The Praktica MTL 3 is a single lens reflex camera. It was produced between 1978 and 1984 by VEB Pentacon in the GDR.
The lens of the Praktica MTL 3 is exchangeable. This is possible trough the M42 lens mount. Often the camera comes with the Tessar 2.8/50 Carl Zeiss Jena DDR. It has no autofocus system. Therefore, you have to focus by hand.
The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent, so there is a large range of lenses. The first M42 optics was developed by Zeiss. Zeiss, Pentacon and Pentax were among others major manufacturers of M42 lenses.
The Praktica MTL 3 features a built-in light meter. As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured trough the lens. The desired aperture and exposure time can be set by the user. The camera comes with a bulb mode. A flash unit can be used via the hot shoe or the PC flash connection.
Films for the Praktica MTL 3
The Praktica MTL 3 needs 35mm film. 35mm films are still easy to get today and are developed by most photo laboratories. A good film choice for the Praktica MTL 3 are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* (color film) and the Ilford Delta 400* (black and white film).
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo laboratories.
The Praktica MTL 3 has a built-in self-timer and an option to connect a cable release. There is also a thread for a tripod. The needed energy for the camera is provided by one VARTA V 625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
The 35 mm camera is only available in used condition. The value of a used model is primarily determined by the condition and functionality.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| 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 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x Varta 625 battery |
| Manufacturer | Pentacon |
| Company name of the manufacturer | VEB Pentacon Dresden |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| End of production | 1984 |
| Production duration | 6 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 65,09 Euro 106,2895,4663,53505,4155,7110691,36758,5269,86 Estimate based on used prices of 39 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 6.5.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 62,61 Euro (67.11 US-Dollar) |