Praktica MTL 50

The Praktica MTL 50 is an SLR camera. It was produced by VEB Pentacon in the German Democratic Republic from 1985 to 1989.

The lenses of the Praktica MTL 50 are interchangeable. For this purpose, an M42 thread was built into the camera. There are a lot of lenses to choose from for this lens mount. In most cases, you will find the Pentacon auto 1.8/50 MC on the camera. The lens is focused by hand. The SLR from the GDR does not have an autofocus function yet.

The Praktica MTL 50 has a built-in light meter. The metering of the correct exposure is done through the lens of the SLR. The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer. The possible aperture values depend, of course, on the respective lens. Shutter speeds can be set from 1/1000 second to 1 second.

If you want to take long exposures, you can use the Bulb setting. With the Bulb setting, the shutter remains open as long as the photographer keeps the shutter button pressed. The use of an external flash is possible via the hot shoe.

Films for the Praktica MTL 50

Exposures are made in the Praktica MTL 50 cartridges with 35mm film. Films of this format are still easily obtained today and are also still developed. Possible films for the SLR from the GDR are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for B&W images. Of course, there are other films from other manufacturers. For example, films from Rollei, Lomography or Ilford can be used with the camera.

The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. The C-41 film is offered by most photo labs. For example, you can drop off your films for development at many drugstores in Germany. The recommended black and white film must be processed in a suitable black and white developer. The development can also be done at home with the necessary equipment. However, the development of black and white films is also offered by most professional photo labs.

The 35 mm camera has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer. The power supply of the 35mm camera is provided by four LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still very easy to find today. The batteries are needed for the exposure meter.

The Praktica MTL 50 can only be bought used. The prices for used ones differ depending on the condition and the functionality.