The Praktica MTL 3 is a single lens reflex camera. It was produced between 1978 and 1984 by VEB Pentacon in the GDR.
The lens of the Praktica MTL 3 is exchangeable. This is possible trough the M42 lens mount. Often the camera comes with the Tessar 2.8/50 Carl Zeiss Jena DDR. It has no autofocus system. Therefore, you have to focus by hand.
The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent, so there is a large range of lenses. The first M42 optics was developed by Zeiss. Zeiss, Pentacon and Pentax were among others major manufacturers of M42 lenses.
The Praktica MTL 3 features a built-in light meter. As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured trough the lens. The desired aperture and exposure time can be set by the user. The camera comes with a bulb mode. A flash unit can be used via the hot shoe or the PC flash connection.
Films for the Praktica MTL 3
The Praktica MTL 3 needs 35mm film. 35mm films are still easy to get today and are developed by most photo laboratories. A good film choice for the Praktica MTL 3 are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* (color film) and the Ilford Delta 400* (black and white film).
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo laboratories.
The Praktica MTL 3 has a built-in self-timer and an option to connect a cable release. There is also a thread for a tripod. The needed energy for the camera is provided by one VARTA V 625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
The 35 mm camera is only available in used condition. The value of a used model is primarily determined by the condition and functionality.
