Post by George C. on Jun 11, 2011 16:11:39 GMT -5
Well, my lust for an Autocord started one day when comparing side-by-side photos taken with a Rolleiflex and an Autocord. The Autocord seemed a remarkably good camera, so I started to look around for one. It doesn't take much provocation to want a new camera.
As luck would have it, KEH and the other, usual sources did not have a really nice one and I had a couple of near misses on buying from boards. Therefore, I resolved to look around for a fixer-upper and go from there. Another board furnished me with the name of an Autocord specialist, too.
Finally, I found an Autocord Type I on a TV station classified ad in Utah. I ordered it, as it was not too much money and waited. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at its general condition, with a couple of exceptions: the focusing helix grease was very stiff and there was what appeared to be dust in the lens (hope it's not fungus). The lens was otherwise perfect, the body metal was in very good condition, and the shutter worked fine.
However, the other day KEH had an Autocord that looked to be in a little better condition. Well, I thought, why not get another and sell the first, assuming that #2 would be mostly better. It arrived and was a mixed bag. It has a nice clear lens, the shutter works well, but the helix grease is somewhat stiff. In addition, there are some metal dings that are in need of attention. It is, however a very usable camera. The thing what gets me is that it, too, was an Autocord Type I and that by accident!
Well, the next logical step is to combine the best of two cameras, I think. They are both the same model and both supposed to have been build in the same year, so there should not be any problem with parts, either with fitting or authenticity. So, I ordered a set of replacement leather from cameraleather.com and am waiting. I will send the stuff off to a Minolta specialist when the leather gets here and see what he thinks.
Will keep you posted.
As luck would have it, KEH and the other, usual sources did not have a really nice one and I had a couple of near misses on buying from boards. Therefore, I resolved to look around for a fixer-upper and go from there. Another board furnished me with the name of an Autocord specialist, too.
Finally, I found an Autocord Type I on a TV station classified ad in Utah. I ordered it, as it was not too much money and waited. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at its general condition, with a couple of exceptions: the focusing helix grease was very stiff and there was what appeared to be dust in the lens (hope it's not fungus). The lens was otherwise perfect, the body metal was in very good condition, and the shutter worked fine.
However, the other day KEH had an Autocord that looked to be in a little better condition. Well, I thought, why not get another and sell the first, assuming that #2 would be mostly better. It arrived and was a mixed bag. It has a nice clear lens, the shutter works well, but the helix grease is somewhat stiff. In addition, there are some metal dings that are in need of attention. It is, however a very usable camera. The thing what gets me is that it, too, was an Autocord Type I and that by accident!
Well, the next logical step is to combine the best of two cameras, I think. They are both the same model and both supposed to have been build in the same year, so there should not be any problem with parts, either with fitting or authenticity. So, I ordered a set of replacement leather from cameraleather.com and am waiting. I will send the stuff off to a Minolta specialist when the leather gets here and see what he thinks.
Will keep you posted.
