The Porst Reflex TL is a SLR camera from the 1970s. It was sold under their own brand by Photo Porst, a large photo dealer from Nuremberg at that time. The camera was probably made by KOWA.
The Porst Reflex TL lens is interchangeable. Lenses with an M42 thread can be used. M42 lenses were manufactured by Pentax, Pentacon, Meyer-Optik and Beroflex. The lens is focused manually.
At that time, the camera was sold in a 2.8 set. This set included a 2.8/55 mm, a telephoto lens MC 2.8/135 mm and the MC 2.8/35 mm, a wide-angle lens for the camera. At the end of the 1970s, the set cost around 500 marks.
The 35 mm camera has a built-in meter for measuring the correct exposure. As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured by the lens. The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer.
The 35 mm camera has a bulb mode. The shutter can remain open for a variable time and expose the film. Hot shoe flashes can be used with the camera. There is also a PC flash socket.
Films for the Porst Reflex TL
The Porst Reflex TL uses 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced by different manufacturers. For color shots there is the Kodak Portra 160*. One way to get black-and-white images is the AgfaPhoto APX 400*.
The Porst Reflex TL has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a thread for a cable release and tripod. The 35mm camera measures 14,5 x 10 x 9 cm.
The 35mm camera is only available in used condition since the production was stopped. The value of a used Porst Reflex TL depends mainly on the condition and if it works correctly.
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 | Prismatic reflex finder |
| 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 | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 14,5 x 10 x 9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.94 x 3.54 inches |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Estimated value / Used price | 50,07 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 75 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 53,50 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 55,77 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 53,23 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Porst Reflex TL
What kind of lenses can I use with this vintage camera?
The Porst Reflex TL uses interchangeable lenses with an M42 screw mount. Many manufacturers made lenses with this mount, so you have a wide variety to choose from, including Pentax, Pentacon, and others.
How do I adjust the exposure on the camera?
The camera has a built-in light meter to help you determine the correct exposure. You can manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed to get the desired results. It's a very manual process.
Does the camera work with modern film?
Yes, it uses standard 35mm film, which is still widely available from various manufacturers. You can find both color and black and white films.
Can I use a flash with this older camera model?
Yes, the Porst Reflex TL has both a hot shoe and a PC flash sync socket for connecting external flashes.
What is the size of the Porst Reflex TL?
The camera's dimensions are approximately 14.5 x 10 x 9 centimeters. It's a fairly compact SLR camera for its time.