• Minolta Autocord cds — view 2
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  • Vintage Minolta Autocord ad (April 1957) — "Minolta for PERFECTIONISTS who are not afraid of saving money" — view 7
  • 1965
  • TLR · 6×6
  • Rokkor glass

Minolta Autocord CdS

Many shooters argue this Rokkor out-resolves the Yashinon.

The Autocord is the TLR Yashica's MAT line had to compete with — and many shooters argue this Rokkor 75mm f/3.5 (Tessar-type, four elements in three groups) out-resolves the contemporary Yashinon. CdS meter, Citizen MV leaf shutter that flash-synchronises at any speed, full 120-roll 6×6 format on a body that's a hair heavier than a MAT-124G but feels noticeably tighter.

What's distinctive: the focus mechanism is a lever under the lens panel, not a side knob — your right hand pulls focus while your left supports the body, which is the opposite of how most TLRs work. Once it clicks, you don't go back. The Rokkor stops down to f/22, which on 6×6 is a meaningfully sharp landscape lens.

If you've been told to start on a Yashica MAT-124G but want something the collectors quietly prefer, this is it.

Match

Who this is for

Good for

  • TLR shooters who want sharper glass than the Yashica
  • Portrait + landscape
  • Collectors

Not for

  • Fast-action shooters
  • Photographers who hate waist-level composition

Character

What it feels like to shoot

The focus mechanism is a lever under the lens panel rather than a side knob — your right hand pulls focus while your left supports the body. It takes a roll to learn and then becomes the thing you miss when you go back to a Yashica. The shutter is a soft snick — leaf shutters are quieter than focal-plane anything. The matte screen is bright; with a magnifier popped up, focus is easier than on most 35mm SLRs.

Born 1965

History of the Minolta Autocord CdS

Minolta produced the Autocord line from 1955 to 1976 with various model designations. The CdS version (1965) added a coupled meter to the basic Autocord platform. Discontinued in 1976. The Autocord never got a 'flagship' marketing push the way Rolleiflex did — its reputation is entirely word-of-mouth among collectors.

Technical specifications

MFG. 1965 – 1976
01
Format
120 medium-format TLR (6×6)
02
Manufacturer
Minolta · Japan
03
Production
1965 – 1976
04
Lens
Rokkor 75mm f/3.5 (taking, Tessar-type) + Rokkor 75mm f/3.2 (viewing)
05
Metering
CdS center-weighted (uncoupled)
06
Viewfinder
Waist-level finder with bright matte focusing screen
07
Shutter
1/500s – 1s + B (Citizen MV leaf shutter)
08
ISO range
ASA 6 – 6400 (DIN 9 – 39)
09
Flash sync
All speeds (X and M-sync, PC socket)
10
Exposure modes
Manual
11
Dimensions
105 × 142 × 105 mm
12
Weight
1010 g
13
Power
1 × PX625 mercury (or modern equivalent for meter)

Original manual · Minolta Autocord CdS

Get the factory user guide as a PDF. We'll also drop you a note with film + dev tips for this body.

Thanks. → Download the Minolta Autocord CdS manual (PDF)

Backed by GPP

Service & guarantees

Every analog camera ships through our bench

This unit has been bench-tested by GPP. Shutter speeds verified, light seals replaced where age had taken them, meter calibrated against a known reference. Cosmetic condition is reflected in the listing photos.

Comes with our 7-day functional return policy: if anything we declared isn't working as described, we'll exchange or refund.

  • CLA'd by GPP — shutter speeds checked, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a known reference.
  • 7-day functional return — if it doesn't work as we declared on this listing, we exchange or refund. Wear-and-tear consistent with the listed condition isn't returnable.
  • UAE & worldwide shipping — Dubai same-day before 12 PM (AED 50), UAE-wide in 2–3 business days (AED 40), international tracked in 5–10 business days (calculated at checkout). Insurance can be added on request. Customs and import duties are the buyer's responsibility on international orders. Full shipping policy.
  • Walk in to inspect — Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Mon–Sat, 10am–7pm. Bring a roll if you'd like to test-fire on the spot.

Questions

Things people ask

What film does it take?

120 medium-format film. We carry a wide range — colour, B&W, slide — in our film retail section. Need a recommendation for this body? Just ask us.

Is the camera serviced before sale?

Yes — every analog camera at GPP goes through our bench before it goes on the listing. Shutter speeds verified, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a reference.

What's your return policy?

7-day functional return. If anything we declared isn't working as described, contact us within 7 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange.

Can GPP develop and scan the photos I shoot with this?

Yes — our in-house film lab handles colour, B&W, and slide development with scanning. 24-48 hour rush available. More on the film lab.

Can I see the camera before I buy?

Always welcome. Visit Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am–7pm.

Reading

Further reference

Camera-Wiki entry on the Minolta Autocord

Minolta Autocord CdS
Dhs. 2,100.00
  • ✓ CLA'd by GPP
  • ✓ 7-day functional return