The Porst 135 L is a rangefinder camera. It was sold from 1971 by Photo Porst in West Germany. The new price in the mid-70s was a little more than 200 German marks.
A fixed lens is installed in the camera. The manufacturer’s designation of the lens is “Color spezial 1:2,7/38 mm”. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.7 and the focal length is 38 mm.
The Porst 135 L has no autofocus. Therefore you have to focus by hand. With the help of the rangefinder of the camera, one no longer has to estimate the distance to the subject, but gets it displayed.
The 35mm camera has an exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range from 25 to 400.
The camera comes with a bulb setting option. A flashgun can be used via the Hot Shoe or the PC flash connection. The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer.
According to the instructions, the camera weighs 350 grams and measures 11.2 x 7.5 x 5.3 cm.
Films for the Porst 135 L
For taking pictures with the Porst 135 L, 35mm films are needed. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most photo laboratories. A great film choice for color photos is the Agfaphoto Vista 400* and for black and white pictures the Ilford HP5*.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.7 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/650 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 11,2 x 7,5 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.41 x 2.95 x 2.09 inches |
| Weight | 350 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Estimated value / Used price | 33,80 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 | 37,14 Euro (40.05 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 30,50 Euro (32.47 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 37,50 Euro (40.05 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Porst 135 L
Is the Porst 135 L a manual focus camera?
Yes, it is. The Porst 135 L doesn't have autofocus; you need to focus manually using the rangefinder. This rangefinder helps you precisely focus without guessing the distance.
What kind of lens does this camera have?
It has a fixed 38mm lens, called 'Color spezial 1:2,7/38 mm'. This means it has a 38mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.7.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can. The camera has both a hot shoe and a PC flash connection for attaching external flash units.
What type of film does the camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white 35mm films are readily available and can be developed at most photo labs.
How many pictures can I take on one roll of film?
A standard 35mm roll of film typically holds around 36 exposures. You need to advance the film manually after each shot.