Cameras of the Grenztruppen - Praktica MTL3

[@gorbalsboy]

The rifle range we used in Berlin in the eighties was near gatow airport , directly across from it was the border with watch towers ,it was close enough to see the guards with binos and I daresay cameras ,they must have been stunned by the amount of shooting we did compared to them, when we returned to the UK we were lucky if we went to the range twice a month

[@ADHDIYuk]

I picked one of these up recently in a job lot of 15 cameras, works perfectly well and I will be testing it out this weekend.

[@RMmilitarymiscellany]

Excellent, I hope it takes good photos.

[@TimStamper89]

Always enjoy these small snapshots into history. This camera looks a lot like one I remember my Dad having back in the 90s but could just be a similar style

[@TheManFrayBentos]

A friend brought one of those along to various motorsport events where it just worked flawlessly, week after week for months. I was shooting a Nikkormat and another friend was using an F2N. At the end of the day, there was really nothing to choose between them. The Nikons were smoother, and it's likely the F2 would have went on for years longer, but for just general use, the MTL was up to the job.

[@ColdWarConversations]

My first SLR camera was an MTL3. I wish I'd kept it!

[@robertcuny934]

I recently purchased an MTL5 with 50mm lens minus the case, which appears to be in working condition. Late 1980s and early 1990s UK Photography magazines advertised the cameras, but I owned two Minolta cameras and was unwilling to purchase one by mail just to let it sit unused. I did buy a Soviet produced Kiev 88 imported to the USA which is still functional and in need of CLA. Perhaps I should have also ordered a 6x6 Pentagon Six while they were in production.🤔 As I never sold my film developing equipment, I intend to purchase some bulk film and try my MTL 5. Hopefully it will produce good images. Thank you for posting the interesting video.

[@colnagocowboy]

Yes I've a number of Praktica cameras they all seem quite sturdy

[@staryjanek]

You can see the "Pentacon" logo on the bottom of the camera, this meant they were on a separate part of the production line, where greater care and materials and assembly was carried out, obviously for the GDR government use :)

[@johnfarrell8773]

I have a number of L series Prakticas, and the only one which doesn't have "Pentacon" and the tower logo on the base is the most recent, an MTL5B.

[@sputumtube]

I've had a few of these over the years, but my inner 'photo-snob' compelled me to get rid in favour of more mainstream cameras. Huge mistake, they were clunky but reliable old bricks that never let me down. I particularly liked the position of the shutter release. Huge amount of optically excellent screw-mount lenses at bargain prices. Recommended.

[@luzr6613]

Too true... and an honorable mention for one of the world's most uncomfortable camera straps.

[@michaelturner5443]

Har viol mien hair ....bought one in 1978and still using it it takes great pictures

[@BavarianM]

The MTL5 looks better as the leatherette doesn’t look cheap Mine works rock solid and I love using