Minolta Autocord focus mechanism photos

[Dan Daniel]

In a recent thread on travel with a TLR, I mentioned a couple of times that the Minolta Autocord had a very solid and sturdy focus system that would make it very hard to knock the lens out of alignment. I decided to make some photos showing what is going on, how the lens board of cast metal is tied to some substantial pieces of brass and aluminum, tied to the main body casting.

The photos are viewable starting here-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18067251@N04/5791025836/in/set-72157626869741228

A couple of samples-

And for a quick comparison, one of the rails that the Yashica-Mat lens board travels on-

Many more photos linked above.

I'm not saying that the Autocord is the only TLR this solid. Or that any rail system, like a Rolleiflex, is fragile. I can say that 'adjusting' a Yashica-Mat rail is quite easy, being made from stamped metal.

 

[Ezzie]

The Autocord has a more traditional helical focusing mechanism in other words. That is when compared to interchangeable lens cameras etc. Logical really when you think about it. I suspect my Flexaret is similar in that respect. Good of you to share.

 

[PMCC]

Very interesting -- thanks for posting, Dan. I have admired the Autocord from the outside, but haven't personally had occasion (or ability) to examine the internals. Eirik, I gather that the Autocord's helical focus mechanism was based on the Flexaret, a sample of which I hope to come across on this side of the Atlantic someday. On another thread you posted a very capable photo taken with the Flexaret on Shanghai GP3, a quirky but interesting film, which together have inspired my interest.