Taken from an on-line site, not my information.

What do they have in common...?

Praktica BCS Electronic: Of course the models have a lot in common, so to speak, because they come from the same maker and all follow up its construction on behalf of his forefather electronic Praktica B200. This, however, was against much better equipped and together with later model BC1 and even younger BX20 belonged at the time the flagship of Praktica B, which developed and manufactured combine Pentacon in Dresden, East Germany.

These models include the opposite end of the product range than the above top-models. There is more about basic models, depleted of many functions (and also some quite substantial). Models BCA and BCS are designed more for beginners who do not want the technical conditions of taking a picture - indeed, they gave them none of the abilities too.  Because the only option is fully automatic operation (if you do not count the possibility of using mechanical time for lightning time synchronization or B). Model BMS is quite exceptional in the whole system (more on that is supported by the fact that the designation of BMS's body brought out a different font than all other models).  On the contrary, has no automation and is a full manual, which - albeit with bayonet lenses - works like the older models Praktica L series equipped with an aperture simulator with electronic controls.  This allows metering with fully auto lens (ie. LLC, PLC and VLC).

Praktica BMS Electronic:  Basis for all models of Praktica B is identical. The body always has the same dimensions 141 x 88 x 49 mm (W x H x D) and the most important component - the bayonet, film lane, are made of metal, as well as the back wall and the pressure plate of the film. The shutter is also the same, a metal plate with a vertical operation and electronic control. Mechanical timimg for all of these types are 1/60 sec, which is also the time for flash synchronization. Flash recharging - of course, if you use the appropriate system equipment Praktica (eg. BD26 or SB32) - Viewfinder signaled by a green LED. All these models are SLR film SLR format 24 × 36 mm and a manual shift film. Counter shots are mechanical (after opening the back door is automatically reset) and compared to the Russian Zenit is directly amazingly accurate, clear and reliable.

Praktica BCA electronic The viewfinder is also the same - shows 95% of the film frame and is equipped with a trio of focusing aids: triple wedge rangefinder, raster annulus (Fresnel lens) and matt annulus. The viewfinder is relatively light, however, it was designed for use with very fast lenses with fixed focal length; when using the zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f / 4, with intermediate rings or in very low light conditions darken wedges rangefinder and the correct focusing rather difficult. But even so the viewfinder very good and the focus is overwhelmingly easy and accurate. For each model is different exposure values ​​displayed in the viewfinder, but more on that later.

Praktica BMS electronic Models B-series is equipped with internal measuring light (TTL) and aperture simulator (Praktica EDC - electronic control diaphragm ) that allows light metering and focusing on fully widest aperture. Film speed is set manually (DX reader devices do not have the code) ranging from 12 to 3200 ASA (ISO) in increments of 1/3 EV. The measurement is relatively accurate and operates reliably. Metering, supplies battery 4LR44 (original designation Varta V28 PX) with a nominal voltage of 6V; use is also an adapter for 4 LR44 button batteries (SR44) - this was not only supplied in some markets and some models (eg. BMS).

Designation of the models for the uninitiated can seem pretty confusing, but it is typically German thoughtful and accurate. The letter B stands for bayonet (B200 and B100), C second type name indicates indication of flash in the viewfinder (BC1, BCA etc.), The letter M indicates the possibility of manual adjustment (BMS). The letter S in the third place means a built-in timer (BMS or BCS, a rare model BM timer in accordance with this marking system does) when in third place and refer only to automatic operation (BCA). The only exception to this system is the Praktica BCC, which is sold only in the GDR, and is very similar to the BCS model, not just the self-timer, and some pieces have a surprisingly button for controlling the depth of field. Last Practices Series B have the name and the letter X - it stands for TTL flash metering (BX20).

What is different ...?

Differences between the models are not essential, but for clarity and also because this topic has not yet considered any known my article, I will talk about all models gradually.

Praktica BCA Electronic:  Praktica BCA electronic is a sort of basic model series. Its price was relatively low, but still be able to use the extensive range of accessories as well as the flagship B200 and BC1. This type was produced from August 1986 to December 1989 and produced a total of 231,806 units - a B100 with the type most widely used type of series B. constructors type BCA were Werner Hahn and Rolf Noack (who was also the chief designer of a number L). The shutter operates with times from 1/1000 to 1 s + B; exposure times except B are adjusted smoothly, which contributes to a more accurate exposure.  Mechanical and synchronization time is 1/60 second - that works without batteries. Battery status can be checked after switching to "Check" - after lightly pressing the shutter LED must be at 1000-60 values for at least 3, no other LED must not light or flash. Battery life is on the order of months to years, depending on the application. But keep the battery in during periods of disuse, damage from batteries leaking tend to be large.

Praktica BCA Electronic:  This model has to maintain compatibility with all accessories - one of the three models, only with BCA can use the winder (Praktica B winder).   The viewfinder shows the currently set aperture value. The main difference from the better-equipped models is that the unit value of the currently selected shutter speed lets more or less to himself. If you set "Auto" (indeed, any other mode except mechanical sixtieth time and B is not available) is not no way to set or check the used exposure time. The viewfinder has a total of 5 LEDs (top to bottom) - red for overexposure OVER (time of 1 / 1000s, and thus outside the scope statements), 1/100-1/60 green, orange or yellow 30/1, UNDER red for underexposure (time longer than 1 s ) and finally green for indication of flash. Thus, we learn only that time is between thousandth to one-sixtieth (and can therefore shoot handheld), or that is located between the thirtieth and the second (and you must use a tripod). The economy is suitable for beginners to more serious work totally inappropriate and greater sdílnost would bécéáčku certainly benefited. The only way to intervene in the set and automatically set the exposure time, the correction in the range of ± 2 EV in increments of 1/2 EV. Possibility of correction is actually much broader, because obviously you can manually set a different film speed, obtaining 1/3 EV step; but the question is, do something at all is when the exposure we know more or less nothing ... Collectors BCA to pay attention to one more thing - some models have a value of exposure correction dial with Roman, some with Arabic numerals. Another drawback is the lack of the depth of field, but again it should be noted that the BCA's consumer rudimentary model and designers probably did not expect that a beginner should check the depth of field needed.

