The Mamiya Sekor 500 TL is a single lens reflex camera. The 35mm camera is a product from Mamiya. The 35mm photo camera was also sold in West Germany under the name “Porst Reflex 500C“.
The Mamiya Sekor 500 TL features exchangeable lenses. It features a M42 lens mount. The Auto-Mamiya-Sekor 1:2/50 mm is in most cases on the camera. You have to focus manually on the subject.
The Mamiya Sekor 500 TL is fitted with a built-in light meter. It was designed for films in a range between ISO 25 and ISO 800. The SLR camera determines the correct exposure when it measures through the lens (TTL). The aperture and shutter speed can be individually configured.
The camera has a bulb setting. The use of an external flash unit is possible via the PC flash socket. The Mamiya Sekor 500 TL has a thread for a tripod and cable release.
At a weight of 600 grams the size of the camera body is 14,8 x 9,5 x 5,1 cm. The power supply is provided by one MS 76 H 1,5 Volt battery.
Films for the Mamiya Sekor 500 TL
The Mamiya Sekor 500 TL must be equipped with 35mm films. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. For color shots there is the Agfaphoto Vista 200*. One way to get black-and-white images is the Kodak T-Max 100*.
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.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x MS 76 H 1,5 Volt battery |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,5 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.74 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 600 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 49,50 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 40,19 Euro (43.30 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 55,88 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 51,92 Euro (55.20 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Mamiya Sekor 500 TL
Is this camera easy to use for a beginner?
The Mamiya Sekor 500 TL is a relatively straightforward 35mm SLR. While it's manual, the built-in light meter assists with exposure, making it manageable for beginners. There's a learning curve, but many resources are available online.
What kind of film does the camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. The built-in light meter supports ISO 25 to ISO 800 film speeds, allowing for both color and black and white photography. You can use various film types depending on your desired outcome.
Can I use different lenses with this camera?
Yes, the Mamiya Sekor 500 TL uses an M42 lens mount, which is a very popular and widely available mount. Many manufacturers produced lenses for this mount, providing a wide range of choices.
How does the camera measure the light for exposure?
It has a through-the-lens (TTL) light meter powered by an LR44/SR44 battery. This meter helps determine the correct shutter speed and aperture settings for proper exposure. It works with a wide range of ISO film speeds.
What is the fastest shutter speed on the camera?
The fastest shutter speed on this model is 1/500th of a second. This is slower than its sister camera, the Mamiya Sekor 1000 TL, which has a faster speed of 1/1000th of a second.