Minolta Autocord Camera Review

Review of this excellent and affordable medium format camera. A great entry into 120 medium format photography.

[@kevinchisholm8059]

There are a couple unique features that were gotten wrong. The one I want to mention is the focus wasn't done with a know on the side but rather a lever in the front under the taking lens.

[@beautyandlifestyletips]

Amazing product

[@ShutterMinds]

I bought mine a few years ago, but they are still good value for money and quality.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Please make a video about French TLR cameras they had superb lenses by Som Berthiot and Angenieux, the best one was the Royer Royflex III

[@ShutterMinds]

I have been looking, but I can't find any for sale in the UK.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@ShutterMinds There is also a Semflex Oto Automatic with the great Berthiot "FLOR" Tessar 3.5 75 lens

[@ShutterMinds]

I have a lot of TLR cameras, but I am not familiar with these French cameras. I will buy one, if I can find one for a good price. I will look when I am in France in a few weeks.

[@hansemannluchter643]

It's 6x6cm negatives, not 4x4.

[@ShutterMinds]

@@hansemannluchter643 That's my mistake. Possibly stuck in my head because I have just been using a 127 Baby Rolleiflex.

[@hansemannluchter643]

Other than that, nice video. I have one, one thing to be aware of is the focus lever: NEVER force it if you find an old Autocord, often the grease in the helicoid has stiffened, especially if the camera hasn't been used for a decade or two. Forcing it can easily snap the lever, and then you're in for an expensive repair as a new lever will need to be machined. Another thing about old TLR's is that often the focus-screen is made of plastic that has yellowed, resulting in a dark view-finder. It is possible to buy modern replacements for many TLR's, they are even available with a "spli-screen", replacing the old one will often make the view-finder a lot brighter.

[@ShutterMinds]

@@hansemannluchter643 I bought mine a few years ago and thankfully it is in good working order.