Minolta Autopole TLR polarizer- ?

Dan Daniel · May 27, 2022

I'm talking with someone in Finland who is looking to get one of these, the dual polarizer filter setup that Minolta made for the Autocords. I'm wondering if anyone here has seen one, used one? I have seen some polarizing filters from the 1950s and '60s, and they all seemed to be gel cemented between glass. And all seem to have separation, fading, etc.

Any idea if the polarizing filters are still good? Are they cast glass, gel? I'm trying to convince the guy that one polarizer with a reference mark is going to be fine other than a slight speed advantage to the Autopole. Opinions? Thanks!

Paul Howell · May 27, 2022

I've only seen a few, thought it was great idea, too back Yashica never made one, if they did I missed it. The most common polarizer for TLR and rangefinders was made by Kodak, it was just a polarizer with a knob and mark so know when the polarizer was at max effect. I have one somewhere, it does or did work as long you are good at guessing. At this point my guess is that it likely faded, need to find it and give it a try.

AgX · May 28, 2022

Dan Daniel said:
I have seen some polarizing filters from the 1950s and '60s, and they all seemed to be gel cemented between glass. And all seem to have separation, fading, etc.

Any idea if the polarizing filters are still good? Are they cast glass, gel?

All polarizers in a mount, used for taking consist out of a dedicated plastic foil laminated between two glass panes.
Yes, laminated filters can deteriorate. There was even a sealed version to avoid this.

If your friend cannot get a non-deteriorated sample of this special device, than he still could consider exchanging the laminated panes for used, but fine ones taken out of a regular mount, if resp. pane diameter should fit.

mooseontheloose · May 28, 2022

I have one, somewhere, but never really used it much because the polarizing effect was much more subtle than the modern ones I use with my regular cameras. If I have time this weekend I'll see if I can find it and post more about it here.

AgX · May 29, 2022

mooseontheloose said:
I have one, somewhere, but never really used it much because the polarizing effect was much more subtle than the modern ones I use with my regular cameras.

Interesting, as such differences I have not yet seen hinted at.

(Unless being hinted at by "fading" by the OP.)

JPD · May 29, 2022

AgX said:
All polarizers in a mount, used for taking consist out of a dedicated plastic foil laminated between two glass panes.
Yes, laminated filters can deteriorate. There was even a sealed version to avoid this.

I think B+W still make the Käsemann sealed polfilters.

AgX · May 29, 2022

JPD said:
I think B+W still make the Käsemann sealed polfilters.

I guess they just use that old tradename. There is no hint at their technical information. And their designations are a mess. Actually that comes true for most filter manufacturers.

choiliefan · May 31, 2022

I use an ancient Zeiss polarizer similar to the Autopole but made for their Ikoflex TLR's.
I press a series V bay 1 adapter onto the back of it for use on my Rolleicord.
Aside from a bit of edge delamination, it still works well.
It's more a convenience for me to use than finessing a loose filter, although I've done that multiple times over the years with various TLR and rangefinder cameras.

Chrismat · May 31, 2022

I've owned a couple of the Minolta Autopoles at various times. They're nice, but what I found is that they seem to loose some of their effect with age. If I
want to use a polarizor with a tlr, I'll use a traditional one (46 or 49mm) with step up rings or a Bay 1 polarizer. I take a reading through the filter, put a thin strip of gaffers tape to prevent the outer ring from moving, and place it on the taking lens (I've made a notch on the filters that face up when mounted on the camera as a reference point). Little bit more work, but it works well and I'm getting the benefit of using a more modern filter.

AgX · May 31, 2022

Otherwise you might exchange the filters as I indicated in post #3.

Minolta Autopole TLR polarizer- ?

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