Minolta Autocord LMX

Buying Tips

The Autocord LMX is a variant of the L with an upgraded shutter. It is less common, so know what to check before buying.

• Selenium meter: Same concern as the Autocord L — the selenium cell is likely weak or dead after decades. Test it in bright daylight, but do not pay a premium for the meter. Price it as an unmetered body if the meter is non-functional.
• Seikosha-MX shutter: The upgraded shutter is the key difference from the L. Test all speeds and check that X, F, and M flash sync modes switch correctly. Sluggish slow speeds are the most common mechanical issue.
• Rarity premium: The LMX is less common than other Autocord variants. Do not overpay for rarity alone if you want a camera to shoot with — the Rokkor lens and mechanical operation are identical to other Autocords that cost less.
• Lens condition: Inspect both taking and viewing lenses for haze, fungus, or separation. Rokkor optics are consistently excellent across the entire Autocord line when in good condition.
• Film advance: Confirm the auto-stop mechanism works correctly. Cycle through several frames and verify it stops at each frame position without double-advancing.
• Overall value: Autocords remain less popular than Yashica or Rolleiflex TLRs, so prices are generally lower. Japanese build quality is on par with the Yashica Mat-124G, making these strong value picks for shooters.

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