Minolta SRT's -- Gotta Love 'Em.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by hidejoshi

Could someone help me with assembling TV string SRT. Send me please detail photo or link on mail hidejoshi@seznam.cz

Here is the SRT service manual:

http://acuravigorclub.com/Minolta/SR...viceManual.pdf

Page 40 of pdf shows TV coupling string.

-Dan

[skibeerr]

Originally Posted by ItsReallyDarren

Anybody have any experience with the 24mm 2.8 VFC? I picked one up in a yard sale a while ago and have used it as a 24. Haven't really figured out how the variable field focus system works.

It has Floating elements, they eliminate front or back focussing when stopping down. Nothing you have to do yourself.
Variable field focus sounds great but that's just focussing. Not?

[Nokton48]

Here's a good write-up on the Minolta 24mm VFC lens:

http://www.rokkorfiles.com/24mm%20VFC.htm

[Aristophanes]

I just received a pristine—as in mint—SRT200 with similarly pristine 45/2 lens.

It's a CLC version (1977) and I think it had less than 10 rolls of film through it. Everything moves like butter.

My in-laws saw it at a garage sale: $1.

[Mattco26]

Originally Posted by skibeerr

It has Floating elements, they eliminate front or back focussing when stopping down. Nothing you have to do yourself.
Variable field focus sounds great but that's just focussing. Not?

No, by turning a ring on the lens you can actually curve the focus plane of the lens from concave to convex, increasing the depth of field available when shooting a curved object or scene without stopping the lens down. Very cool, very rare. I've never actually seen one in person.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by Aristophanes

I just received a pristine—as in mint—SRT200 with similarly pristine 45/2 lens.

It's a CLC version (1977) and I think it had less than 10 rolls of film through it. Everything moves like butter.

My in-laws saw it at a garage sale: $1.

$1. Now that is what I am talking about!



Found this interesting link. How to convert a Canon 5D body, to take all MC and MD Rokkor lenses without issues. Requires machined replacement (recessed) lens flange, and also requires cutting down the front of the 5D mirror.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm............. The result ia a dedicated 12.1 mp FF digital body that takes all MC/MD lenses.

http://digitalrokkor.altervista.org/rokkor_on_ff.html

[mynikonf2]

There is an ultra rare XK Motor camera body, motor drive & new/old stock battery pack listed on e-bay. Thought maybe you would like to take a look:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minolta-XK-M...item337cadc8c6

Disclaimer: I am not associated with the seller or this listing, in any way, (even though I would not mind having this kit for myself).

[mynikonf2]

I just checked out this sellers other listings & he has another XK camera body (not a Motor), 4 - lens (a 20, 85, 50/macro & 50/1.7) and 2 bellows + a never-ready camera case for the XK. He says this is a continuation of his selling off of his Minolta collection.

[Harryo1962]

Love my 202. My Uncle took his 102 to Nam, and beat the crap out of it without a hitch. Lenses are easy to find, and are sharp. It just feels good to shoot with them, ya know?

[sparrow6224]

I'm an XD-7/XD-11 man myself. I also have an x570. My problem with the earlier Minoltas is that they're a bit on the clackety side in terms not only of mirror slap but film advance as well. Using a camera that size I prefer the Nikon F, F2, F3, or the Canon F1. The Minolta glass is great. I recently scored the 200mm f/2. I need to get out and use it more. I have a heavy representation of the automatic cameras of the late 70s: the XD-11 and a very late model XD-7; OM2n; Contax RTSII; Leica R4; Nikon FE. Every time I'm using one of these cameras for a few days I decide it's my favorite and all the rest should go. So far I cannot get rid of any of them.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by mynikonf2

I just checked out this sellers other listings & he has another XK camera body (not a Motor), 4 - lens (a 20, 85, 50/macro & 50/1.7) and 2 bellows + a never-ready camera case for the XK. He says this is a continuation of his selling off of his Minolta collection.

I bought his Minolta Copy Stand, Some Lens Wrenches, and his Minolta 21mm F4 lens with Viewfinder. And a like-new Black SRT101 (even had the original box).

[mynikonf2]

Originally Posted by Nokton48

I bought his Minolta Copy Stand, Some Lens Wrenches, and his Minolta 21mm F4 lens with Viewfinder. And a like-new Black SRT101 (even had the original box).

SWEET! You must post some pics of your black 101.

[Nokton48]

[quote=Harryo1962;It just feels good to shoot with them, ya know?[/QUOTE]

Yes, I sure do. Like wearing an old, comfortable pair of shoes. Just feels right to me.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by mynikonf2

SWEET! You must post some pics of your black 101.

mynikonf2,
Here you go. Here's my new MINT black SRT101 body, with my latest lens acquisition, the Minolta 300mm F5.6 MD Rokkor-X. I have recovered the body with Black Griptac from Cameraleather. Found the lens for $69 on Ebay. It will be interesting to test it against my 300mm F4.5 MC Rokkor.
The chrome TomA Classic Softie is a worthwhile addition to any SRT body, IMO. I find the original Minolta eyecup a necessity, as stray light entering the eyepiece -does- make a difference, which is directly observable.

The new body has not a nick or scratch on it, and even still has the import sticker on it. As does the new lens.

