What is the Minolta Autocord Film Camera?
The Minolta Autocord Film Camera is a medium format twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera that was manufactured by the renowned Japanese camera company Minolta. It was first introduced to the market in 1955 and quickly gained popularity among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. The Autocord was known for its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and outstanding image quality.
Features and Specifications
The Minolta Autocord boasted several notable features that set it apart from other TLR cameras of its time. Here are some of its key specifications:
1. Lens: The Autocord was equipped with a high-quality, fixed-aperture, 75mm f/3.5 lens. Known for its sharpness and clarity, this lens played a significant role in capturing stunning images.
2. Viewing and Focusing: The camera boasted a waist-level viewfinder, allowing photographers to compose their shots with ease. The viewfinder provided a bright and accurate image, making it convenient for various photography genres. Additionally, the Autocord offered a precise focusing mechanism, ensuring sharpness in every shot.
3. Film Format: The Autocord utilized 120 roll film, which produced square-shaped images with a frame size of 6×6 cm. This larger negative size allowed for greater detail and clarity in the final prints.
4. Shutter and Speeds: The camera featured a mechanically controlled leaf shutter, capable of speeds ranging from 1/500th of a second to bulb mode. This wide range of shutter speeds provided photographers with flexibility in capturing various lighting conditions.
5. Self-Timer: The Autocord included a built-in self-timer, enabling photographers to take self-portraits or join group shots without the need for an external remote.
Availability and Pricing
The Minolta Autocord Film Camera was initially released in 1955 and remained in production until the early 1970s. During its production years, it saw several variations and updates, each improving upon the previous model. As for the pricing, the Autocord’s cost varied depending on the specific version and condition. However, during its initial release, the camera was priced around $90, which was considered quite affordable for a high-quality TLR camera.
Conclusion
The Minolta Autocord Film Camera is a classic piece of photographic equipment that has stood the test of time. Its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and outstanding image quality make it highly sought after by photographers and collectors alike. If you’re looking to explore medium format film photography, the Autocord is a fantastic choice that will undoubtedly deliver stunning results.
