The Porst Reflex C-TL super is a 35mm camera. It dates from the 70s and was produced by Cosina. The Japanese camera manufacturer had the model as “Cosina Hi-Lite 405”.
The lenses of the SLR camera can be changed. It comes with an M42 thread. In many cases, the camera comes with the Porst 50mm 1:1.7. The focus of the lens must be set manually. There is no autofocus system on this model.
The Porst Reflex C-TL super has a built-in light meter. The light meter is built to measure the exposure through the lens of the camera. A bulb mode is available for long exposures. An external flash can be connected to the Hot Shoe. Additionally, there is a PC flash socket.
Films for the Porst Reflex C-TL super
What kind of films does the Porst Reflex C-TL super need? It requires 35mm films. The 35mm format is very common, so there are still some manufacturers and many developing labs today. A good choice for color and black and white is Kodak Portra 160* and Ilford HP5*. Both films deliver solid results with the camera from Japan.
The area of the Porst Reflex C-TL super’s negatives are 24mm x 36mm. So at least 36 shots fit on a normal roll of film. The film in the camera has to be rewound manually, as there is no automatic film transport.
There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom of the camera body and a connection for a cable release can be found on the shutter release button. Additionally, there is a self-timer. The dimensions of the 35 mm camera are 14.5 x 9.5 x 5 cm. It weighs 734 grams.
Of course, the SLR camera can only be bought used. The prices for a used copy differ depending on the condition.
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 |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 14,5 x 9,5 x 5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.74 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 734 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Manufacturer | Cosina |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 48,61 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 8 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 56,80 Euro (60.61 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 51,11 Euro (55.20 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 46,11 Euro (49.79 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Porst Reflex C-TL super
Is this camera easy to use for beginners?
While it's a manual camera, meaning you adjust focus and exposure yourself, the Porst Reflex C-TL super is relatively straightforward. It has a built-in light meter to help with exposure, and the manual focus is simple to learn. Many find manual cameras rewarding once they get used to them.
What kind of film does the camera take?
This camera uses standard 35mm film, also known as 135 film. This is a very common film size, so it's easy to find in both color and black and white varieties. Plenty of developing labs also process this film type.
Can I use a flash with this old camera?
Yes, the Porst Reflex C-TL super has both a hot shoe and a PC sync socket for connecting external flashes. This allows you to use a wide variety of flash units with the camera.
Does this SLR camera have autofocus?
No, the Porst Reflex C-TL super, like many cameras from its era, has manual focus only. You'll need to adjust the focus ring on the lens yourself to get sharp images.
How big and heavy is the camera?
The camera is fairly compact and lightweight for an SLR, measuring 14.5 x 9.5 x 5 cm and weighing 734 grams. It's easily portable but substantial enough to feel solid in your hands.