01
Through-the-Lens Metering
Incorporates internal CdS cell light metering activated by a convenient front stop-down key.
Curio Gallery
01 / 06
01 / 06Praktica Super TL 35mm SLR Camera with Industar-50-2 Lens — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The Praktica Super TL is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera manufactured in Dresden by VEB Pentacon, featuring through-the-lens stop-down metering and the universal M42 screw mount. This example is fitted with an interchangeable Soviet KMZ Industar-50-2 50mm f/3.5 pancake lens. Finished in two-tone chrome and textured black leatherette, it includes an angled front shutter release and an accessory shoe clipped above the circular finder.
02
Ergonomic Front Shutter
Features the signature angled front release button designed to minimize camera shake during exposure.
03
Universal M42 Mount
Accepts an expansive selection of vintage screw-mount lenses from Pentacon, Carl Zeiss Jena, and Soviet makers.
04
Soviet Pancake Lens
Equipped with a compact KMZ Industar-50-2 50mm f/3.5 lens featuring a Tessar-type four-element optical formula.
05
Dual Flash Terminals
Equipped with dedicated front PC sync ports for both F and X flash timing synchronization.
06
Accessory Cold Shoe
Fitted with a removable clip-on accessory shoe anchored directly over the circular viewfinder frame.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
VEB Pentacon Dresden
Origin
East Germany (GDR)
Year
1968
Department
cameras
Packed shipment
2.5 kg · 35 × 28 × 22 cm
Camera Model
Praktica Super TL
Lens
Industar-50-2 50mm f/3.5 (KMZ)
Lens Mount
M42 screw mount
Film Format
35mm (135 format)
Flash Synchronization
Separate F and X PC sync sockets
Shutter Release
Ergonomic front-angled button with threaded cable release socket
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Praktica Super TL 35mm SLR Camera with Industar-50-2 Lens — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · Praktica Super TL 35mm SLR Camera with Industar-50-2 Lens — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Praktica Super TL 35mm SLR Camera with Industar-50-2 Lens; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Dresden Precision
The Everyday Workhorse of East Germany
Engineered by VEB Pentacon, the Super TL merged reliable East German mechanics with accessible TTL exposure control, seen in the clean front profile and robust angled shutter release button.
Optics Across Borders
A Cross-Bloc Optical Union
The standardized 42mm thread seamlessly accommodated Soviet optics, pairing this Dresden SLR with Moscow's ultra-compact Industar-50-2 lens, celebrated for sharp Tessar-style rendering in a minimal pancake package. That specificity gives the buyer a traceable, emotionally resonant piece of East Germany (GDR) design history rather than a generic decorative substitute.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1968
Introduction of the Praktica Super TL
VEB Pentacon introduces the Super TL to bring internal TTL light metering into the popular Nova body series.
1969
Adoption of Soviet M42 Optics
M42 cross-compatibility enabled widespread pairing with compact Soviet lenses like the KMZ Industar-50-2 across Comecon markets.
1976
Conclusion of Super TL Production
Production of the Super TL concludes as Pentacon consolidates manufacturing around the newer L-generation chassis.
Present
Vintage SLR Collectibility
Prized by film photographers and lens adapters for robust mechanical simplicity and classic M42 versatility.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The camera displays cosmetic wear typical of regular handling, including minor surface rubbing, finish degradation on the metal door latch plate, and edge scuffing along the prism housing. The black leatherette covering remains intact across the body with light dust in the crevices. The Industar lens barrel exhibits slight exterior paint wear, while optics appear seated with intact markings.
✓
InspectedPrism & Top Plate
Minor surface rubbing and patina visible along the edges of the prism housing and metal dials.
✓
InspectedDoor Latch Mechanism
The metal side latch assembly displays surface tarnishing and discoloration around the recessed channels.
✓
InspectedBody Covering
The pebbled black vulcanite/leatherette is well-adhered across the front and rear with no major lifting visible.
✓
InspectedMounted Lens
The Industar-50-2 shows light cosmetic wear on the ribbed control rings; aperture and focus text remain clearly legible.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Praktica Super TL 35mm SLR Camera with Industar-50-2 Lens