring. Depth-of-field indicationView original page 14
Page 15 · Read text
www.butkus.us
The limits of the depth of field for the selected
aperture can be read off from the depth-of-
field scale (15) on me lens. Example: distance
3 m, aperture 8 - depth of field ranges from
around 2 m to 5 m.
Infrared photography
Infrared photography requires a slight correction to the focusing: match the distance determined in focusing
with the infrared index (see arrow) on the lens. Release button
For ease of operation several functions have
been combined in the shutter release (22).
When the camera is wound, gentle depression
of the shutter release until pressure is felt
switches on the automatic system and the LEDs
for shutter speeds or flash readiness (with
special flash units). Further pressure will release
the shutter.
Locking the release button
Accidental shutter release and unnecessary use of power as a result of unintentional pressing of the shutter
release button when the camera is wound or not can be avoided by locking the release button.
To this end, the lock (20) below the shutter speed dial is fumed in the direction of the arrow. To unlock turn in
the opposite direction.
Self-timer
Advance the shutter, swing the self-timer
winding lever (4) in the direction of the arrow 1
as far as it will go, and release by pressing
starting button (3) as shown by arrow 2. The
delay period is approximately 10 s. Do not wind
the shutter while the delay mechanism is
running.
If a motor winder is attached to the camera and switched on, several frames can be exposed during the delay
period with fast shutter speeds. If this is not desired, the motor winder should be switched off.
To avoid incorrect metering in the automatic mode the eyepiece should be covered with the eyepiece coyer
supplied.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Changing the film The frame counter (5) indicates the number of frames which have already been exposed on a film. If all the frames on a film have been exposed (red mark at 20 or 36), change the film. Press in the rewind release (18) until it locks, fold out the rewind crank (8) and turn in the direction of the arrow until increased resistance followed by easy movement indicate that the film has been fully rewound. Pull the rewind button (9) all the way up to unlock the back. The film cartridge can now be removed. Do not change the film in bright sunlight Attention! If more frames are exposed than are indicated on the film pack, it is possible that the winding lever cannot be swung all the way. Do not use force. Rewind the film as described above, then swing the winding lever fully out. CARE OF THE CAMERA · Protect the camera from impact, dust and moisture. · Clean the cartridge and spool compartments, the film track and the back from time to time with a soft brush. · Do not use organic solvents such as spirit or varnish thinner to clean the camera. · Do not expose the camera or lens to aggressive vapors. · Remove fingerprints from the lens and eyepiece surfaces with lens cleaning paper. · Do not touch the mirror, field lens or shutter blades. Such contamination can only be removed by a service workshop. · Use an optical brush for dust removal, or blow out · Do not expose the camera to very high or low temperatures for lengthy periods. Avoid, for example, placing the camera in a car window in direct sunlight · The camera should be suitably protected from extreme cold. · When using the camera near the sea or on the beach, protect it from salt water, spray and sand. · Avoid sudden changes in temperature. These may lead to the formation of condensation and thus to corrosion damage. · Never attempt to make your own repairs to the camera. Consult a service workshop where necessary. THIS IS NOTED ON AN EXTRA PAGE ADDED TO THE MANUAL Your PRAKTICA BX 20 has an improved battery compartment lid. Please note the following when inserting the battery: Push the lid (34) in the (changed) direction of the arrow and open it. Close the lid after battery insertion and lock it. Please note carefully all the instructions contained in this booklet. Incorrect handling of your camera can lead to damage not covered by our guarantee. Further development of the PRAKTICA BX 20 may result in some aspects of the camera deviating slightly from those given here.View original page 16
Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.