Produced by Pentacon, the RTL 1000 was a modification of the new Praktica cameras that were being introduced; an Exakta in name only. An internal diaphragm release was fitted to the camera and lenses, an auxiliary shutter release was fitted in the old, left-hand, Exakta position enabling older lens fittings to be used.

TTL meter pentaprism

This is the earlier version of the meter pentaprism with an on/off indicator on the top plate. Readings were taken at either full aperture, the aperture then being manually set on the lens, or at the working aperture, the lens diaphragm being used to align the needle. The meter coupled to the shutter speed setting knob. Readings were correct for the microprism with annular ground glass surround focusing screen, for other screens the film speed dial was adjusted to give accurate readings. A multi-purpose dial on the top plate was used to align the meter needle in open-aperture mode, to set the maximum aperture of the lens and to set the film speed. Its use is not intuitive.