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Copyright photos: Mitch Lensink

Praktica Super TL 3

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 Specifications

camera_spec
Property Specification
Film format 35mm
Film Transport Mechanism Quick release lever
Picture Format 36 mm x 24 mm
Shutter Speeds 1/500 to 1 second
Bulb Mode Yes
Light Meter Yes
Flash Connector Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
Flash Sync Speed 1/125 second
Tripod Mount Yes
Cable Release Thread Yes
Self-timer No
Power Supply 1x Varta 625 battery
Release Date 1978
Age Up to 48 years
Production start 1978
Production End 1980
Production duration 2 years
Manufacturer Praktica
Producer Pentacon

Used Prices

The current average price for this camera is 58,58 € based on 20 offers, as of 6.7.2026.

Average Price per Year

  • 2026: 64,02 €
  • 2025: 62,24 €
  • 2024: 63,09 €
  • 2023: 54,09 €

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ about the Praktica Super TL 3

Is the Praktica Super TL 3 a digital camera or a film camera?

What kind of lenses can I use with this camera?

How does the camera measure the light for exposure?

Can I use a flash with the camera?

Where can I buy this camera today?

LIGHT 25 FILMPHOTOGRAPHY VALUE LIGHT 1600 DIN/ASA EXPOSURE CALIBRATION
Film cameras and more on Amazon