Life has been overlyfull lately what with Christmas and getting a new website done. The new website has brought a small infusion of cash so that, a couple of nights ago, I experienced a twin lens reflex buying orgy.

I've been wanting a Minolta Autocord. I found one that was a later model and was somewhat dusty so I figured it would go for a low price, which was the kind of price I could afford. This one had a second camera thrown in — a Welta Reflecta. The Welta is an East German camera of low pedigree but it has a wonderful name and I couldn't resist. I got the two of them for $56.77.

Then I made the mistake of checking out the sellers other items and he had a Czechoslovakian twin lens reflex, a Meopta Flexaret III, which has many design features that Minolta used in the Autocord. I lost control. It had a pretty complete set of black and white filters and a lens hood. $30.50 later and it was mine.

After the fact, the seller was kind enough to combine shipping so there was essentially no shipping on the Flexaret. The Minolta, when all is cleaned up, should be as good as a Rolleiflex. If there are problems, I know of a good repairman. The Welta Reflecta is probably not to far above a Holga and would not be a serious camera but who knows? The Flexaret could be nice. It appears I'm set for TLRs. They should arrive in the next day or so. Then I will know. It's the Autocord that I'm most interested in.