Minolta Autocord CdS III

Buying Tips

The CdS III is the last and most refined Autocord. It commands the highest prices in the line, so thorough inspection is especially important.

• Battery compartment: Check for corrosion from old batteries. The CdS III has the best meter implementation of the Autocord line, so a working meter adds real value. Clean contacts and a responsive meter needle are worth paying for on this model.
• Meter accuracy: Test the meter in multiple lighting conditions against a phone meter app or handheld meter. Check both the HIGH and LOW meter settings. The CdS III meter should be accurate enough to use as your primary metering tool if in good condition.
• Overall condition: Being the last model produced (1966), CdS III examples are generally in better physical condition than earlier Autocords simply due to lower age. Expect cleaner mechanics and less wear on a well-kept example.
• Demand and pricing: The CdS III has the highest demand among Autocords and prices can approach Rolleicord territory. Make sure you are paying for condition and functionality, not just the model name. A mint CdS III is worth the premium; a rough one with a dead meter is not.
• Rokkor lens: The same excellent four-element Rokkor found across the entire Autocord line. Inspect for haze and fungus as always, but lens quality does not vary between Autocord models — you get the same optics in the cheapest and most expensive variant.
• Service planning: Fewer technicians specialize in Autocords compared to Rolleis or Yashicas. Given the CdS III's higher purchase price, factor in CLA costs and confirm technician availability before buying a camera that needs service work.

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