As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve recently been talking a lot about the Impossible Project and polaroid cameras, so for today’s Film Friday, I thought I’d switch gears and introduce my new toy, a Minolta Autocord. This medium format twin lens reflex (TLR) camera was gifted to me for my birthday, and I wanted to share some of the very first roll of 120 film with you all. Upon doing a little research, I would date this camera back to around 1965 or 1966. Another batteryless wonder! Compared to my Hasselblad, this camera is a breeze to load and so much lighter and more compact for transport. A cool thing about this camera is that the f stop and shutter speed dials are smooth, so you don’t have to stop and settle on f4 then f5.6, you can slide somewhere in between. It also does not have a mirror so there is no worry about mirror vibration, making it easier to shoot at lower shutter speeds without getting as much shakiness in your images.
I was relieved to find that my first roll was fruitful because the shutter makes such a small noise compared to my other medium format cameras that I thought it might be broken! Another interesting feature of which to be aware is that the lens you view through is not the same lens the camera will take the photo through. “Twin lens” denotes the utilization of two lenses, and the “taking” lens is below the “viewing” lens, so if there is something obstructing the taking lens, say a napkin on a table, blades of grass, or your fingers, you wouldn’t know it by looking through the viewfinder! It will take some getting used to, but I think this camera and I will become fast friends. As someone who always needs to be wrapping my brain around a new challenge, I was ready for something different, and I’m excited for the potential.
Any questions about medium format photography? I’d be happy to try and answer!
Happy Snapping!
-Cara of CaraRosePhotos
This is just what I need to spur me on, I really would love to try a medium format camera, what fantastic results you have had too. Thanks for this post, I am going to look into getting one.
Someone loves you very much to give you such a gift !
Ive just begun lugging around a Mamiya RZ67-its like weightlifting hah ha -this looks like a more street-friendly camera-good luck with it
Looks as though you and your new camera have made quite the impression on one another!
Beautiful!
Need to get my yashica tuned so I can get my TLSR on…
Love this Cara. I must get myself a medium format camera to play with.
i think you must!
these are such stunning images Cara!!! and somebody loves you indeed!! xxxooo
thanks Linda! I know I’m so lucky!
These are wonderful! I appreciate your tips here. I got a TLR for Christmas. I haven’t shot with it yet… but now I know where to start. You are so inspiring!
good luck Staci! look forward to seeing what you do with it. which did you get?
Yashica LM
It was just CLA’d and has a 60 day warranty.
I have downloaded the owner’s manual, I was surprised how much I understood.
I am a little nervous to shoot the first roll… but I am always nervous about the first roll.
I am currently running a roll through my newly purchased Yashica EM. So excited to have TLR camera. The reverse image is a little wonky and takes a little bit to get used to.
I have to start thinking/seeing in squares now.
Beautiful Cara, I love your description of this. I am so drawn to TLRs for the look, but I’ve had a hard time understanding the differences.
i’m disappointed to find out there isn’t as much of a difference as i’d thought. therefore not as much of a challenge as i’d been needing. but cool all the same!
Looks like a super fun new toy Cara!
I love that little camera. The second from last shot is my favourite with the distortion showing on the building.
the building is actually shaped like that!
Medium format questions? Hmmm where do I begin, I have looked at MF cameras on eBay for over a year never getting the nerve to pull the trigger. I know I’d like to try 120 film, I’m worried I won’t be able to support that habit. Some days I imagine trading in ll my equipment and trying something new. Your first roll looks more like your 50th roll, you and your camera seem like long lost buddies reunited I don’t see a learning curve at all, talented you.
thanks Lindsey, kind words!