Windsock
Member
I picked up a generally nice Autocord, but there is a rather important problem in that I suspect that the film rollers are causing scratches to the negatives top to bottom!
I am debating whether to try cleaning the rollers, but as I doubt the camera has been serviced in quite some time, am wondering about a CLA.
I am based in the UK so are there any recommendations on who might be able to service the camera? Estimate of costs?
Thanks!
I am debating whether to try cleaning the rollers, but as I doubt the camera has been serviced in quite some time, am wondering about a CLA.
I am based in the UK so are there any recommendations on who might be able to service the camera? Estimate of costs?
Thanks!
MDenton
Established
You could try Dave at the Camera Repair Workshop. He's serviced a few of my Minolta slrs,but can't speak about the Autocord.
I believe he was part of the original Minolta service team when Minolta ran it.
https://camerarepairworkshop.co.uk/
I believe he was part of the original Minolta service team when Minolta ran it.
https://camerarepairworkshop.co.uk/
santino
FSU gear head
Contact https://londiniumcameras.com/
I think he mentioned once that he works on autocords.
I think he mentioned once that he works on autocords.
Dan Daniel
Well-known
I've worked on a lot of Autocords. All in all they are very sturdy cameras. Other than the focus helical grease, and many of the shutters being prone to gumming up with old oil, they don't need much in service.
As to the rollers, take a cotton swab and rub them side to side. this will often show you the snags. It'd be worth rubbing them down with lighter fluid or alcohol. Also make certain that they actually roll, including the one on the bottom of the back. A small drop of oil on the ends never hurts (small!!! yes, oil on film is not good).
The shutters are basic leaf shutter designs. Any repair person who can work on a standard #00 leaf shutter from the 50-60s will be right at home.
With proper recording of positions of the focus helical parts, they come apart and go back together easily. The four set screws that hold the focus lever to the helical are staggered eccentrically, and there are divot marks in the helical for reinstallation. Mark the inner helical part for top center location at infinity and all will go smoothly.
The wind system is basic, and any repair person who has worked on a Rolleicord or YashicaMat will be fine.
Probably the worst thing about working on some Autocords is that the old skin turns to cement on some and it very annoying to remove it. And it must be removed to do some of the work.
Well, my point in rambling on is to make clear that the Autocord is not beyond the ability of an experienced repair person, even if they have not worked on directly. I know that not many made their way to Europe, but they are not bizarre one-off mechanisms.
Oh, most likely you will need a new mirror.
As to the rollers, take a cotton swab and rub them side to side. this will often show you the snags. It'd be worth rubbing them down with lighter fluid or alcohol. Also make certain that they actually roll, including the one on the bottom of the back. A small drop of oil on the ends never hurts (small!!! yes, oil on film is not good).
The shutters are basic leaf shutter designs. Any repair person who can work on a standard #00 leaf shutter from the 50-60s will be right at home.
With proper recording of positions of the focus helical parts, they come apart and go back together easily. The four set screws that hold the focus lever to the helical are staggered eccentrically, and there are divot marks in the helical for reinstallation. Mark the inner helical part for top center location at infinity and all will go smoothly.
The wind system is basic, and any repair person who has worked on a Rolleicord or YashicaMat will be fine.
Probably the worst thing about working on some Autocords is that the old skin turns to cement on some and it very annoying to remove it. And it must be removed to do some of the work.
Well, my point in rambling on is to make clear that the Autocord is not beyond the ability of an experienced repair person, even if they have not worked on directly. I know that not many made their way to Europe, but they are not bizarre one-off mechanisms.
Oh, most likely you will need a new mirror.
Windsock
Member
Thank you @MDenton @Santino - good to have those shops as options.
I will try cleaning the rollers first. It is erratic - it's present but fixable (with patience) on Portra, but very obvious on Ilford and Fomapan emulsions. Hopefully this is a straightforward fix. I appreciate the overview on things to look out for.
The overall camera is in pretty good condition, perhaps protected by the case although the strap is untrustworthy. Shutter speeds are almost spot on, focus is smooth and I carefully cleaned the mirror and ground glass. It has a really nice lens (as you know of course!). I use a Microflex TLR as well and there is a noticeable difference (although the Microflex is equally nice, just different TLRs for different purposes). This said, I doubt it has ever been CLA'd, although my father's Canon and Nikons from the late 1960's still work fine and have never been CLA'd.
I will try cleaning the rollers first. It is erratic - it's present but fixable (with patience) on Portra, but very obvious on Ilford and Fomapan emulsions. Hopefully this is a straightforward fix. I appreciate the overview on things to look out for.
The overall camera is in pretty good condition, perhaps protected by the case although the strap is untrustworthy. Shutter speeds are almost spot on, focus is smooth and I carefully cleaned the mirror and ground glass. It has a really nice lens (as you know of course!). I use a Microflex TLR as well and there is a noticeable difference (although the Microflex is equally nice, just different TLRs for different purposes). This said, I doubt it has ever been CLA'd, although my father's Canon and Nikons from the late 1960's still work fine and have never been CLA'd.