This SLR is the Sears TLS 1000MXB, made by Mamiya and sold under that name as the 1000MX. The B in MXB indicates a black body as opposed to standard chrome. As with most Mamiya-made SLRs, the 1000MXB is a solid camera. Though not the most comfortable to hold and use (it is quite heavy at 979g with lens), it feels as though it can take whatever is thrown at it and the TTL metering system still works well.
This is the Sears logo as it appeared at the time the 1000MXB was made. Interestingly the camera seems to use an all caps logo favored by the company a decade earlier.
This particular example is well-worn, though not overly so and required minimal effort to get cleaned up and operational. When I saw it on the shelf of a local thrift store for a few bucks it was a no-brainer to pick it up. Light seals are intact, if a little thin, but do not imminently require replacement. Even the self timer works, though I will likely never do so as they tend to be the Achilles heel for many shutters.
| Make | Sears |
| Model | TLS 1000MXB |
| Year | ~1974 |
| Format | 35mm |
| Shutter | cloth focal-plane |
| Speed | B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000 |
| Lens | Auto Sears/Sekor |
| f1.4 55mm | |
| Focus | 0.45m – ∞ |
| Aperture | f1.4 – f16 |
| Light Meter | TTL spot metering |
| Focus System | SLR |
These sample shots were taken on a New Years trip to Charleston, SC on Catlabs 320 (aka Kodak Eastman 5222) Stand developed in HC-110 for 30 minutes.
