Praktica MTL 5

The Praktica MTL 5 is an SLR camera for the 35mm format. It was built by VEB Pentacon in the GDR in the 1980s and is the predecessor of the MTL 5 B.

The Praktica MTL 5 comes with a built-in light meter and an M42 thread for interchangeable lenses. The light meter measures the exposure through the lens (TTL) and is activated by a switch when the shutter is released.

When the exposure meter is activated, a pointer moves in the viewfinder, if the pointer is in the center, the exposure is correct. It can be influenced by manually changing the aperture and exposure time (1/1000 s to 1 s, Bulb).

There is a wide range of lenses for the M42 lens thread. By default, the MTL 5 comes with a 50 mm lens.

The Praktica MTL 5 has a connection for a tripod, cable release and flash.

Films for the Praktica MTL 5

35 mm films are exposed in the Praktica MTL 5. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. Possible films for the SLR camera from the GDR are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the AgfaPhoto APX 100*. Foma, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm film. There is a suitable film for most applications.

The development of the color film is done in the C-41 process. This development process is offered by almost every photo lab. Most photo labs offer to make prints of the pictures directly. So you have directly the pictures, e.g. from the wedding or the vacation, in your hand. It is also possible to digitize the negatives.

The black and white film must be processed in another developer. Here, depending on the film, there are many possibilities. The development work is also offered by most professional photo labs.

Sample photos

Meyer-Görlitz Domiplan 50mm 2.8 & Fujifilm C200

AgfaPhoto Vista 200

Fujifilm C200