The Porst Reflex 500C is a 35mm camera. It belongs to the group of SLR cameras and was built by Mamiya. The Japanese sold the model as “Mamiya Sekor 500 TL“. It was sold by Photo Porst in the west of Germany in the 1960s.
The lens of the Porst Reflex 500C is exchangeable. The camera can be used with M42 lens mount lenses. Often you will find the 35mm camera with the Auto-Mamiya-Sekor 1:2/50 mm lens. There is no autofocus with the 35mm camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand.
The M42 screw mount is a standardized, manufacturer-independent lens mount for interchangeable lenses. The lens mount was originally invented by Carl Zeiss in Jena, East Germany. Zeiss, Pentax, Beyer-Optik and Pentacon have produced, among others, the lenses for the M42 screw mount.
The camera has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a speed of ISO 25 to ISO 800. The exposure meter is designed to measure exposure through the lens of the camera. The aperture and shutter speed can be selected by the photographer as desired.
The camera comes with a bulb mode. An optional external flash can be used via the provided PC flash socket. The 35mm camera comes with a thread for a tripod. It is also possible to use a cable release.
The camera has a weight of 600 grams. The dimensions are 14,8 x 9,5 x 5,1 cm. The power supply for the 35mm camera is provided by one MS 76 H 1,5 Volt battery.
Films for the Porst Reflex 500C
The Porst Reflex 500C is designed for 35mm films. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most photo laboratories. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black-and-white images are the Kodak Gold 200* and the Ilford XP2 Super*.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x MS 76 H 1,5 Volt battery |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,5 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.74 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 600 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Manufacturer | Mamiya |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Porst Reflex 500C
Is the Porst Reflex 500C a digital or film camera?
The Porst Reflex 500C is a film camera, specifically a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses film rolls to capture images, which then need to be developed.
How do I focus the camera?
This camera doesn't have autofocus. You need to manually focus the lens by turning the focus ring until the image is sharp. It takes a bit of practice, but it's a rewarding way to shoot.
What kind of lenses can I use with my SLR camera?
The Porst Reflex 500C uses M42 screw mount lenses. This is a common type, meaning you have a lot of options from different manufacturers, both new and old.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter that measures light through the lens. This helps you choose the correct aperture and shutter speed for a properly exposed photo.
What type of batteries does this 35mm camera need?
The Porst Reflex 500C uses one MS 76 H 1.5 Volt battery for its light meter. These are still readily available.