Minolta Autocord III

Buying Tips

The Autocord III is a refined, unmetered model with 220 capability. Here is what to inspect before purchasing.

• Film advance: The advance mechanism should feel smooth and positive. Cycle it several times and confirm the auto-stop engages reliably at each frame without skipping or jamming.
• Citizen shutter: Test all shutter speeds from 1s through 1/500s. Listen for consistent timing and watch for hesitation on the slower speeds, which often indicates the need for a CLA.
• Viewfinder mirror: Open the waist-level finder hood and inspect the mirror. Age spots and de-silvering are common on Autocord III examples and can make composing difficult in dim light.
• 120/220 switch: Verify the pressure plate rotates correctly between 120 and 220 positions. A stuck or damaged switch reduces the camera to single-format use.
• Rokkor lens: The same excellent four-element Rokkor used across the Autocord line. Check both elements for haze or fungus — the taking lens is more critical, but a cloudy viewing lens makes focusing harder.
• Bay I accessories: Bay I filters and lens hoods are less common than Bay II or III. Check availability and budget accordingly if you want to use filters.

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