VINTAGE RARE WWII PRAKTIFLEX 1ST GENERATION 35mm SLR CAMERA WITH ANASTIGMAT VICTAR 2.9/5cm LENS. LOW SERIAL NUMBER: #17869 Dresden, Germany, c.
Up for sale is a rare vintage German 35mm SLR camera - Praktiflex (Genuine 1st Generation, pre-war / WW2 era). Based on the top-shutter release button, waist-level finder, and the low serial number 17869 stamped on the upper metal housing, this is a highly collectible early production model manufactured by Kamera Werkstätten (KW) in Dresden. The camera comes paired with its matching original E. Ludwig Anastigmat Victar 5 cm (50mm) f/2.9 lens. Lens Mount & Optics: Features the rare, early M40 thread mount (40mm diameter), native to the included Victar 5cm f/2.9 lens. Both focus and aperture rings rotate smoothly. Aperture blades are clean and dry. Glass elements show light internal dust appropriate for an 80+ year-old lens. Shutter & Mechanics: Cloth shutter curtains are intact. Mechanics cycle when cocked and released. Includes its rare ORIGINAL metal take-up spool inside the film chamber! Mirror & Viewfinder: Instant-return reflex mirror functions properly. The waist-level viewfinder hood opens/closes correctly, and the pop-up magnifying loupe is fully functional. COSMETIC CONDITION & DEFECTS (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY). Broken Strap Lug: The left metal strap lug is broken off (stub remains on the chassis; see detailed side photo). Body Covering: The original faux-leatherette covering on the front sides has peeled off / is missing, exposing the bare metal underneath.
Overall Finish: Shows authentic historical patina, surface wear, and age marks appropriate for a WW2-era item. A fantastic, authentic candidate for minor cosmetic restoration or a rare mechanical addition to any serious vintage camera collection.