Camera · TLR
Minolta Autocord
1955-1966
Discontinued120BeginnerIntermediate
Affordable quality TLR
- Format
- 120
- Mount
- Fixed lens
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/500
- Battery
- None
Mechanical
Max speed
Best for
- Affordable quality TLR
- Street photography
- Travel photography
- Portrait photography
Features
- 75mm f/3.5 Rokkor taking lens (Tessar-type, 4 elements)
- 6x6 format
- 120 film
- Crank film advance with automatic shutter cocking and frame counting
- Optiper, Seikosha or Citizen leaf shutter (varies by version)
- Meterless versions and selenium/CdS metered versions were sold in parallel
Limitations
- Fixed lens only
- Selenium meter unreliable on older examples
- Parallax at close focus
- Some parts difficult to source
Common issues to check
- Selenium meter failure
- Shutter blade oil
- Focus screen deterioration
- Taking lens haze
- Film advance issues
Buying guide
The Autocord (1955-1966) was Minolta's premium TLR, with at least 17 minor variations. Camera-wiki says it compared well with Tessar-equipped Rolleiflexes at a substantially lower price. Early Optiper shutters stop at 1/400, later ones at 1/500. Metered and meterless versions exist. Check both lenses and the shutter.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £150 - £350
- Excellent condition
- ~£500
CdS meter versions may command a premium. Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2026-04. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 120 |
| Years produced | 1955-1966 |
| Mount | Fixed lens |
| Shutter type | Leaf |
| Shutter speeds | 1s - 1/500 |
| Flash sync | all speeds |
| Metering | Selenium |
| Battery required | No |
| Weight | N/A |
| Dimensions | N/A |