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Minolta Autocord Export Medium Format TLR w/ Rokkor 75mm f3.5 Lens -No Meter-

This is a nice 6x6 medium format TLR made by Minolta with a high quality Rokkor 75mm f3.5 prime lens. I like TLR's, most medum format cameras are big and bulky but TLR's are small and light with a cool design that you won't see in any other type of camera.

 

TLR Design

 

"The twin lens is obsolete...Who would want one?" I strongly disagree with that statement. Let me try to convince you.

 

SLR cameras are certainly more useful for certain types of photography but the TLR has some important advantages that flow directly from its design. In an SLR there is a large and heavy mirror that has to move at high speed with every exposure. The mirror slows down response but more importantly it creates a strong slap that you can hear and feel, particularly in a medium format camera (this is the source of the Hasselblad "thunk.") The slap makes noise that can be objectionable, particularly if you are shooting weddings or strangers on the street. It also creates vibration that degrades your photos, even with a tripod.

 

In contrast, there is no mirror slap on the TLR. The shutter is very quite, nearly silent in a large room and there is greatly reduced vibration, which makes for sharper photos, particularly when hand-held or with long exposures.

 

In addition to the functional advantages, the TLR design has a charm not found in SLR designs. I find that people open up to a camera that they see as a charming oddity and this gets you better pictures.

 

This one has a few condition issues. The light meter is not working, it responds to changes in light but is very inaccurate. The lever for focus is also broken, it is still useable but requires some effort without the lever. The viewing and taking lenses have a few fine cleaning marks on the front element but I cannot see them without a flashlight, they won't affect your images.

 

Otherwise the camera works well, the shutter speeds are accurate and the mechanical movements are smooth.

 

Our technician has replaced the light seals, a $75 value.

 

Get a deal on a nice camera!

 

SKU: 221031-17

Returns: 30 days money back

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