The Continental TXL is a 35mm camera. It is based on the Great Wall PF-1 and was built in China. Continental Camera Corp mainly sold cameras for pocket films.
The lens of the Continental TXL is fixed. The manufacturer’s designation of the lens is “Conar Lens 1:2.8 f=40mm”. The lens has a focal length of 40mm. Focusing the lens has to be done manually. The minimum distance to the subject must be 90 cm.
The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It has been designed for taking pictures with films with a sensitivity of ISO 100 to ISO 400.
The f-number can be freely selected on the Continental TXL. The exposure time, on the other hand, cannot be changed. The built-in flash provides enough light. The Continental TXL can be connected to a cable release or a tripod via the corresponding threads.
The camera weighs 348 grams according to the manual and measures 14.4 x 8.7 x 7.5 cm. The required power for the camera comes from two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Continental TXL
The Continental TXL exposes 35mm films according to the instructions. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. The Agfaphoto Vista 400* is a possible colour film for the Continental TXL. Black and white images are possible with the AgfaPhoto APX 400*.
The Continental TXL exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. This means that at least 36 images fit onto a 36 mm film. The film is rewound with a wheel on the back.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Biggest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/60 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Size | 14,4 x 8,7 x 7,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.67 x 3.43 x 2.95 inches |
| Weight | 348 Grams |
| Country of production | China |
The Continental TXL was made in Hong Kong (then a British colony), not mainland China. I was released in 1982. It wasn’t “based on the Great Wall PF-1” which wasn’t made until 1989-90. For more accurate information on both cameras see “Continental TXL” on Appareils Anciens by Sylvain Halgand.