I have nearly completed my collection of the annual Minolta house magazine "MINOLTA MIRROR". Still need 1975 (first issue) and 1987, if anyone here has these, I am interested. Highly recommended reading, lovely printing and presentation. Well worth collecting. A fantastic showcase of the very best of Minolta.

[mynikonf2]

Nokton48, thanks for posting a photo of your black paint SRT101, a truly rare find in that condition. I must say IMO, your collection of Minoltas is not one that is easily duplicated these days. Finding a model SR-M camera in excellent condition is not so easy, but I'm not sure how you would rate the odds of finding 2 of them? Congrats & thanks for sharing them.

I would like to receive some help from the contributors to this thread by asking you: What is your opinion of the model XD11 as a first & only Minolta camera body? The role for this camera would be to serve as a test platform for a few of the older manual focus Rokkor lens with various B&W film but, without the added expenses associated with the refurbishing of a camera body. Thanks for your help in advance, Mike

[Austintatious]

The January 2011 issue of Shutterbug magazine, has an article by Jon Sienkiewicz on the
Minolta XD-11. He worked for Minolta for 30 years and states" it was a masterpiece of technology and a brilliant piece of engineering."
I have one in my collection and it is one of the finest made cameras I have ever used.

[Tom33]

I am running four XD-11s at this time, the camera is marvelous for size and balance, and just works very well. I think it would make a great lens test bed, although for the larger and heavier lenses I find the XE-7 balances better. I like the XE-7 with MC Rokkor 58mm f/1.4 lense for black and white work, it just feels right. For the newer and lighter MC and MD lenses the XD-11 really works too. Both cameras are solid, easy to use cameras and both are around in good using condition for not much money.

[kyonthinh]

Originally Posted by Austintatious

The January 2011 issue of Shutterbug magazine, has an article by Jon Sienkiewicz on the
Minolta XD-11. He worked for Minolta for 30 years and states" it was a masterpiece of technology and a brilliant piece of engineering."
I have one in my collection and it is one of the finest made cameras I have ever used.

Yeah, it's brilliant and it feel so good. When I hold it in my hand, I think it is a rangefinder, not a SLR.

[Nokton48]

Here's my new Minolta Bellows I, with Minolta Focusing Rail and Minolta Slide Copier attached. With the 55mm F1.7 Rokkor I am looking at a strip of Eastman Double X 5222 B&W film, in the film carrier. It looks good through the camera, and sharp about f5.6 into the corners. I am actually contemplating putting my Sony Nex-3 body on this, and doing B&W reversals in Photoshop. A quick and dirty way to create B&W digital images from B&W negatives without scanning them.


I have just finished processing sixteen rolls of B&W film, testing all my new Minolta bodies since their recent overhauls. I am extremely happy to report, that every body is functioning perfectly, in terms of dead-on meters, shutter performance, lens operation (have quite a few of those!) and general operation. The results from all bodies are consistent from body to body, from all my different SRT's, and including my new XK. And all meters agree with my reference meter, which is a Zone VI Pentax Digital I have used for 25 years and totally trust.

Again, nothing like having good working equipment.

[mynikonf2]

Thanks Austintatious & Tom33 for your feedback on the XD-11 & Tom33 for commenting on the XE-7 also. Your endorsements have helped me to make a decision to purchase the XD-11 as my Minolta lens mount test bed. Everything you mentioned, along with what I have read about this camera seems to point to it being a solid performer with a dependable track record. Thanks again for your input.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by sparrow6224

I have a heavy representation of the automatic cameras of the late 70s: the XD-11 and a very late model XD-7; OM2n; Contax RTSII; Leica R4; Nikon FE. Every time I'm using one of these cameras for a few days I decide it's my favorite and all the rest should go. So far I cannot get rid of any of them.

Sounds spookily like me. I have more 60's and 70's SLRs and rangefinders than you can shake a stick at. I keep telling myself that I'll winnow it all down to "the best" and get rid of the rest, but instead somehow my collection keeps growing. Now I have convinced myself that I'll be collecting "iconic" cameras of the past (e.g., Leica M3, Nikon F, Rolleiflex, Spotmatic, etc.). Hey, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[skibeerr]

Originally Posted by Mattco26

No, by turning a ring on the lens you can actually curve the focus plane of the lens from concave to convex, increasing the depth of field available when shooting a curved object or scene without stopping the lens down. Very cool, very rare. I've never actually seen one in person.

I stand corrected, Have the normal 24mm, had never heard of the variable field focussing one.

[kyonthinh]

Finally, my XK along with my laptop arrived in Germany, and I've just bought MD 20 f2.8, cant wait to hold them in my hand.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by kyonthinh

Finally, my XK along with my laptop arrived in Germany, and I've just bought MD 20 f2.8, cant wait to hold them in my hand.

Congrats. Post some pictures here. Love my new XK, mine is working perfectly after it's overhaul at Essex Camera Repair. Figured I'd better get it serviced, while they are still willing to work on it. First three rolls through it look absolutely great.

Just bought a 300-S 2X Teleconverter, for up to 300mm lenses. And now I have all issues of "MINOLTA MIRROR" except for Issue #1 from 1975. Still looking for that one.

My last five lenses needing cleaning are now on their way to John Titterton. I doubt any of them have ever been serviced. John does a great job for a very fair price.

[kyonthinh]

I dont live in the States, so I dont know where can service well my XK, too bad.
When I got all of them, I will post, sure .