Mamiya/Sekor TL/DTL series

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In the latter half of the 1960's, Mamiya sold a series of SLR cameras using the popular 42mm threaded lens mount, built around a spot-metering capability (not center-weighted averaging). While in most ways similar to a vast number of contemporaries from the major manufacturers of the time, this spot-metering system made them fondly remembered by many who used them, and they were sometimes claimed (by Mamiy) to be one of the most advanced cameras in the world. While this is an exaggeration, the top-of-the-line DTL models were excellent performers for the time, with two metering modes and all the features associated with a high-end consumer or semi-professional camera.

  • Mamiya/Sekor 500 TL
  • Mamiya/Sekor 1000 TL
  • Mamiya/Sekor 500 DTL
  • Mamiya/Sekor 1000 DTL
  • Mamiya/Sekor 2000 DTL

The TL models were introduced in 1966, the 500 and 1000 DTL in January 1968, and the 2000 DTL was introduced at Photokina 1968.

These models may be grouped together, as they all share the same basic body; their differences are clearly reflected in their model designations. The numeral represents the highest shutter speed (1/500, 1/1000 or 1/2000 of a second); the letters TL or DTL signified Through the Lens or Dual Through the Lens light metering. The "500" models typically lack a self-timer.

The later DTL dual-metering models introduced a switch beside the lens mount which allowed the photographer to select between the averaging meter pattern and the "spot" meter (actually a square area marked at the bottom of the viewfinder), with a viewfinder indication of the mode selected. This was a unique innovation for its day which was protected by U.S. Patent No. 3,612,703, filed February 29, 1968. Interestingly, the single metering mode offered by the TL models was the "spot" mode, not the averaging mode one might expect. Thus it was the Mamiya TL and not Pentax who implemented the original meaning of Pentax's Spotmatic brand.

As with most other consumer SLRs of the era, these cameras had no linkage between the light meter circuit and the f/stop selected; thus the lens needed to be stopped down to shooting aperture in order to take an accurate exposure reading. But it may be less than obvious at first glance how one is intended to activate the meter on a TL/DTL body. Mamiya made an interesting choice to have the film-wind lever also double as the stop-down lever and meter switch. The user pulls the lever away from the body until it clicks; after which, pressing the lever inwards against spring pressure stops down the lens and activates the meter circuit. To put the camera away without risking accidentally draining the single 1.5v silver-oxide meter battery, one stows the wind lever in its "off" position by clicking the round cap atop its axis. The switching mechanism is also unusual, instead of typical contacts the metal band around the battery is a loose fit until the wind lever is pushed inwards, at that point the band tightens around the battery to complete the circuit.

Even by the SLR standards of their day, the TL and DTL models were at the large and heavy end of the spectrum. A 1000 DTL with its original 50mm f/1.4 lens weighs 1,077g (2 lb. 6 oz.) and measures 150 x 94 x 100 mm (W x H x D).

Gallery


Models

500 TL 1000 TL 500 DTL 1000 DTL 2000 DTL
Year 1966 1968 1969
Shutter 1/500 1/1000 1/500 1/1000 1/2000
Meter Spot
X Average
Self-timer X O ? O O
Body chrome X
X black ltd. black


Specifications

  • Type: 35mm SLR
  • Format: 36x24mm on 135 film
  • Viewfinder: fixed pentaprism with microprism spot and meter needle (meter selection indicator on DTL models.)
  • Shutter: focal-planr shutter, rubberized-cloth, horizontal-travel type.
  • Shutter speed:
    • 500 models: 1s-1/500s and B
    • 1000 models: 1s-1/1000s and B
    • 2000 DTL: 1s-1/2000s and B
  • Meter:
    • TL models: square spot metering area, CdS, stop-down type.
    • DTL models: square spot metering area and whole-field averaging, three CdS cells, stop-down type.
  • Lens mount: m42 with automatic diaphragm
  • Battery: 1x1.5 volt cell battery

Links

In English:

In German: