Photo thanks to Rick Vogan - [email protected]

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Twin Lens Reflex Camera FAQ

I often recommend minolta autocords to folks seeking a twin lens reflex camera with good optics that is less than the overvalued Yashicamat 124Gs and Seagull 4A TLRs. The autocords have all got 75mm f/3.5 lenses, use 120 rollfilm (some also use 220), and a variety of shutters (Citizen, Konan, Seikosha, Optiper). There were a total of 24 models, many of which can be purchased for ~$100.

Models included:
• 1937 - Minoltaflex (2 models)
• 1939 - Minolta Automat (2 models)
• 1950-54 - Minoltacord (3 models)
• 1955 - Minolta Autocord L (1 model) (selenium meter, see above photo)
• 1955 - Minolta Autocod LMX (1 model) (selenium meter)
• 1955-56 - Minolta Autocord (7 models)
• 1957 - Minolta Autocord RA (1 model) (non-metered)
• 1965 - Minolta Autocord CdS (3 models) (CdS metered)

Photo notes:

What a great way to get started in medium format. The Minlota Autocords were Japanese copies of Rolleiflexes. The quality was quite good. Perhaps one of the best TLR cameras ever made other than Rollei. The model L has a built in selenium light meter. It reads in EV numbers. There are numbers on the shutter face. When you add the numbers from the speeds and aperture, the total is the ev number. Stange way to go about it, but it works. Meter works well. Generally, if these things work at all, they work well. The shutter speeds "sound" really good, even at 1 sec, but have not been checked by a tech so they are not guaranteed. The reflex mirror is in good shape, with no scratched that I see. The folding focus hood works well, and the magnifyer is intact. Winding and cocking are by winding crank on the side, and it works well also. Focus is by a lever under the front standard. It is a little stiff from lack of use, but works well. Shutter speeds are 1 through 500, plus B, with sync for x or m. Lens is a coated 75mm/3.5 Chiyoko Rokkor, and is in good condition. A popular test of TLRs is to crank out the focus mount and try to twist the front standard, this one is quite solid. If you are looking for a low cost way of getting into medium format, this is it. The meter is not vieewable through the focus screen, but the readings are on top of the large knob on the left and only requires a slight head movement to see it. The shutter and aperture scales are also visible from above, but the ev scales to use with the meter on the front of the camera. The shutter has quite audible steps and sounds good.

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