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The Pentacon K 16 is a small camera for cassettes with mid-perforated 16mm film, made by the East German maker Pentacon from 1979 to May 1989. The cassettes (called Kassette 16) are not compatible with western "pocket cameras" due to patent limitations[1] and were made only by the East-German film maker Orwo. Two types of film were initially available - Orwo NC 20 (i.e. 80 ASA) color negative film and Orwo NP 20 black and white panchromatic negative film. A modern C-41 process color film was also apparently made in the later period. Except its hot shoe for an electronic flashgun the camera is similar to many so-called "pocket cameras" for type No. 110 film cassettes: reverse Galilean viewfinder, shifter in the bottom for film advance and shutter cocking, and a limited set of exposure settings. With a fixed aperture f8 for the 27mm fixfocus lens it offers four shutter speeds between 1/30 and 1/250 sec. plus B mode, selectable with a shifter in the top with help of a weather symbol scale. An unusual feature for a 16mm camera is the mechanical exposure counter visible through the top. It is a camera for "Ostalgie"[2]-Collectors since it bears the inscription "Hergestellt in der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik" (=manufactured in the German Democratic Republic).

Specifications:

  • Film type: Kassette 16
  • Frame size: 13x17 mm
  • Lens: 27 mm (as 54.6 mm for the 35 mm film), f/8, coated
  • Angle of view: 43.2 degree
  • Shutter speeds: 1/30 s - 1/250 s, B
  • Aperture: f/8, fixed
  • Exposure range: 11-14 EV
  • Focusing: fix focus, from 1.5 m
  • Flash sync for electronic flashes: 1/30 - 1/125 s
  • Flash sync for flash bulbs: 1/30 s
  • Film advance: manual
  • Tripod socket: 1/4”
  • Cable release socket
  • Dimensions: 135x30x57 mm
  • Weight: approx. 250 g


  1. Kreyser R.: Fotografujemy; WAiF, Warszawa, Poland, 1982
  2. Ostalgie: German for eastalgia, acronym for "East-Germany nostalgia"

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