Talk:Pentacon electra

The camera was definitely NOT introduced in 1960, although most of the internet sources say that. Some even give a production timeframe (1960-66), which is probably also wrong. I did some research and I would estimate market launch in 1967. Let me give my reasons:

• Pentacon was named "VEB Pentacon" in 1964. Before, the official name was "VEB Kamera und Kinowerke" and they used the name Pentacon for some export models of the Contax SLR.
• CdS light metering technology was introduced to the market in 1961 (Gossen Lunasix) and found its way into first cameras in 1962 (SLR: Minolta SR-7, Nikon F "Photomic", Rangefinder: Yashica Lynx-5000). Until mid of the 1960ies most cameras still used Selenium cells.
• The first camera with a CdS photoresistor and an electronically controlled leaf shutter was Yashica electro half from 1965 (rare), the breakthrough came with the Yashica Electro 35 series from 1966.
• ZeissikonVEB describes the development of camera electronics in eastern Germany at the time. They were implemented in the Praktica PL electronic in 1968 and the Pentacon Electra....
• The referenced camera manual was probably printed in 1970 (footnote on last page).
• The used SL cartridges mention ORWO film, which was also named ORWO in 1964.
• I also have my doubts regarding the plastic body and the availability of the respective technology in the early 60ies. I did not find time to do further research on this...

Let me know your thoughts how to address this.

Good research Christoph, McKeown (page 775) agrees with you - he has the date as 1967. Go ahead and change it. Geoff H (talk) 22:48, 9 January 2021 (UTC)