Revueflex TL I

The Revueflex TL I is an SLR camera. It was presented by Foto Quelle in West Germany in the 70s. However, it was built in the GDR by VEB Pentacon. The design is based on the Praktica MTL 3 series.

The lenses of the Revueflex TL I can be changed. Usable are the lenses for the M42 thread. In most cases it was sold with the AUTO REVUENON 1.8/50 Multi Coating. The focus is adjusted manually. There is no autofocus function on this model. The subject is viewed through a pentaprism viewfinder.

There is a wide range of lenses for the M42 thread. The first M42 lens was developed by Zeiss. Major producers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ.

The Revueflex TL I has a built-in light meter. The SLR determines the correct exposure when metering through the lens (TTL). The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer.

The camera comes with a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. Per Hot Shoe, an external flash unit can be used with the 35mm camera.

The Revueflex TL I has a thread for a tripod and a connection for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer. For the power supply is a VARTA V 625 battery (eBay / Amazon*) needed.

Films for the Revueflex TL I

Which films are needed for the Revueflex TL I? You have to buy 35mm films for the camera. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. For color images, there is for example the Kodak Portra 400*. One option for black and white images is the Kodak TRI-X 400*.

Color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. The black and white film goes into a black and white developer. The development process for B&W film is very individual and is not offered by every photo lab. However, the developing chemistry is easily available, so you can develop the film yourself.

The Revueflex TL I exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. So about 36 photos fit on a normal roll of film.

The SLR camera is no longer produced. Depending on the condition and functionality, the used price varies. For a body, you should put between 15 and 40 euros on the table.