Hello hello, NO I've not forgotten!
... and thank you to those who write me and visit my blog even when I let go more than one month without posting. Today I decided to tell you about a TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) manufactured by Minolta in Japan in the 1960s to compete with the Rolleiflex: I named the Autocord. And especially the model that is its climax: the Minolta Autocord CDS-III.
"Basically I discovered that Autocord
has a better perspective, focusing easier
and ergonomics much more sense than any other LRT. "
Dante Stella dantestella.com
You know me more than a technical presentation in good and due form, which I interests me is to present the strengths and quirks potential aircraft and let the images speak ... and this is what I'll start with:
Ilford FP4 + Ilford & ILFOTEC LC29
Kodak E100-G
A spring 2010 in the company of
Minolta Autocord CDS-III
The Autocord is slightly smaller and lighter than the frankly Rolleiflex. It seems well built and the finish is beautiful.
The system developed is original: instead of a "button" on the left side as the Rollei has the Autocord a lever that switches from left to right under the optical unit. A habit, but implementation Focus is fast and accurate.
Several models exist Autocord CDS. As their name suggests, they boarded a CDS cell which is read from the button on the left side. Minolta has produced few cells whose reliability is known, so if it is calibrated, no problem to have confidence. It is battery operated and can select three positions: OFF, H (high light) or L (low light).
Optician long, Minolta has made his reputation primarily on the quality of its objectives. Rokkor 75mm f/3.5 and that all team Autocord no exception to the rule: it is excellent, both in color or NB. Very sharp, high contrast and giving a nice gray area. The optical quality of the Rokkor Autocord up at my Rollei 2.8E2, and beyond. The rest is a matter of taste: for my part I appreciate the richness of detail that produces the Rokkor, but for portraits at f/5.6 or f / 8, I prefer the Rollei Planar. The Planar seems optimal for these openings, and in my opinion is unremarkable at f/11 and beyond. Instead, the Rokkor seems "just" very good at f/5.6 or f / 8 , and becomes once closed to f/11 or f/16 sharper than the Planar.
Kodak TMax 400 & Ilford LC29 ILFOTEC
Ilford FP4 + exposed at 200ISO & Ilford LC29 ILFOTEC
Fuji Acros 100ISO & Kodak Xtol
Ilford FP4 + exposed at 200ISO & ; Ilford LC29 ILFOTEC
at f / 8, between June and September 2010
Minolta Autocord CDS-III
Both cameras shot bowl, take the glasses of sight of almost the same size. Please note, the focusing of Rollei sights detachable (screwless) are bigger, and I do not know the size of the glasses of other models Autocord. The viewing lens opens to f/3.2 as a ... Rolleicord and contrary to the Rolleiflex, which the viewing lens opens to f/2.8.
What makes the difference between the two cases, besides the price and prestige of the brand is strong and the life expectancy of its component parts. For some months I use the Autocord, I just broke for the third time the mechanism cocking lever / trigger. My case is already gone twice for repair. The Rolleiflex? This is my main box for over 2 years, he is 20 years older than the Autocord and I've never been revised ... My Minolta Autocord, to date, has cost me more in repairs than the purchase price. And it does not seem to be over ... But who knows: my copy may have aged badly, and others will tell you they have never had a bad surprise with their Autocord.
My conclusion: If you are looking for a housing LRT better designed and better finish than a Yashica, but cheaper than a Rollei, you should seriously consider the Minolta Autocord.
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