Goerz Minicord and Mincord III Original Camera in Original carrying Ca

Goerz Minicord and Mincord III Original Camera in Original carrying Case 1950s Goerz introduced the Minicord around 1951. It is one of the highest quality subminiatures ever built. The nature of subminiature cameras requires extensive enlargement to create decent size prints for viewing. Because enlarging magnifies the flaws in a photo, it is more important on a smaller camera to maintain absolute sharpness of image, flatness of film and accuracy in focus. Goerz opted to build their camera a little larger than most of the competition. It is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, and is a twin lens reflex. This made the camera easier to handle, and the focusing is very exact. The viewing screen is a bit larger than the 10x10mm image size. It accepts regular 16mm film loaded into special cassettes. The lens is a Goerz Helgor 25/2, and the shutter is a metal plane, with speeds 10-400. Around 1958 the Minicord was replaced by the Minicord III. Functionally, the only difference I can find is that the Minicord III has flash synch, while at least some of the original models do not. I have seen photos of the original models with flash synch, but do not know if this was original or a late factory upgrade. The Minicord III differs from the original model cosmetically by using brown leather to replace the black from the original model. Also, part of the central body casting was in black bake light on the original is now silver metal. In addition to the normal finish, a few Minicords were gold plated with red or green leather. These are very uncommon. Goerz also marketed an enlarger for use only with the Minicord. It actually attaches to the back of the camera in place of the regular film back, and uses the cameras fine lens and shutter for making enlargements. In keeping with the spirit of the camera, it disassembles and stores in a compact wooden box, which doubles as a base for the enlarger. The Goerz Minicord was introduced in 1951 by Optisc the Anstalt C. P. Goerz in Vienna, Austria. Paul Wahl wrote in Subminiature Technique "This is one of the three top subminiature cameras( the other Gami 16 and Minox); it is a precision instrument of high optical and mechanical quality, capable of outstanding results" Goerz Minicord twin lens reflex: Upper lens for viewer, about F2.5 bottom lens taking lens,six element Helgor 25mm f/2 lens, aperture from f/2 to f/11 shutter speed 10,25,50,100,200,400,B takes 10x10mm exposures on double perforated 16mm film in single or twin magazines. A few were made with gold metal and green or red leather panels. The viewfinder fine ground glass screen shows life size image right side up and left right unreversed.. Focusing with the eyepiece lens barrel is quite smooth. Distance markings on Goerz Minicord The closest focusing distance of minicord is about 1 feet, however this position is unmarked The distance marks start with 2 feet 2', 3', 4' 5',6,8',12',25',infinity. There are a total of 9 markings. Apparently the Goerz Minicord transport works only with twin minicord cassette or a pair of minicord casssettes, or one single Minicord in particular, the take up side must be Goerz Minicord cassette, any other cassette or no cassette does not work. Film is advanced by the trigger in the bottom corner, the shutter is fired by the button beside that. The Minicord III was introduced in 1958. This camera has a flash terminal; but some of the original Minicords also have the terminal. A post in the Minox forum at https://offerup.com/redirect/?o=cGhvdG8ubmV0 notes that the upper strap-ring can be removed on the later camera. Also, most of the model IIIs were made with brown leather panels.