Minolta Autocord CdS II

Buying Tips

The Autocord CdS II combines an updated CdS meter with 220 film capability. Here is what to check when evaluating one.

• Battery compartment: Inspect carefully for corrosion from old batteries. Green residue or pitting on the contacts means leaked batteries — minor surface corrosion can be cleaned, but deep damage may mean the meter circuit is dead.
• Meter coupling: With a fresh battery installed, check that the meter needle responds correctly as you change aperture and shutter speed settings. The coupling between the meter and the exposure controls should be smooth and accurate.
• 120/220 switch: Verify the pressure plate switches correctly between 120 and 220 positions. A stuck or damaged switch reduces the camera to single-format operation.
• Film advance: The advance mechanism should be positive and reliable. Cycle through several frames and confirm the auto-stop engages consistently without double-advancing or skipping frames.
• Rokkor lens quality: Lens quality is consistent across all Autocord models — the same excellent four-element Rokkor. Inspect for haze, fungus, and separation. A clean example will produce sharp, contrasty medium format negatives.
• Value positioning: The CdS II sits between the original CdS and the CdS III in both features and price. If the meter is dead, negotiate the price down to unmetered Autocord territory — the camera body and lens are just as good without it.

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.