Praktica Super TL 500

The Praktica Super TL 500 is a SLR camera. It was produced by VEB Pentacon Dresden and presented at the beginning of the 80s. It is part of the third generation of the Praktica L series. The Super TL 500 differs from the Super TL 100 by the shortest exposure time indicated in the name. Unlike the Praktica MTL cameras, which were also introduced during this period, there is no self-timer or socket for an external flash.

The lenses of the Praktica Super TL 500 can be changed. The camera can be used with M42 lens mount lenses. For the M42 lens mount there are a lot of screw mount lenses available. The lens mount was originally invented by Carl Zeiss in Jena, East Germany. Zeiss, Pentax, Beyer-Optik and Pentacon have produced, among others, lenses for the screw thread. The lens is focused manually. The Praktica Super TL 500 does not have an autofocus system.

In the Praktica Super TL 500 an exposure meter was integrated. Exposure is determined by SLR when measured through the lens (TTL). The desired aperture and exposure time can be set by the user.

The camera comes with a bulb mode. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter release button is pressed. An external flash can be triggered via the built-in hot shoe.

Films for the Praktica Super TL 500

Without 35mm films, the Praktica Super TL 500 does not work. 35mm films are still produced today and are quite easy to get. Possible films for the model are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.

The color film is being developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most development laboratories.

The bottom of the camera has a thread for a tripod and there is a cable release on the top. The power supply for the 35mm camera is provided by one VARTA V 625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).

The Praktica Super TL 500 is no longer produced. The value of a used copy depends mainly on the condition and if it works correctly.