Praktica VF212: a 37-euro film compact for beginners
The name Praktica is back on a very simple film camera: the VF212, introduced in early July 2026 by Phototrend. It is a fully plastic point-and-shoot compact that works like a disposable camera, with one big difference: you can change the film once the roll is finished.
In terms of specs, it measures 119 x 67 x 41 mm and weighs 98 g. It takes 35 mm film in 24 or 36 exposures, with a fixed 31 mm lens at f/9 to f/11 and a tunnel viewfinder. Winding and rewinding are manual, and a built-in flash runs on an AAA battery. The announced price is 37 euros, in cream white or grey, sold on Amazon.fr.
What amuses me is the history this name carries. Praktica first meant cameras made in Dresden from 1949 onward: metal-bodied SLRs with M42 mounts, East Germany's answer to Japanese cameras during the Cold War. The last German model, the BX20s, came out in June 2001. Since then the brand has been licensed for film and digital cameras made in China, and the VF212 is the most recent of these.
The article presents it as a gateway to film, especially for young photographers, and highlights its retro design, lightness and simplicity. It also notes that competition is well established, notably Lomography's Simple Use range. I find it good news that options at this price are appearing: to try film without a big investment, this is exactly the kind of camera that was missing.
Source: Phototrend
In terms of specs, it measures 119 x 67 x 41 mm and weighs 98 g. It takes 35 mm film in 24 or 36 exposures, with a fixed 31 mm lens at f/9 to f/11 and a tunnel viewfinder. Winding and rewinding are manual, and a built-in flash runs on an AAA battery. The announced price is 37 euros, in cream white or grey, sold on Amazon.fr.
What amuses me is the history this name carries. Praktica first meant cameras made in Dresden from 1949 onward: metal-bodied SLRs with M42 mounts, East Germany's answer to Japanese cameras during the Cold War. The last German model, the BX20s, came out in June 2001. Since then the brand has been licensed for film and digital cameras made in China, and the VF212 is the most recent of these.
The article presents it as a gateway to film, especially for young photographers, and highlights its retro design, lightness and simplicity. It also notes that competition is well established, notably Lomography's Simple Use range. I find it good news that options at this price are appearing: to try film without a big investment, this is exactly the kind of camera that was missing.
Source: Phototrend
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