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Shooting with Minolta Autocord

5/18/2018

3 Comments

 
I've always wanted to try to shoot with a medium format film camera. At first, I've wanted to purchase an Hasselblad 500 series but the price is too expensive for me. The camera itself will cost me more than RM5k and that is NOT including the film and development expenses - which I think is very unreasonable for me to spend that much for an hobby.

After a while searching through the web, I've decided to purchase an almost a mint condition Minolta Autocord with a very reasonable price. Minolta Autocord is a Japanese TLR camera that's competes directly with Rolleiflex which manufactured Franke & Heidecke (and later Rollei GmbH), in Germany.
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Yup, that is my new baby. Paired with newly purchase Kodak Portra 160 and Kodak Extar 100.

My Experience

To be honest, this is my first experience of using a 6x6 medium format camera. Technically, the shutter speed starts from 1 second up to 1/400 second and the aperture covers from f3.5 up to f22. The hardest part of using this type of camera is the focusing and composing - which will take most of your time during the shooting. So if you are thinking to shoot a fast paced action, look elsewhere.  

For me photography is about creativity and experiencing the moment, that's why I bought this camera. It slows you down and make you think every time before you press the shutter - mainly because you only have 12 frames to shoot and you must make sure that every single frame is perfect before the shutter is pressed. And another thing, you'll need an external light meter because this camera doesn't have one.

Out of 12 frames, I've manage to get 4 pictures that I love the most. Please take note that the images below is shot with Kodak Ektar 100 film only. I haven't use the Kodak Portra 160 as of yet, and once I do, I'll share it on my Flickr page and Instagram later.
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Minolta Autocord with Kodak Ektar 100
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Minolta Autocord with Kodak Ektar 100
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Minolta Autocord with Kodak Ektar 100
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Minolta Autocord with Kodak Ektar 100
If you would like to purchase a high quality film camera, get it from The Shutter. And don't forget to sent your film to Darkroom8 for film development and scanning service. I'm highly recommends both of them!

Thanks again to Jeff (The Shutter) for the lovely camera and Darkroom 8 for film development and scanning service.
3 Comments
Kai
10/1/2019 09:08:45 pm

Hi Mohamad,

I accidentally stumbled onto your website when searching for techniques as to how to compose picture with an Autocord. Nice camera and pictures you got there. I believe your MXV was built between 1955 to 1960. Yes, it is fun taking pictures with this kind of vintage camera. Your Autocord looks very new and in great condition too. Like you, I too bought one too recently, the LMX model and I am currently testing the camera, with the Selenium and without the light meter. As I am just a amateur, I do not expect my pictures to turn up nice. My intention is to shoot this with B&W film. This is going to be an expensive hobby but it does give you the satisfaction when using them.

Enjoy your Autocord and have fun

kai

Reply
Hisham Ahmad
10/3/2019 12:39:04 am

Hi Kai,
Thanks for your kind words. Just to let you know that I've sold the camera already. Now I have two Leica's (M6 and M4-P) both is a film camera. I just love 35mm film. 1st - it is much cheaper than a medium format film. 2nd - I can shoot up to 35 frames. Which justify my spending for an hobby. Anyhow, I just love film photography and I dont think I would be able to shoot with a digital camera anymore. For me, film photography is here to stay. Enjoy you film camera!

Reply
Kai
10/3/2019 01:38:35 am

Hi Hisham,

Oh, what a pity. I was going to ask you if you have taken any B&W film with your Autocord.

I believe TLR photography is getting popular again, especially among those youngsters nowadays. Yes, it can be a bit expensive, but it’s also quite fun too. I have given up 35mm film long time ago and digital photography is getting a bit boring to me too. Whoever bought your beautiful Minolta Autocord must be very happy with the condition.

I enjoy shooting with my TLR even thought I have not taken that many rolls yet. Apart from the L-MX, I also have a Yashica 635 and the 124G too and both are in almost mint condition too.

Have fun

Cheers
kai

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