Minolta Autocord MXS (1955)
The Minolta Autocord MXS was the first of the Autocord line of twin-lens reflex cameras, introduced in 1955. It was made to compete in the Japanese premium TLR market. According to Blue Moon Camera and Machine, it set a new bar for TLR excellence right away, compared very favorably to the German Rolleicord, and sold at a lower price.
Surviving documentation on the MXS specifically is thin - most period coverage treats the Autocord series as a whole. What is confirmed: it's a 120 medium-format TLR with a metal body available in black and manual focus. It has the Minolta Chiyoko Rokkor 75mm f/3.5 taking lens paired with a 75mm f/3.5 View-Rokkor viewing lens. The MXS launched the Autocord lineage. Today the series is still regarded as a budget-tier entry into medium format. PetaPixel's guide to the best medium format film cameras puts the Autocord series in its "Budget" category, below the Mamiya C330 (Mid-Range) and the Rolleiflex "Letter Model" series (Premium).
Collectors note one practical quirk. The plastic information window on the back is a known failing part, and the shutter cocking mechanism may need attention on surviving examples. A YouTube video documents both a DIY window replacement and a shutter cocking repair. Current asking prices on eBay range from roughly US$104 to AU$428 depending on condition.
Known Specs
- Type: TLR (twin-lens reflex), 120 medium format
- Introduced: 1955
- Taking lens: Minolta Chiyoko Rokkor 75mm f/3.5
- Viewing lens: Minolta Chiyoko View-Rokkor 75mm f/3.5
- Focus: Manual
- Body: Metal, black
No dimensions, weight, original price, shutter speed range, or production end year are documented in the available record.
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