The Story Behind the Exakta Twin TL
The Exakta Twin TL sits in that sweet spot of classic 35mm SLRs: solid, mechanical, and just modern enough to be easy to live with. Paired with the Exakta 50mm f/1.8 lens, it was designed as a dependable, no‑nonsense camera for students, families, and enthusiasts who wanted control without the clutter.
Today, that same simplicity is what makes it so attractive to film shooters who are tired of menus and batteries running out at the wrong moment. The Twin TL gives you the fundamentals: manual focus, manual exposure, and a straightforward light meter that encourages you to look, think, and then press the shutter.
The first time I used a fully mechanical SLR, I remember how every frame felt like a decision. Slowing down for focus and exposure made me notice light in a way a digital screen never had.
Technical Highlights That Matter in Real Use
Manual SLR body with a practical built‑in light meter
The Exakta Twin TL is a 35mm SLR with through‑the‑lens viewing, a focal‑plane shutter, and fully manual exposure. Shutter speeds cover everyday situations, and the viewfinder gives a clear, direct window to your scene.
A simple in‑viewfinder light meter needle guides your exposure. Match the needle using your shutter speed and aperture, and you are on your way. If the meter ever drifts, it is still easy to use the camera with a smartphone light meter app.
Exakta 50mm f/1.8: a bright, versatile standard lens
The bundled 50mm f/1.8 is a classic “normal” lens: neither wide nor telephoto. At f/1.8 it gathers plenty of light, letting you shoot indoors or at dusk while keeping ISO low and grain manageable. Stopped down to f/5.6–f/8 it is sharp and consistent; wide open, it adds a gentle softness and background blur that flatters portraits.
Batteries, reliability, and sustainability
The shutter on the Twin TL is mechanical, so the camera can fire even without a battery. Power is only needed for the light meter, which can be run on commonly available batteries or by using an adapter and a modern silver‑oxide cell. This makes the camera easier to maintain and keeps it shooting decades after its original release.
Shooting with the Exakta Twin TL in 2025
Getting started with exposure
Set your ISO to match your film stock, then use the meter needle as a guide. Many shooters prefer versatile 200–400 ISO films because they give enough exposure latitude in daylight and indoors.
- Adjust ISO settings to match your film stock.
- Set aperture and shutter speed manually for each exposure.
- Use a smartphone light meter if built-in meter needs recalibration.
- Keep a small blower and lens pen for lens care.
- ✅ Test all shutter speeds and mirror movement.
- ✅ Verify lens clarity and minimal dust or haze.
- ✅ Inspect foam seals and viewfinder cleanliness.
- ✅ Confirm response of light meter needle to light changes.
- ✅ Research fair prices ($60–$120 range).
For everyday color work, Kodak Gold 200 is an excellent match to the 50mm f/1.8, offering warm tones and forgiving exposure. For black‑and‑white, classic stocks like Ilford HP5 (ISO 400) keep grain pleasant and shadow detail rich.
Focusing and handling
Manual focusing with the Twin TL is straightforward: turn the focusing ring until your subject snaps into clarity in the viewfinder. The 50mm focal length feels natural for street scenes, portraits, and travel, making it a perfect “one‑lens” kit for learning composition.
Creative Projects and Film Workflow Tips
Project ideas for the Exakta Twin TL
The Twin TL rewards consistency. Pick a single film stock and 50mm lens, then commit to a small series:
- Seven mornings project: Shoot the same street corner or window over a week.
- One roll portraits: 36 frames of the people you care about, all on one film.
- Light study: Photograph the same subject at different times of day to learn how light behaves.
Film workflow in a digital world
After you shoot, have your film developed and scanned professionally, or scan at home. High‑resolution scans are easy to share online while preserving the character that drew you to film in the first place. The slower, more deliberate process of loading a roll, setting exposure, and waiting for results is part of the magic.
If you ever decide to explore other focal lengths, you can look for compatible camera lenses or expand your kit with light meters, straps, and bags from our curated photography accessories collection.
Second-Hand Buying Checklist
Buying an Exakta Twin TL second‑hand is both sustainable and budget‑friendly. To give yourself the best chance of a reliable camera, run through this quick checklist when inspecting a body and lens:
- Check that you can adjust ISO to match your film stock without stiffness or slipping.
- Fire the shutter at all speeds and watch for consistent mirror movement.
- Look through the lens against a bright surface: a little dust is normal, but avoid heavy haze, fungus, or scratches on the glass.
- Inspect foam light seals and viewfinder edges; degraded foam can be replaced, but factor it into the price.
- Point the camera at a bright light and then a dark corner: the light meter needle should respond quickly.
- Confirm that the price falls roughly within the $60–$120 range for a working body plus 50mm f/1.8 in good condition.
Buying from a dedicated second‑hand camera shop instead of a random listing also helps: gear is usually tested, cleaned, and clearly graded, saving you surprises down the line.
Final Reflections
The Exakta Twin TL with 50mm f/1.8 is not about spec sheets; it is about experience. It forces you to slow down, think about light, and compose with intention. In 2025, that slower rhythm is a feature, not a flaw.
If you are curious about film, this combo is a gentle, affordable entry point that teaches the fundamentals and stays relevant as your skills grow. Whether it becomes your first analog camera or a companion to a larger collection of analog cameras, it has everything you need to make images that last far longer than any trend.
FAQs
Is the Exakta Twin TL suitable for beginners? Yes. Its manual controls and clear meter make it ideal for learning exposure and focusing, especially for students and new film users.
Can modern batteries power the Exakta Twin TL light meter? Yes. You can use modern 625A‑type alkaline options or an MR‑9 adapter with an SR43 cell. If you prefer, a smartphone light meter app works just as well and lets you shoot without relying on the internal meter.
Which films work best with the Exakta 50mm f/1.8 lens? Versatile 200–400 ISO films such as Kodak Gold 200 or Ilford HP5 pair beautifully with the 50mm f/1.8, offering reliable exposure and a pleasing tonal range in everyday lighting.
How much should I expect to pay for a working Exakta Twin TL? For a body and 50mm f/1.8 lens in good working order, expect a price in the region of $60–$120, depending on cosmetic condition and whether servicing has been done recently.
Ready to start (or continue) your film journey? Explore our hand‑picked analog cameras, trusted camera lenses, and essential photography accessories to build a sustainable, second‑hand kit that inspires you to shoot more.
