Praktica VF212: $20 Reusable 35mm Film Camera Revives East German Brand

The Praktica VF212, a new reusable 35mm film camera priced around $20, has launched in the United Kingdom, reviving the classic East German brand. Unlike the original Praktica SLR cameras manufactured in Dresden, East Germany from 1949 to 2001, the VF212 is a cheap, plastic model made in China. It is widely available in UK pharmacies, fashion outlets, and on Amazon UK, which can ship to the U.S. The camera weighs 98 grams (3.5 ounces), includes a built-in Xenon flash, a 31mm lens with f/9-11 aperture, and an optical viewfinder with 70% field of view. The branding is a key selling point, but the camera is Praktica in name only. Analysts suggest buyers consider classic used film SLR cameras for slightly more money, noting that many 50-plus-year-old SLRs are built to last and available for under $100 at retailers like KEH.