AUTOCORD : the Minolta's TLR
by Fred
Strap
Classic Autocord :
For Autocords prior to 1965, what looks like strap slots are, in fact, the attachment points for the clips on the original case, the strap is attached to the case.
However, many Autocord owners do not have the specific case anymore.
Unlocked
Locked
This simple trick will allow you to attach a strap to your Autocord.
You need two stainless steel keyring rings 16, 18 or 20 mm in diameter, one for each side.
Attaching the strap with two small stainless steel carabiners prevents wear of the strap at the ring.
Advantages :
-) easy to put on and take off
-) no corrosion
Disadvantages:
-) difficulty to find the small carabiners
-) risk of paint wear on the viewfinder cover.
Autocord I and related :
The 1965 and 1966 Autocords are fitted with specific strap attachment points which require equally specific strap attachments.
If you don't have this strap, until you can get one, here are two tips:
Homemade strap fasteners:
Large section copper wire, a circular loop with an internal diameter of 6 mm, an oval loop of y by z mm for the strap (depending on the strap).
Remove the fixings from the Autocord (two screws), solder the copper wire with tin with an electric soldering iron, put the fixings back on the Autocord.
Advantage :
-) less risk of paint wear on the viewfinder cover.
Disadvantages:
-) difficult to achieve, you need two identical
-) material: 60W electric soldering iron, paint stripper, welding wire, copper wire (maximum section 3 mm²), wire cutters, needle nose pliers, file
-) corrosion of copper over time
-) difficult to put on or take off a case
-) rigidity: copper is a relatively flexible metal. A piece of stainless steel welding rod can do the trick but it is much more difficult to bend
-) aesthetic.
"Ring" strap fasteners:
Two stainless steel keyring rings 16, 18 or 20 mm in diameter. The junction must be placed between the two studs. Attaching the strap with two small stainless steel carabiners prevents wear of the strap at the ring.
Advantages :
-) easy to put on and take off
-) no corrosion
-) does not interfere if you use an original case (black)
-) rigidity: stainless steel is more rigid than copper
-) more comfortable to use than the original strap.
Disadvantages:
-) difficulty to find the small carabiners
-) risk of paint wear on the viewfinder cover or case.
