The Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL is a SLR camera. The 35mm camera was produced by Mamiya and introduced in the 1960s. At the same time the Sekor 500 TL was introduced. This has a maximum shutter speed of 1/500 second and comes without a self-timer.
The Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. Lenses with a M42 lens mount can be used with the camera. The Auto-Mamiya-Sekor 1:2/50 mm is often found on the 35mm camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand. There is no autofocus on the camera.
The camera has a built-in light meter. It was designed to work with films between ISO 25 and ISO 800. As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured trough the lens. The desired exposure time as well as the number of f-stops can be set by the user.
The Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. The PC flash socket allows the use of an external flash with the camera. A tripod can be attached to a thread on the bottom of the camera. A cable release can also be used with the camera. In addition, the self-timer can be used to take pictures.
The power source of the 35mm camera is one MS 76 H 1,5 Volt battery.
Films for the Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL
The camera need 35mm films. 35mm films are still easy to get today and are developed by most photo laboratories. A good choice of film is the Kodak Portra 400* for color photographs and the Ilford Delta 400* for black-and-white images.
The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. C-41 films can be developed by most photo laboratories.
The negatives of Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. At this size, 36 images will fit on a 135-36 film. The film must be winded manually by the photographer.
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 |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x MS 76 H 1,5 Volt battery |
| Estimated value / Used price | 183,47 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 205,33 Euro (221.89 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL
Is this camera automatic or do I need to focus manually?
The Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL is a manual focus camera. You'll need to adjust the focus ring on the lens yourself to get sharp images. This gives you more control over the final image.
What kind of film does this 35mm camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white films are compatible. Remember to advance the film manually after each shot.
How do I take long exposure pictures with the Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL?
The camera has a bulb mode for long exposures. In this mode, the shutter stays open as long as you hold down the shutter button, or use a cable release. This allows for light painting and night photography.
Can I use a flash with this old camera?
Yes, the Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL has a PC flash sync socket which allows you to connect and use an external flash unit. This expands your shooting options, especially in low-light conditions.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter that works with ISO speeds from 25 to 800. This helps you determine the correct shutter speed and aperture settings for proper exposure.