Mamiya 1000 DTL (1968)

A 35mm SLR that pioneered dual-pattern TTL metering with M42 screw-mount compatibility.

Overview

The Mamiya 1000 DTL is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1968 as the successor to the Mamiya 1000 TL. It was the first camera in the world to offer dual-pattern through-the-lens (TTL) metering, combining a 6%-coverage spot meter and a full-screen averaging pattern—selected via a switch near the lens mount. Built around the universal M42 screw mount, it supports a wide range of interchangeable lenses and uses a fully mechanical design with shutter speeds from B to 1/1000 second. The camera features stop-down TTL metering powered by a single SR44 (S76) silver oxide cell, and includes a depth-of-field preview integrated into the film-winding lever.

Specifications

Type	35mm SLR (Single-Lens Reflex)
Film Format	135 (35mm), 24 x 36mm
Years Produced	1968
Lens Mount	M42 screw mount (42mm universal)
Shutter Speeds	B to 1/1000 sec
Flash Sync	FP and X sync; 1/60 sec X-sync for electronic flash
Metering	Dual TTL: 6% spot and full-screen averaging (switchable)
Battery	1x SR44 (S76) 1.35V silver oxide cell
Weight	725 g (body only)
Dimensions	148 x 95 x 51 mm
Film Speed Range	ASA 25–3200
Film Advance	Ratcheting lever mechanism

Design

The 1000 DTL was among the first SLRs to use the SR44 (S76) silver oxide battery, enabling compact and reliable metering. Its dual TTL metering system allowed photographers to switch between spot and average readings—a groundbreaking feature at the time. The depth-of-field preview is activated by pushing the film-wind lever inward when extended, simultaneously stopping down the lens aperture. The shutter speed dial has distinct detents but exhibits more play than contemporary Pentax models. The camera’s internal build uses aluminum-on-brass helicoids in its standard AUTO Mamiya/Sekor lenses, ensuring smooth focusing, though the focusing rings are shallow and finely knurled compared to Super Takumars.

Context

The 1000 DTL built upon the legacy of the 1966 Mamiya 1000 TL, which introduced TTL spot metering. By adding full-frame averaging capability, Mamiya positioned the DTL as the most advanced M42 SLR at its debut, surpassing even the Pentax Spotmatic in metering flexibility. It was part of a family that included the 500 DTL and the faster 2000 DTL (1/2000 sec), and was marketed as a professional-grade tool. At launch, it carried a list price of $1,000, reflecting its high-end status. It gained popularity around 1970 for its innovative metering and robust functionality.

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