Minolta Autocord RG V1, 1961, SGD 375.00
About Minolta Autocord
Twin-lens reflexes bearing the Minolta name had been offered as early as 1937, starting with the Minoltaflex (I). However, by the mid-1950s, the Japanese TLR market had become quite crowded. The Minolta Autocord series was an effort by Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko, K.K. to compete in the premium-quality segment of the TLR market.
The Autocord series went through a large number of minor variations during its lifespan between 1955 and 1966—at least 17, by one count.[1]
All shared a number of desirable features: crank film advance with automatic shutter cocking and frame counting; a highly regarded Tessar-type 4-element Rokkor f/3.5 lens; self-timer; slow shutter speeds, down to 1 second; and an override button, allowing the advance crank to rotate backwards and cock the shutter without advancing the film, permitting double exposures. Early Optiper shutters only had speeds to 1/400 sec., but this was increased to 1/500 in later versions.
These features compared well with a Tessar-equipped Rolleiflexof the day, yet Autocords sold at a subtantially lower price. Both meterless models and ones including a light meter (originally selenium; later, CdS) were offered in parallel throughout the series.
Many versions of the Autocord feature some form of EV number scale around the taking lens to assist with exposure settings. Some metered models use a quirky system where the shutter and aperture indicators each point to a different row of integers; the photographer was intended to mentally add these two numbers until they equaled the EV indicated on the light meter. A 1957 magazine ad proclaimed, “Your wife or child could have done it—even without looking at the f/stop or shutter speed numbers.”[2] Despite this appeal to the male ego, the system was never adopted by any other camera maker, and no doubt perplexes Autocord purchasers today who are missing the original manual.
Autocords use a focus lever that protrudes from below the lensboard. Some photographers have noted the ergonomic advantage of this design compared to knob-focusing TLRs such as the Rolleiflex, as it is not necessary to shift the camera between hands for focusing versus winding. But the metal of the Autocord lever is brittle and vulnerable to breakage—the one notable weak link in these otherwise excellent cameras. This focusing mechanism is also found on all postwar Flexarets, beginning in 1945, according to McKeown.
This Minolta Autocord I is a late model among the popular Autocord series of TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) medium-format cameras. It was first introduced in 1965. This meterless camera is equipped with a Citizen-MVL shutter and a Minolta Rokkor 1:3.5 f=75mm taking lens.
The photos below are my Minolta Autocord RG Version 1, Enjoy!!
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let me know if you are interested in getting this camera
tlrgraphy AT gmail DOT com
Price: SGD 375.00
The Yashica 12: A Review
hello reality – The Yashica 12: A Review.
Geof did a review on Yashica 12 TLR. Based on the production quantity, the number of Yashica 12 produced is only one third of Yashica 124. Guess what, the number of yashica 12 existing is only 5.4% of the famous Yashica 124G.
About
The Yashica 12 is a 120 medium format camera. It takes 12 photos on a roll of 120 film, producing a 6x6cm or 2.25×2.25in negative. It has a 5×5 grid to aid composition. The square format was absolutely fantastic. Being used to a 35mm and similar digital aspect ratio, this format was a nice experience. It gave me fresh compositions, and forced me to think differently.
The camera is pretty straightforward. It’s entirely mechanical. The fact that it has lasted nearly half a decade is a testament to its durability.
Glass and Bokeh
While the Yashica-12 isn’t quite as iconic as the Rollei TLRs, it’s build quality is fantastic and the glass is fairly decent. The 80mm f3.5 Yashinon lens produces sharp images and pleasant bokeh.
Build Quality
This camera isn’t the lightest. But I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a short hike. It’s dimensions fit pleasingly in the hands. The leatherette is still intact, and looks like it will last some time.
Overall
This camera is pretty fantastic. Sure, it doesn’t have iTTL, or even a functioning light meter (the mercury riddled batteries for it are no longer made). But, it’s enjoyable to shoot with. It’s slow operating, and only takes twelve shots to a roll. It may not seem attractive to todays PowerShot strutting user, but that’s not the point. This camera’s purpose is to enforce the user to take their time. Compose their image. And ask the often overlooked photography question: “Is this worth taking a photo of?”
TLRgraphy 