Skip to product overview

Exakta RTL 1000 Film Camera

The Exakta 1000 is a film camera from Exakta — known for its 35mm SLR Format and Exakta Bayonet Mount. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Exakta RTL 1000 Film Camera

Exakta RTL 1000 Film Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Exakta RTL 1000 Film Camera is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Exakta 1000 sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Exakta 1000 on GearFocus

Camera Overview — Exakta 1000

The Exakta RTL 1000 is a 35mm single-lens reflex film camera manufactured during the 1960s, representing a chapter in Exakta's long history of producing SLR cameras for serious photographers. Built around the Exakta Bayonet lens mount, the RTL 1000 offers compatibility with interchangeable Exakta Bayonet lenses, giving shooters access to a range of optics suited to this classic system. The camera operates with a focal plane shutter and relies entirely on manual focus, placing full creative control in the photographer's hands — a hallmark of serious film photography from this era.

Flash connectivity is handled through both a cold shoe and a PC sync port, providing flexibility for studio and on-location flash use. Weighing between 950g and 1000g, the RTL 1000 has a solid, substantial feel that speaks to its era of construction. With 35mm film compatibility, it accepts standard 35mm film stock, making it practical to shoot even today.

Whether you're a film photography enthusiast or a collector drawn to vintage Exakta equipment, the RTL 1000 is a compelling piece of photographic history.

Key Features — Exakta 1000

35mm SLR Format: Single-lens reflex design gives you through-the-lens viewing for accurate framing and composition.

Exakta Bayonet Mount: Accepts interchangeable Exakta Bayonet lenses, opening access to a range of vintage optics built for this system.

Focal Plane Shutter: Mechanical focal plane shutter is a hallmark of capable SLR cameras from this era, allowing a range of exposure control.

Manual Focus Operation: Fully manual focus places complete creative control in the photographer's hands, with no electronic assistance.

Cold Shoe and PC Sync: A cold shoe accessory mount and PC sync port provide flexible options for attaching flash units in studio or on-location shooting.

Standard 35mm Compatibility: Accepts widely available 35mm film stock, making it practical to load and shoot today.

Camera Specifications — Exakta 1000

Exakta 1000 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Street, Creative Effects
Lens MountExakta Bayonet
Hot ShoeCold Shoe (No Contacts)

Description — Exakta 1000

The Exakta RTL 1000 is a 35mm SLR film camera from the 1960s, built around the Exakta Bayonet lens mount and designed for fully manual operation. Its focal plane shutter and manual focus system put complete control in the photographer's hands, making it a rewarding camera for those who enjoy the discipline of film shooting. The camera accepts interchangeable Exakta Bayonet lenses, opening it up to a range of optics from this classic system.

For flash users, the RTL 1000 provides both a cold shoe and a PC sync port, covering a variety of flash trigger setups without requiring a hot shoe connection. Shooting on 35mm film, it remains a usable camera today given the continued availability of 35mm film stock. Weighing in at 950–1000g, the RTL 1000 has the kind of heft that collectors and film photographers associate with well-built vintage equipment.

It stands as a notable example of Exakta's SLR heritage.

Pros — Exakta 1000

  • ✓Exakta Bayonet mount enables use of interchangeable Exakta Bayonet lenses
  • ✓Dual flash connectivity via both cold shoe and PC sync port offers versatile flash options
  • ✓Focal plane shutter design is characteristic of capable SLR systems from this period

Cons — Exakta 1000

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for modern shooting convenience
  • ✗Exakta Bayonet mount limits lens options to a legacy ecosystem with limited modern support
  • ✗No hot shoe — flash is limited to cold shoe and PC sync connections

Videos — Exakta 1000

Exakta RTL 1000 (It's all about reliability…) — The Photography Minimalist

Resources & Downloads — Exakta 1000

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Exakta 1000

What film does the Exakta RTL 1000 use?+
The RTL 1000 is compatible with standard 35mm film, which is still widely available today from numerous film manufacturers. This makes it practical to actually shoot with the camera rather than keeping it solely as a display piece.
What lenses can I use with the Exakta RTL 1000?+
The RTL 1000 uses the Exakta Bayonet lens mount and is compatible with interchangeable Exakta Bayonet lenses. It is designed specifically for lenses built to this legacy mount standard.
Does the Exakta RTL 1000 have a hot shoe for flash?+
The RTL 1000 does not have a hot shoe. It does, however, feature a cold shoe and a PC sync port, both of which allow for flash connectivity in studio or field settings.
When was the Exakta RTL 1000 manufactured?+
The RTL 1000 was manufactured during the 1960s, placing it firmly in the era of classic manual SLR cameras. Buyers should factor in the camera's age when evaluating its mechanical condition.
How heavy is the Exakta RTL 1000?+
The RTL 1000 weighs between 950g and 1000g, giving it a substantial and solid feel consistent with cameras built to professional-grade standards of its era.

Similar to Exakta 1000

Loading similar products...