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. You get a 6%-coverage spot meter and a full-screen averaging pattern, selected with a switch near the lens mount. It uses the universal M42 screw mount, so a wide range of interchangeable lenses fit. The design is fully mechanical, with shutter speeds from B to 1/1000 second. Metering is stop-down TTL, powered by a single SR44 (S76) silver oxide cell. The depth-of-field preview is built 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, which kept the metering compact and reliable. The dual TTL system lets the photographer switch between spot and average readings, which was a groundbreaking feature at the time. To preview depth of field, push the extended film-wind lever inward. That stops down the lens aperture at the same time. The shutter speed dial has distinct detents, but it has more play than the contemporary Pentax models. The standard AUTO Mamiya/Sekor lenses use aluminum-on-brass helicoids, which keep focusing smooth. The focusing rings are shallow and finely knurled compared to Super Takumars.
Context
The 1000 DTL built on the 1966 Mamiya 1000 TL, which introduced TTL spot metering. By adding full-frame averaging, Mamiya made the DTL the most advanced M42 SLR at its debut, ahead of even the Pentax Spotmatic in metering flexibility. It belonged to a family that included the 500 DTL and the faster 2000 DTL (1/2000 sec), and it was marketed as a professional-grade tool. At launch it carried a list price of $1,000, which put it at the high end. It gained popularity around 1970 for its metering and sturdy build.
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