Praktina FX

This is a Praktina FX-A version D with motor drive and bulk film back produced by Kamera Werkstatten in Dresden Germany from 1953-1958 which was occupied by USSR at the time(hence the USSR stamps on camera back) and was followed by the II A model under the same name .The Praktina was very significant to camera technology due to the fact that it is considered to be the first true "system SLR" which meant it came with interchangeable accessories such as view finders, motor drives, and bulk film backs. Later these features were adopted by leading camera companies like Nikon, Canon, etc. ExaktaVarex models(which I have posted in this site also) were given the honor of closing the evolutionary gap between Praktina and others though it did not have as many accessories like motor drives or bulk film backs.
This camera is all mechanical until the motor drive is installed, though to run the motor an outside power source is required (which I have been unable to get my hands on). Like the others I collect, it is in extremely good shape for its age, and as one can also tell by the photos I included an original photo of this very camera in action that came with it(unfortunately there is not a date on the photo).It appears to have been used for some type of professional work. I have two words for this camera-"HEAVY"... "AWKWARD"...

http://www.praktica-collector.de/109_Praktina_FX_A_D_label.htm

http://www.praktica-collector.de/109_Praktina_FX_A_B_motor.htm