The Praktica Super TL 3 is a SLR camera. It was built by the VEB Pentacon from 1978 to 1980 in the GDR.
The lens of the Praktica Super TL 3 is exchangeable. It features a M42 lens mount. The Tessar 2.8/50 Carl Zeiss Jena DDR is usually found on the 35mm camera. The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent lens mount, so a large number of lenses have been produced. The M42 screw mount is the successor of the M39 thread mount. Zeiss, KMZ, Pentacon and Pentax were among others major producers of M42 lenses. You have to focus the lens manually.
The 35 mm camera has a built-in sensor for measuring the precise exposure. The correct exposure is measured through the lens of the SLR camera. The aperture and shutter speed can be selected by the photographer as desired. The camera has a bulb setting. With the PC flash port and the hot shoe it is possible to use a flash.
Films for the Praktica Super TL 3
For taking pictures with the Praktica Super TL 3, 35mm films are needed. 35mm films are still being produced and are developed by most photo laboratories without any problems. The Kodak Portra 400* is a possible color film for the Praktica Super TL 3. Black and white images are with the Kodak T-Max 100* possible.
The color film is processed in the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab.
At this size, 36 images will fit on a 135-36 film. There is no automatic winder, you have to spool to the next picture yourself.
The 35mm camera has a connector for a cable release. There is also a thread for mounting a tripod. The power source of the 35mm camera is one VARTA V 625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
The 35mm camera can nowadays only be bought in used condition. The cost for buying Praktica Super TL 3 depends on the condition and the accessories.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| 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 |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x Varta 625 battery |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1980 |
| Production duration | 2 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 59,02 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 20 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 55,61 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 62,71 Euro (67.11 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 61,48 Euro (66.03 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Praktica Super TL 3
Is the Praktica Super TL 3 a digital camera or a film camera?
The Praktica Super TL 3 is a film camera, specifically a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses 36-exposure rolls of film. You'll need to manually advance the film after each shot.
What kind of lenses can I use with this camera?
The Praktica Super TL 3 uses the M42 screw mount. This is a standard, so many lenses from various manufacturers (like Zeiss, Pentacon) will work with it. You'll need to focus manually.
How does the camera measure the light for exposure?
The camera has a built-in light meter that measures the light through the lens. It allows you to select the aperture and shutter speed manually based on the meter's reading.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the Praktica Super TL 3 has a PC flash sync port and a hot shoe, allowing you to use external flash units. It also offers a bulb setting for long exposures.
Where can I buy this camera today?
Since it's an older model, you can only find the Praktica Super TL 3 used. Its price varies depending on its condition and any included accessories. You might find it online or in vintage camera stores.