Analog film photography and cameras

If the old Praktica is mechanical, do you really need the meter to work? You could use a handheld meter, digital or mechanical, or a digital camera for readings.

Maybe it's a good idea, I'll get some film and check how it looks. It hadn't been used for a long time, I don't even know how it's working, if the lenses has fungus or things like that.

I always wanted to check with one of those guys in Camden, but I kinda of no trust them :/