TLR Cameras – Frequently Asked Questions

TLR stands for Twin-Lens Reflex – two lenses stacked one above the other. The upper one reflects the subject onto a ground glass screen, the lower one exposes the film.

You don't see the subject through the taking lens, but through a second lens that is firmly coupled to it. There is no mirror that flips up – that's why TLR cameras work quietly and without vibration.

Because the mirror redirects the image but doesn't rotate it. That's normal. With a little practice, you'll still compose intuitively.

You look down into the viewfinder instead of holding the camera up to your face – this draws little attention and changes the perspective. Add to that the square format, which needs to be composed differently.

Almost all TLR cameras use 120 roll film in 6×6 cm format – that gives twelve frames per roll. The film is still available today.

Not as standard. Some models can be converted to 35 mm with adapters, but that is a workaround.

Roll film into the lower chamber, pull the paper to the mark, then wind on. A red window or a frame counter shows you when you're ready.

Using the upper lens, on the ground glass screen. Many TLR cameras have a fold-out magnifier that lets you judge focus more precisely.

Aperture and shutter speed by hand on the lens. If the camera has no light meter, an external one will help you.

TLR cameras are assigned one of four classes: Good, Acceptable, Partially Defective or Defective. The viewfinder image, film transport and shutter are checked. You can see which class an item has from the symbol at the top left of the product image and from the line below the price. More on this: How we check TLR cameras.

Usually only the camera. If anything else is included, it is stated in the product title.

You can find shipping times and payment methods under Shipping and Payment.

You can request a return on the Returns page. Regardless of this, your statutory right of withdrawal applies.