Revueflex SL

The Revueflex SL is a SLR camera. It was produced by VEB Pentacon in the GDR in the 1970s. There it was called “Praktica Super TL” and was part of the Praktica super TL model series.

In West Germany this model was sold under the name “Revueflex SL” by Foto Quelle. Quelle was at that time one of the largest mail-order companies in the Federal Republic of Germany and sold photo products under the trademark “Revue”.

The lenses of the Revueflex SL are interchangeable. Lenses with an M42 thread can be used with the camera. The camera is often used with the Auto Revuenon 1:1.8/50. The camera does not have an autofocus, the lens is focused manually.

The M42 thread is a standardized, manufacturer-independent lens mount for interchangeable lenses. The M42 thread was developed as a successor to the M39 thread. The major manufacturers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ.
The Revueflex SL features a built-in light meter. Exposure is determined by SLR when measured through the lens (TTL). The shutter speed and aperture can be freely selected. The camera comes with a bulb mode. The PC flash socket allows the use of an external flash with the camera.

Films for the Revueflex SL

Without 35mm films, the Revueflex SL does not work. 35mm films are still being produced and are developed by most photo laboratories without any problems. Nice films for black-and-white or color images are the Ilford XP2 Super* and the Kodak Portra 400*.

The color negative film is developed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab.

The Revueflex SL features is a thread for a mounting a normal tripod. There is also a connector for a cable release. The power supply comes from one Varta V 625 (eBay / Amazon*).

The production of the Revueflex SL was ended and today you can only buy it used. The prices for a copy of the camera vary depending on its condition. However, you should usually be able to find them for between 25 and 50 euros.