Want to Buy WTB Minolta Autocord

Evergreen States · Aug 31, 2022

Hey everyone! I've got the itch for a Minolta Autocord. I don't care whether it has a meter or not. I'd prefer a shutter that maxes at 1/500th - a Seiko if possible. My preference is for a focus scale in meters, but it isn't a dealbreaker. No fungus, haze or serious scratches on the lenses please. I'm less particular about the cosmetic condition of the rest of the body. If you have one you're letting go, please send pictures from the inside of a flashlight shining through the taking lens.

I'm based in Washington State, USA and will pay with PayPal.

Thanks!

jgoody · Aug 31, 2022

Good choice of camera!!!

Evergreen States · Sep 1, 2022

jgoody said:
Good choice of camera!!!

Thanks. First read about it from Dante Stella's old site. I've actually held two of them, each eBay purchases that had to be sent back because the sellers lied about the condition. I fell in love with the camera... I just want a nice copy.

jgoody · Sep 1, 2022

BTW I'm sure you know this but the Bay 1 Rollei accessories work with Autocord -- the Rolleinars are a great addition to the Autocord. Minolta and Yashica also make versions of these CU lenses.

brose · Sep 1, 2022

You might try contacting Karl Bryan (karlkathy99@gmail.com). He’s the Autocord repair specialist, located in Oregon. I bought a serviced Autocord from him last year for around $350. Also, Dan Daniels services Autocords and Rolleis. dan.daniel.cameras@gmail.com. He occasionally has cameras for sale. He serviced my Rolleiflex last year and it’s great, plus he has fair prices and excellent communication.

Evergreen States · Sep 1, 2022

brose said:
You might try contacting Karl Bryan (karlkathy99@gmail.com). He’s the Autocord repair specialist, located in Oregon. I bought a serviced Autocord from him last year for around $350. Also, Dan Daniels services Autocords and Rolleis. dan.daniel.cameras@gmail.com. He occasionally has cameras for sale. He serviced my Rolleiflex last year and it’s great, plus he has fair prices and excellent communication.

Thank you very much! This is a superb tip. I didn't know Karl sold Autocords.

jgoody · Sep 1, 2022

One other note for a future Autocord owner. The focus lever is extremely brittle, and whatever you do don't try to bend it or force it -- they snap easily!

cptrios · Sep 1, 2022

I second asking both Karl and Dan. I don't know how often Dan has Autocords available (Karl seems to relatively frequently), but he has also designed a replacement focus lever that he'll install for you during a CLA.

Regarding that knob, listen to jgoody. My own Autocord lost its focus knob, fairly inevitably, after it was serviced by Karl. If you get one, baby that thing! Mine broke off while I was taking the camera out of my bag. Thankfully the camera is still usable, but it's obviously a bit more annoying. Worth it, though - the Autocord lens is fantastic.

Brian Legge · Sep 3, 2022

Another option is to look for cheap one in good condition that has a broke focus lever. Send it to Karl Bryan for a CLA and lever replacement. It may cost about the same as a good working condition one that lacks a robust lever and CLA.

MTGseattle · Sep 3, 2022

I have one I'm willing to part with. I'll take some pictures and get them ready. You can PM me. I'm in Seattle.

Evergreen States · Sep 4, 2022

I placed an order with Karl Bryan for one of four he had for sale. He was unwilling to share pictures of a flashlight shining through the lens but I am going by his reputation. Should be here Tuesday.

cptrios · Sep 6, 2022

Evergreen States said:
He was unwilling to share pictures of a flashlight shining through the lens but I am going by his reputation.

I know that’s not great optics (*rimshot*) but I don’t exactly blame him. A flashlight will make any lens look horrifying from a buyers perspective, even if there’s nothing in there that’d actually affect picture quality.

guangong · Sep 6, 2022

I had a Minoltacord in 1961-62. Great lens, and I personally favored the idea of lever focusing. Unfortunately, the mechanical and material execution of the idea was not a complete success. While from my viewpoint not as intuitive, the Rollei knob is infinitely more reliable. Of course, several Minoltacords can be acquired for the price of one Rollei.

MTGseattle · Sep 10, 2022

Nice!

Evergreen States · Sep 11, 2022

There is a bit of Schneideritis in/on one inner element but I doubt it will affect picture quality. I'm happy and have decided to keep it. Dusted it off, and loaded it up with HP5+ and took it out on Thursday. I'm not sure how to delete a Classfieds thread. What is one supposed to do when a classified ad here is no longer necessary?

Want to Buy WTB Minolta Autocord

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