C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile35mm SLR
Praktica MTL 31978
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- M42
- Years
- 1978–1984
- Weight
- 700 g
- Shutter
- 1s – 1/1000s
- Meter
- ttl-stop-down-cds
The Praktica MTL 3 (1978) is an East German 35mm SLR built by VEB Pentacon in Dresden. **M42 universal screw mount** (same as Pentax Spotmatic, Soviet Zenits), mechanical vertical-metal shutter to 1/1000s, TTL stop-down CdS metering. No frills — no AE, no AF, no automation. Built-in mass for state-controlled photographers in East Germany; exported globally. Production volume was massive — approximately 1.5 million MTL 3 units made.
Reference
Find film for your Praktica MTL 3
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ISO 400
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Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
Develop 35mm film
Labs in our directory that process 35mm film.
Before you buy used
- **Mercury battery** — Wein zinc-air or MR-9 adapter.
- **Foam mirror bumper** — disintegrates.
- **Light seals** — replace.
- **Slow speeds** stick.
- **CdS meter** drifts.
- **Plastic body** — verify hinges.
- Service: independent shops; the MTL 3 is mechanically simple.
About this camera
East German M42 SLR. 1.5 million made, $50 used, the cheapest entry into the M42 lens system.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
- What film does the Praktica MTL 3 use?
- The Praktica MTL 3 shoots 35mm film.
- What battery does the Praktica MTL 3 take?
- The Praktica MTL 3 uses a 1x PX625 (mercury, 1.35V) battery.
- What lens mount does the Praktica MTL 3 have?
- The Praktica MTL 3 uses the M42 mount.
- What shutter speeds does the Praktica MTL 3 offer?
- The Praktica MTL 3's shutter speeds range from 1s to 1/1000s.
- What light meter does the Praktica MTL 3 use?
- The Praktica MTL 3 meters with ttl-stop-down-cds.