Works wonders for this or any other TLR.Īutopole - where would we be without this accessory? A geared dual polarizer that shows you the polarization effect, exactly as it will be on film. I would recommend cutting a piece of the Office Max fresnel bookmark magnifier and dropping it into the finder. Spiratone once made a split-screen groundglass, and you can certainly have a brighter screen cut (Beattie, etc) if you want. I have found this quite a bit easier to focus than the laminated-glass Rollei 3.5MX finders, despite the fact that the viewing lens is slower.

There is a pop-down magnifier and sportfinder. Viewfinder - the viewfinder is a plain ground glass with hairlines to show the frame. Spacing between the lenses is normal, and the Minolta Autopole accessory fits over them (this is a set of geared, synchronized polarizers that shows you in the viewfinder what the effect will be on film). Main Lens - The Autocord has two lenses: the taking Rokkor, which is a 75mm f/3.5 lens and the viewing Rokkor, which is a 75mm f/3.2 lens. Left: right, deadly sharpness with pleasant bokeh Someone has a listing of all the models, but frankly, I couldn't tell you what the name of mine is - the first model.

This article will discuss the common features of all of the Autocords. Too bad mine sat in a closet for 15 years before I learned how to use it. In sum, I have discovered that the Autocord has better optics, easier focusing, and a more logical control layout than any other TLR. These are the principal models.Īutocord L - Citizen Shutter, selenium cell meter (nameplate flips up), LVS exposure system (take the reading add the numbers on the shutter and aperture scales to match the reading).Īutocord RA - Like the Original, but with the Citizen shutterĪutocord CDS I / II / III - Like the L, but with a CdS meter instead of selenium. Why? Because it outdid the Rollei 3.5MX and Rolleicords it was designed to emulate (if you doubt this as a purpose, you will notice that the striping around the wind lever and the tripod socket are identical you will also notice 'Chiyoko' where you would expect to see F&H). Japanese TLRs are a dime a dozen, but the Minolta Autocord is the only variety that steadily increases in value (on every rare occasion you see one on the resale market). Made in several models, which can include variously the LVS exposure system, selenium manual meter, CDS meter, Seiko and Optiper shutters. Overview - Virtually unknown 6圆 twin lens reflex. 'It's a pity this planet has chosen suicide!' Dante stella stories photographs technical guestbook

Minolta autocord cds iii specs