Polarizer for a Minolta Autocord TLR 6x6?

fmajor · Jul 31, 2009

Does anyone know where to get a polarizer for my nifty, new-to-me, Minolta Autocord 6x6?

BTW, this is my first foray into MEDIUM FORMAT!!!!

Thanks!

frank

mrred · Jul 31, 2009

Check ebay?

Anscojohn · Jul 31, 2009

You may well be searching for a unicorn.

Prest_400 · Jul 31, 2009

Anscojohn said:
You may well be searching for a unicorn.

I remember when I looked info about using Pls in TLRs that Minolta made an acessory Polariser that covered both lenses. Minoltapol or something like that was called.
It's probable that it has reached collector status nowadays.

PhotoJim · Jul 31, 2009

They exist. I have one. Made by Minolta.

mablo · Aug 1, 2009

Name is Minolta Autopole

fmajor · Aug 1, 2009

Yep, i knew Minolta made and the name as "Autopole", but was hoping to see some advice about where (if?!?) to buy:

a) an original Autopole (i'm guessing well neigh impossible...)
b) another TLR "bay1" brand polarizer that would fit
c) an off-brand/after-market solution

Looks like it's back to unicorns.....

mrred · Aug 1, 2009

You could always buy another one and just hold it over the lens while shooting.

fmajor · Aug 1, 2009

Hey mrred - now thats an EXCELLENT idea!!! THANKS!

In fact, i have a 49mm polarizer that is rarely used (a nice Hoya too!) and i'd bet i could rig a way to get it to mount/stay on.

Yahoo!!!

THANKS MRRED!

mrred · Aug 1, 2009

fmajor said:
i have a 49mm polarizer that is rarely used (a nice Hoya too!) and i'd bet i could rig a way to get it to mount/stay on

if you are going that far, maybe you should think about Cokin or Lee. The filters would be of a more manageble size that would fit over both lens., Even handheld, would be easier. It would be easier to justify as you can use the filter(s) on your other cameras...

Just a thought...

fmajor · Aug 1, 2009

I didn't think there was anything commercially available to fit the bay1 mount - other than specific bay1 items. I'll google both and see what i find. I'd likely never use the Cokin (or Lee for that matter) over my 35mm lenses so it would be strictly for the 6x6.

Interestingly, i'd consider a Cokin/Lee for my 6x6, but never for my 35mm due to IQ degradation from the lower-quality-than-the-lenses filters whereas the 6x6 IQ *should* be magnitudes greater than my 35mm line-up. Desperation maybe?!?

Thanks again!

frank

ntenny · Aug 1, 2009

Bay I to threaded adapters aren't particularly expensive. I can't speak to the Autocord, but a 49mm filter mounts nicely on my Rollei TLRs without obstructing the viewing lens. I think I got the adapters on eBay.

-NT

JRJacobs · Aug 1, 2009

I have a Minolta Autopole and it is a fantastic accessory for the TLR - a very ingenious device.

Rolleiflex also made a polarizer for TLR's - it is called a Rolleipol. It is not as sophisticated as an Autopole - it is a single filter with index marks. The user puts it on the viewing lens and dials it in to the desired level of polarization. Then remove it and put on taking lens with the polarizer using the same index mark. A little slower than an Autopole, but it works. You probably could make something similar using a regular threaded polarizer and a bay 1 adapter - put some index marks on the filter and you are good to go.

dynachrome · Aug 1, 2009

Minolta 6X6 Polarizer

I also have the Autopole even if I haven't used it recently. Years ago there was a seller at a NJ Sunday camera show with a whole box of these. There were few takers. The Autopole is beautifully made and works very well.

fmajor · Aug 2, 2009

WOW!!!!

@ ntenny - Brilliant idea!!! I'll check into them too - i got a feeling if i can find one, it'll be on it's way to me!
@ JRLacobs - Thanks for the heads up on the Rollei solution - i saw one on hte auction site too, but a little more spendy than i was thinking....
@ dynachrome - Since you're not using it too much, i'd be HAPPY to help you out with (of) your predicament. Simply send it my way and i'll make sure it gets a good work out regularly! In fact, i'll even pay the postage so you're not too burdened!! ;-)

Thanks everyone!!! My Autocord should get to me in about 2 weeks - yes, i'm just a *little?* bit excited.

Matus Kalisky · Aug 4, 2009

fmajor said:
... I didn't think there was anything commercially available to fit the bay1 mount - other than specific bay1 items. ...

Heliopan does all possible filters in all Rollei mounts. See HERE. You can get multicoated versions too. However - if you go with a step up ring (bay I to 49mm) you can use common 49mm filters and you can stack them if necessary. you can not stack the Bayonet mount filters. On the other had if you go with the later solution, you loose the possibility of attaching the lens hood.

I got for my Rolleiflex T an adaptor to 49mm and use the polarizer, ND8 and infrared filter on it (I have yet to use the infrared, actually). Works fine for me. I can stack to polarizer and the ND to get a very long exposure - like THIS one.

The common BW filters I use in Bay I (yellow, green, Agfacolor filter) as I want to be able to use the lens hood.

Steve Smith · Aug 4, 2009

slnce-z-gsi said:
if you go with a step up ring (bay I to 49mm) you can use common 49mm filters and you can stack them if necessary.

I think mine is Bay I to 46mm. It's a bit smaller but I think there is a greater range of 49mm filters than 46mm.

My 46mm Polariser works fine with it though without any vignetting (did I spell that right?).

I either put it on the viewing lens first to get the rotation right or just hold it up to my eye. I prefer the eye method as it reduces the chances of taking the shot with it still attached to the viewing lens (not that I have done that..... too often).

Steve.

fmajor · Aug 4, 2009

Thanks everyone!!!!

I'm thinking the bay1 to 49mm adapter is going to be my best solution as i can add any filter any time. Unfortunately, i'll have to wait a bit to get one (difficult delivery to where i currently live).

frank

Polarizer for a Minolta Autocord TLR 6x6?

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