The Pentacon Six TL is a medium format camera. It is the successor of the Pentacon Six, but it is only characterized by a really big change. Instead of the viewfinder, the TL model has a prism viewfinder attachment with built-in exposure meter. The VEB Pentacon Dresden produced them in East Germany from 1968 to 1990.
The Pentacon Six TL comes with interchangeable lenses. For this purpose a Praktisix bayonet / Pentacon Six bayonet / P6 bayonet was used. It is necessary to focus the lens manually on the desired subject. Especially from Zeiss there are many interesting lenses that can be used with the medium format camera.
The camera’s exposure meter is located in the replaceable viewfinder attachment. The exposure time and apertures must be transferred from the measurement result. Measured through the lens and gets the power from a V625U battery (eBay / Amazon*).
The camera has bulb mode. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. A tripod can be connected to the Pentacon Six TL. A cable release can also be used with the camera. In addition, the self-timer can be used to take pictures.
Films for the Pentacon Six TL
The Pentacon Six TL exposes 120 films. These types of photo films are manufactured by some companies. For black-and-white medium format shots, the Kodak T-Max 100* a good choice. For color images you can use the Kodak Portra 400*. The camera also can be used with 220-film.
The negatives are created in 6×6 format. After just twelve pictures, the film is full, no comparison to the 36 shots of a 35mm film. There is no automatic film transport. The film must be winded by hand.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Lens mount | Praktisix mount / Pentacon Six mount / P6-Mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Company name of the brand | VEB Pentacon |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1990 |
| Production duration | 22 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 402,93 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 56 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 423,42 Euro (457.86 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 412,50 Euro (445.95 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 397,02 Euro (429.71 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Pentacon Six TL
What kind of camera is the Pentacon Six TL?
It's a medium-format camera, meaning it uses larger film than 35mm cameras. This results in higher resolution images. It's known for its interchangeable lenses and manual focusing.
How does the light meter work on this camera?
The light meter is built into the interchangeable viewfinder prism. You need to manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed based on the meter's reading. A V625U battery powers the meter.
Can I use a flash with the Pentacon Six TL?
Yes, it has a PC flash sync socket for connecting an external flash. This allows for more creative lighting options in your photographs.
What size film does this camera use?
It uses 120 film, which produces 6x6 cm negatives. Each roll only has 12 exposures, unlike 35mm film which has 36. It can also use 220 film.
Is the focusing automatic or manual on the device?
The Pentacon Six TL uses manual focusing. You have to adjust the focus ring on the lens until the subject is sharp in the viewfinder. This allows for more precise control over the focus.