Mamiya 500TL (c.1966 or c.1968)
A 35mm SLR camera with spot metering and M42 screwmount, introduced at Photokina 1966
Overview
The Mamiya 500TL is a 35mm SLR camera produced by Mamiya / Sekor, first shown at the 1966 Photokina. It was part of a series where models were designated by their fastest shutter speed. The 500TL was sold with the AUTO E.E. Mamiya-Sekor 50mm f/2 lens and features a mechanical focal-plane shutter and built-in CdS spot metering, with the metered area marked in the viewfinder.
Specifications
| Lens Mount | Pentax/Praktica screwmount (M42) |
| Shutter | Focal plane shutter, horizontal, mechanical, cloth curtains |
| Shutter Speeds | 1 sec to 1/500 sec, Bulb, X-sync = 1/60 |
| Metering System | CdS, spot-metering (spot marked in viewfinder) |
| Film Type | 35mm |
| Included Lens | AUTO E.E. Mamiya-Sekor 50mm f/2 |
Design
The camera uses a horizontal, mechanical focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains and features a CdS spot meter with the metered area indicated in the viewfinder. The lens mount is the 42mm threaded M42 mount, compatible with Pentax and Praktica systems.
Context
The 500TL was first shown at the 1966 Photokina and belongs to a series of Mamiya SLRs named for their maximum shutter speed—this model reaching 1/500 second.
Market
Common issues reported include non-working light meters and recurring shutter timing problems on the first frame. Some owners have replaced their 500TL with cameras like the Pentax Spotmatic due to reliability concerns.
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