The Praktica MTL 5 is an SLR camera for the 35mm format. It was built by VEB Pentacon in the GDR in the 1980s and is the predecessor of the MTL 5 B.
The Praktica MTL 5 comes with a built-in light meter and an M42 thread for interchangeable lenses. The light meter measures the exposure through the lens (TTL) and is activated by a switch when the shutter is released.
When the exposure meter is activated, a pointer moves in the viewfinder, if the pointer is in the center, the exposure is correct. It can be influenced by manually changing the aperture and exposure time (1/1000 s to 1 s, Bulb).
There is a wide range of lenses for the M42 lens thread. By default, the MTL 5 comes with a 50 mm lens.
The Praktica MTL 5 has a connection for a tripod, cable release and flash.
Films for the Praktica MTL 5
35 mm films are exposed in the Praktica MTL 5. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. Possible films for the SLR camera from the GDR are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the AgfaPhoto APX 100*. Foma, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm film. There is a suitable film for most applications.
The development of the color film is done in the C-41 process. This development process is offered by almost every photo lab. Most photo labs offer to make prints of the pictures directly. So you have directly the pictures, e.g. from the wedding or the vacation, in your hand. It is also possible to digitize the negatives.
The black and white film must be processed in another developer. Here, depending on the film, there are many possibilities. The development work is also offered by most professional photo labs.
Sample photos
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Quick release lever |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Company name of the manufacturer | VEB Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 70,61 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 65 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 64,66 Euro (69.27 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 61,88 Euro (66.03 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 69,10 Euro (74.69 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Praktica MTL 5
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Praktica MTL 5 uses 35mm film, also known as Kleinbildfilm. These are still readily available and easily developed by most photo labs.
How do I adjust the exposure on the camera?
The camera has a built-in light meter. A needle in the viewfinder shows if the exposure is correct; you adjust the aperture and shutter speed (1/1000s to 1s, Bulb) to center the needle.
What type of lens mount does this SLR have?
The Praktica MTL 5 uses an M42 screw mount. This means a wide variety of lenses are compatible with it.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the camera has a flash connection. You can use various external flash units with it.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a through-the-lens (TTL) light meter. It's activated by the shutter release button and shows the correct exposure via a needle in the viewfinder.