Having put a few rolls though the Autocord now, I can definitely say that the biggest difference between this camera and other TLR’s that I’ve used, is the method of focusing. It cannot accept 220 film (which doesn’t matter, I don’t think 220 is even being produced now), and does not have any form of light meter My model of Autocord is the RG V3 from 1963, so has a Citizen MVL shutter with a top speed of 1/500th of a second. Some accepted 220 film as well as 120, and a few even came with built in selenium cell, or later, CdS light meters. Each with different shutter mechanisms and varying maximum shutter speeds. Minolta manufactured at least a dozen different versions of the Autocord in their eleven year production run that began in 1955. I had a think about it for a little while and eventually went back to the stall and haggled down to a good price. I did find one seller, SE Cameras, that had a Minolta Autocord for sale though, which was in great condition for its 56 year age. I’d decided in the preceding weeks, that If came across a Rolleicord V (or IV, Va or Vb), that I’d probably take it home with me, but there were no Rolleicords to be found on the day. The reason I go to this fair and not others, is that the Frome Camera Show is mostly vintage film cameras and a lot of unusual items that you’re unlikely to find anywhere apart from the deepest corners of the internet. It’s held twice a year and is essentially just a large hall area filled with tables, with various retailers selling used gear. A lesser known event in April is Frome Camera Fair at the Cheese and Grain in Frome, Somerset. The last frost, April Fools day, and Easter (ok, it’s usually in April).

Frome Camera FairĪpril brings many things.

I’d always just figured that if I came across one at a good price, I would probably jump on it. I’ve been toying on and off with the idea of getting another (complete) one, but I’ve never put any serious effort into finding one. Since then, the Rollei has been the camera that got away. The seller had inherited this camera and didn’t know anything about it, so it was an honest mistake and they agreed to take the camera back. Unfortunately for me, the model that I’d obtained from eBay arrived missing it’s focus screen and even the mirror inside, so was essentially useless. A fairly cheap TLR that is lightweight, well built and produced great results with it’s superbly sharp lens. I’d heard the cheaper brother of the Rolleiflex recommended more times than I could count, as it gave a lot of bang for your buck. About five years ago I purchased a Rolleicord Va from eBay.

Photos from my minolta autocord