The Carena 1000 is a reflex camera. It was distributed by Photo Porst in West Germany.
The model features exchangeable lenses. Lenses with a M42 lens mount can be used. Often you will find the 35mm camera with the Super Carenar 1:1,8/50.
M42 lenses are attached to the camera by means of a screw thread. The lens mount is very common. The first M42 optics was developed by Zeiss. The major producers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ. The Carena 1000 does not provide an autofocus function. The focus is set manually by this model.
The Carena 1000 has a built-in light meter. The exposure meter was designed for films with ISO value between 25 and 1600. The exposure is measured through the lens of the 35mm camera (TTL). The aperture and exposure time can be freely adjusted according to the photographers wishes.
An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The Carena 1000 has a thread for a tripod and cable release. It also has a self-timer.
The camera has a weight of 735 grams. The dimensions are 14 x 9,5 x 5,3 cm.
Films for the Carena 1000
The Carena 1000 exposes cartridges with 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced by different producers. For black-and-white shots, you can go to with the Kodak T-Max 100*. For color images, the Kodak Gold 200* is a possibility.
The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo laboratories.
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 |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1600 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 14 x 9,5 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.51 x 3.74 x 2.09 inches |
| Weight | 735 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 51,30 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 13 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 57,94 Euro (61.70 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 45,60 Euro (48.71 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 46,60 Euro (49.79 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Carena 1000
Is the Carena 1000 a digital camera or does it use film?
The Carena 1000 is a film camera. It uses 35mm film cartridges. You'll need to get your film developed at a photo lab after taking pictures.
How do you focus the lens on this camera?
The Carena 1000 doesn't have autofocus. You have to manually focus the lens by turning the focus ring on the lens itself.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, the Carena 1000 has a PC flash sync terminal, allowing you to connect and use external flash units. This gives you more lighting control.
What kind of lenses can I use with the camera?
The Carena 1000 uses interchangeable lenses with an M42 screw mount. Many manufacturers produced lenses with this mount, offering a wide variety of choices.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter that works with film speeds from ISO 25 to ISO 1600. It measures the light through the lens (TTL).