Right around my birthday, I was given an Autocord CdS (the II variant, per the style of the 12-24 switch area?)

Everything seems in order and I did a dummy run with just spooled paper.
My only minor concern is that the advance lever seems a bit stiff, but I am not sure if this is just for lack of exercise, or maybe the paper friction as it spools up.

Also, worth playing with hearing aid battery to revive meter?

Of course it's worth playing with hearing aid batteries, why else would you buy an old camera, other than to play around with it?

I love the Autocord! I would probably consider sending it for a proper CLA. It can turn an old camera into the work of art that it is. Enjoy!

How does the advance lever work when there is no film in the camera?

Duceman said:

How does the advance lever work when there is no film in the camera?

Click to expand...

No expert here, just got the Autocord, but I think it needs a running spool, as there is a pick-up wheel driven by the take-up spool, as I see it.
I did use a dummy, paper-only, run, so I could verify advance and auto-cocking, as well as double-exposure button!

How is the focus lever? This is a weak point in the Autocord, it is made of a fairly weak alloy. It should move smoothly and easily with no points of resistance. See Dante Stella's thoughts on the Autocord: https://www.dantestella.com/technical/autocord.html
I have read that folks have fashioned a replacement, perhaps with 3D printing, but best to have the original focus helical clean and properly lubricated. I would suggest replacing the neck strap; after that many years the leather is probably weak.
I have an Autocord with the selenium meter....which works! I bought my Autocord from Dan Daniels who frequents this forum. He does excellent work, my Autocord works perfectly and looks as if it were a showcase item for its life til now.
The Autocord is a delight to use. Focus and fire with one hand, wind with the other. No need to switch hands, as is necessary with lesser TLRs, such as Ikoflex, YashicaMat, Rolleicord, and, yes, the Rolleiflex. You will find that the Rokkor lens is truly excellent. Easy double exposures, if you wish. BTW, with many Japanese leaf shutters engaging 1/500 sec with the shutter wound can break the shutter.
If you don't have the instruction manual, Mike Butkus of Orphan Cameras has downloadable copies of the various Autocords. Here's the link: https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Do send Mike a few dollars so he can keep up the good work, and enjoy your lovely Autocord.

So how do you use the 1/500th? Set if first THEN wind? That would be a right PITA.

jay moussy said:

...but I think it needs a running spool, as there is a pick-up wheel driven by the take-up spool, as I see it.

Click to expand...

No, you can run it without any film in it, especially to re-cock the shutter.