Praktica BCS electronic Praktica BCS electronic is quite peculiar model and hard to tell from what needs arose. It is a kind of social model series B - left really full foundation and say straight out that for some serious shooting this rarity too much (all) fit. It is the worst equipped Praktica series B. In this model very rarely encounter; I bought it just because there is not enough. Praktica BCS was produced from March 1989 to December 1990, and perhaps just on this model reflects the then great uncertainty hovering at Pentacon now and over the superior Carl Zeiss Jena ... Made was 34,462 units, which is compared with the mass of other series models Praktica B / BX really too much. The design team was the same as in the practices of BCA, which is, moreover, this model construction and equipment (or rather "not recall") closest.

Praktica BCS electronic The main difference is that the top cover is made of plastic, which is in a range absolute exception (excluding BCS be found only on BCC). Inscriptions on other models stamped into the metal, are just glued and the entire cover is shinier and looks quite "fórově". It is the same with the base cover, which is also plastic. BCA this model differs three properties - can not use the winder (on the lower cover not drive or contacts), the device has no exposure correction (but again, you can instead use the dial sensitivity of the film), and most are missing the window for displaying the aperture value in the viewfinder. Like the BCA or BCS does not lock exposure, which is exclusively at the automatic setup times more significant negative.

Otherwise, the BCS is the same as the BCA - also do not know anything much about the exposure time (LEDs and their arrangement are at BCA and BCS same) and you can not shoot except in "Auto" mode. A related model is the BCC (who unfortunately do not own) occurring in two versions: either with the depth of field or without him. A common feature of the BCS and BCC is the emblem of the race Carl Zeiss Jena on the front side of the body, right when viewed from the lens.

Praktica BMS electronic Much different is the Praktica BMS electronic - it is merely a manual and vice versa is not automatic. It works as well as older models: manually set the time and then need to move the lens aperture ring until the light meter does not indicate the correct exposure. This model was not designed for beginners as previous types, but rather photographers who are on automatic and not stand still wanted to enter into the system B. Praktica BMS was produced from March 1989 to December 1990 produced a total of 137,561 units of the model and designer was Dietmar Tannert. Because the model is different from the others, it is to use a different font for the lettering font BMS. The body is as good as the overwhelming majority of bodies Series B metal, which is just as well - visual and tactile impression of a plastic model of the BCS mnohonásobě worse ...

Praktica BMS electronic Statements are the same as other models of its management, however, is different. Here manually set exposure times in the range of 1/1000 to 4 s + B; Time synchronization is again with 1/60. The viewfinder is equipped with standard AF aids, information system, however, is different. Right on the matte screen all the exposure times and each of those times has its own red LED. When the shutter is pressed, the LED lights at a set time and the LED blinks at a time that corresponds to the correct aperture and exposure; turning the aperture ring is necessary to choose an aperture value to steadily lit only by the diode current set time. If you press the shutter button when the LED flashes at a different time can be extrapolated exposure deviation and work with deliberate over- or underexposure. Exposure Lock is on the machine with full manual control logical nonsense, so his absence is not perceived as a shortcoming. Likewise, exposure compensation control is not necessary because you can shoot anytime, even when "wrong" set the brightness level, which sometimes can of course be the intention of the photographer. However, the lack of a missing button control depth of field.

BMS is also not possible to connect the motor rewinder, but this again is not at fault, since the absence of automation apparatus determines rather slow work, so there is always plenty of time to hand stretch statements. This model has the possibility of checking the state of the battery is performed but otherwise than in the BCA and BCS. Left (looking at the photographer) of the circular dial Film speed is a button "Check"; After stretching sheet, lightly pressing the shutter button and this button simultaneously must diodes shine and not go out for at least three seconds (it is probably a stress test, a short-term increase current consumption), otherwise it is necessary to replace the battery.

Conclusion

These somewhat unusual instruments Praktica B are more interesting now and are priced mainly for collectors. On a more serious work of them they fit perhaps BMS model, but such BC1 or equal BX20 just can not. These models allow you to work the same way as BMS, but also have the option of automation, which one becomes accustomed very quickly and then he is missing.

Praktica BCS electronic Practices Series B formed at that time a comprehensive and well-equipped system, which even today can serve well. From the whole I prefer BC1 model that offers almost everything and its only shortcoming is perhaps the absence TTL flash metering (it has to BX20). On the BX20 bothers me, however, two things - a little plastic impression (even if all the important parts are again made of metal) and in particular trigger located in the middle of times drivers, something I can not get used. Practices Series B collecting and photographing them just for fun - monofocal lenses Prakticar and especially Carl Zeiss Jena are actually very good and each B-series models are able to develop technically excellent photos. Whenever I need to work fast, I choose AF SLR cameras - both digital and film. Praktica is something else, such a return to the roots. And it can never hurt.