The main problem with this TLR is the focus tab being stiff after years of operation due to harding / drying of the lubrication used. Thought this is indeed useful but the design and material used might not be the best. From what I gathered from the Minolta collectors forum, the sweeping focus allow one hand operation where the user could use the thumb and index finger to move the focus tab while using the ring finger to push the shutter release button. Focusing the Autocord for the very first time do feel a bit awkward but after a couple of shots I am starting to feel at home with it. The rest of the camera maker opted for the focus knob on the side of the camera body which I feel is more intuitive and ergonomic. Hence if you have a Rolleiflex or a Yashica Mat, you might be confused with the loading at times.Īpart from that, the focus knob is located right below of the taking lens operating in a sweeping motion. The film is loaded on the opposite direction of all other TLR in the market in which the film roll is at the bottom while the spool is at the top.

In terms of operation, this camera is one of the odd one out as compared to the rest in the TLRs. Very snappy with smooth out of focus bokeh. Sharpness is certainly not an issue for this lens be it at the center or corner. The image is slightly more vibrant and contrasty with great amount of details even when shot wide open. Though it was built sometime back in the 60's the image from the Rokkor lens on this camera looks rather modern and almost digital like specially with Pro400H and Pro160NS which I tested on. The lens is the greatest asset of this camera. Equipped with Minolta Chiyoka Rokkor 75mm f3.5 taking lens and Seikosha MX shutter, the camera is a great performer for it's price. Starting off with the humble Minolta Autocord, which one could purchase for around USD 250 to 370 or so for a decent used copy.

I will be doing reviews on every single of it and share my thoughts and experience shooting with these beauties. I am a huge fan of rangefinder and TLR cameras and I am thankful to have these few awesome cams in my collection.

Minolta autocord cds iii