Pentacon Six TL

Pentacon Six TL - Good Condition | Medium Format SLR Camera | Sharp Carl Zeiss Jena MC Biometar 80mm f/2.8 Prime Lens

The Pentacon Six TL (S/N: 124667) is a legendary East German medium format SLR that brought professional 6x6cm photography to the masses. Often described as a "35mm SLR on steroids," the Pentacon Six features a familiar eye-level or waist-level handling experience but captures massive negatives on 120 roll film. This specific unit is paired with the highly desirable Carl Zeiss Jena MC Biometar 80mm f/2.8 (S/N: 10268586), featuring multi-coating (MC) for superior flare resistance and color saturation. The Biometar is a five-element design renowned for its exceptional sharpness, smooth bokeh, and the classic "Zeiss character" that produces stunning three-dimensional separation in portraits and landscapes alike.

Key Features

• Professional Carl Zeiss Jena MC Biometar 80mm f/2.8 prime lens with multi-coating

• Versatile 6x6cm square-format negatives on 120 film for massive detail and tonal range

• Interchangeable viewfinder system (compatible with waist-level or TTL prism finders)

• Cloth focal-plane shutter with a wide range of speeds from 1s to 1/1000s plus Bulb

• Familiar SLR-style handling with a bright, large ground-glass focusing screen

• Robust all-metal East German construction designed for professional durability

• Large breech-lock lens mount compatible with an extensive range of Zeiss and Meyer-Optik glass

Introductory Paragraph The Pentacon Six TL is the definitive "entry point" into the world of high-end European medium format SLR photography. This specific unit (S/N: 124667) represents the "TL" version, which was originally designed to accommodate a TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering prism. The 80mm Biometar lens included is a masterpiece of optical engineering, offering a natural "standard" perspective on the 6x6 frame that is perfect for everything from intimate environmental portraits to expansive architectural studies. Because it uses a focal-plane shutter, you have access to a vast array of interchangeable lenses, making the Pentacon Six one of the most flexible and creative medium format systems ever built.

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 124667) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The Carl Zeiss Jena MC Biometar 80mm f/2.8 lens is optically clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches; the multi-coating is intact and vibrant. The focal-plane shutter has been tested and fires across all speeds. The film advance mechanism is functional, though it requires the standard "Pentacon Six" care to ensure even frame spacing. The viewfinder is clear, and the lens aperture blades are clean and responsive.

Specialist Note "The Pentacon Six TL is a camera that demands respect and rewards you with incredible images. What I love about this S/N: 124667 is the MC Biometar; the multi-coating makes a world of difference when you're shooting in tricky lighting, providing a level of contrast that really makes the 6x6 frame pop. It feels like a giant Nikon or Canon in the hand, which makes the transition from 35mm to medium format feel very natural. It’s a rugged, mechanical beast with soul. For the photographer who wants the 'Zeiss look' on a budget, there is no better platform than the Pentacon Six."

What's Included

• Pentacon Six TL Medium Format SLR Body (S/N: 124667)

• Carl Zeiss Jena MC Biometar 80mm f/2.8 Lens (S/N: 10268586)

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Medium Format Camera

• Film Format: 120 Roll Film (6x6cm)

• Lens Mount: Pentacon Six Breech-lock

• Shutter: Cloth Focal-Plane (1s - 1/1000s)

• Focus Type: Manual SLR Ground Glass

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Medium Format Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)