1950s Practos Exposure Extinction Meter With Original Leather Storage Case

This 1950s Practos Exposure Extinction Meter With Original Leather Storage Case, was made in Germany. The leather transit case is marked with the maker’s name, GHD, which I think is Gossen.

The meter is in good condition with a few scuffs and marks. The brown carry case is scuffed and scratched but intact.

The meter is calibrated in Scheiner degrees and not ASA, with the corresponding DIN and ASA film speed scales. The barrel is marked with the following scales:-

European Scheiner degrees: 16-40°
DIN: 6-30
ASA: 3-800
Shutter speed: 1/500- 4m
Aperture: f1-f32

Approximate Size:
Diameter Eyepiece: 5.8cm
Diameter Base: 0.4cm
Length (retracted)

The extinction meter is fairly easy to use but I can’t attest as to its accuracy! The viewfinder is held to the eye and, through the lens, you can see a range of light values. You can focus by moving the barrel in and out like a telescope. You choose the least distinct light value; the one you can barely read. Removing the viewfinder from the eye, you then refer to the scale on the barrel and, taking into account the film speed, read off the exposure etc.

A wonderful piece of photographic history for all analogue photographers!