Minolta SRT's -- Gotta Love 'Em.

[Pioneer]

I use the 45/2 for the majority of my work but move to the 58/1.2 for my low light images. I also own the 55/1.7, it came with my SRT 101 a long time ago, and it is also a very good lens that usually goes for a decent price on flea-bay.

[kyonthinh]

Nokton, if you have unneeded XK Waist Viewfinder or you know someone wants to sell them, I'm willing to take it.
And for diopter exchange, I think I have lost it when I clean my house, so i'm sorry.

[Joe Vitessa]

Originally Posted by reiki_

Oh, this place serves as a general Minolta thread? Well , then, what is a better starting lens in XD mount, 45/2 or 50/2 (asking just about these two cause they are available to me)? And how does the shutter feel and sound on XD/11/7 compare to Oly' OMs?

I find the shutter on my XD11 to be quieter than on my Oly OM-2n. Sorry, can't advise on the lens choice, but my 50mm 1.4 is great!

[Lawrence Sheperd]

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.

You beat me by $7. Thrift store find with the Rokkor-X 50/1.4

[wakarimasen]

I am trying out a Minolta SRT 101 that came with a Minolta 28mm f3.5 MC W Rokkor SG lens. Is it usual for this lens to make the viewfinder quite dark - almost as if there is significant vignetting? The lens itself looks pretty clear, opens to the full F3.5 aperture and seems to be otherwise ok. Likewise the camera itself.

I've no experience with these cameras: is this normal?

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by wakarimasen

I am trying out a Minolta SRT 101 that came with a Minolta 28mm f3.5 MC W Rokkor SG lens. Is it usual for this lens to make the viewfinder quite dark - almost as if there is significant vignetting? The lens itself looks pretty clear, opens to the full F3.5 aperture and seems to be otherwise ok. Likewise the camera itself.

I've no experience with these cameras: is this normal?

Are you pushing-in the stop-down button? That's the large silver pushbutton near the bottom that turns the aperture all the way down and back. That could be doing it. Try clicking that on-and-off and see what happens.

[wakarimasen]

Just tried that - the aperture (in the open position) is brighter, but still seems a little dark to me. I just noticed that eye position (relative to the finder) seems to play a big part however. I may have been a bit 'off' before!

Alternatively, I may just need a faster lens...

Thanks for the suggestion though!

[Nokton48]

Right. F3.5 is not BRIGHT, but I have to tell you, that is an extremely underrated and excellent lens. I have one, it is great to use outside!

This is the lens I like to use inside with electronic flash (I have the original Minolta Electroflash for the SRT), or if I want to be using something different, my Minolta SRT Flashbulb gun. Both of these just cover 28mm FOV.

[Nokton48]

XK accessories are fun to collect. Here is my collection of original XK screens.

I have two of the type P (matte with 4mm split/rangefinder), also the type G (matte only no spot), type S (clear fresnel with etched measuring scales), type L (matte with etched horizontal and vertical lines, similar to the Nikon "E" screen), as well as the type C1, C2, and C3 screens (clear fresnel with microprism central spot, most suitable for specific Rokkor lenses). Also I have just acquired a type M screen, which is mat fresnel with 4mm central microprism. The only one I don't have is the type H, which is for astrophotography, and photomicrography.

Nothing like having a choice

[wakarimasen]

Always good to see another addict in action!!!

[steveclem]

Originally Posted by wakarimasen

I am trying out a Minolta SRT 101 that came with a Minolta 28mm f3.5 MC W Rokkor SG lens. Is it usual for this lens to make the viewfinder quite dark - almost as if there is significant vignetting? The lens itself looks pretty clear, opens to the full F3.5 aperture and seems to be otherwise ok. Likewise the camera itself.

I've no experience with these cameras: is this normal?

I bought first the camera (black 101b) and then the same lens as you. The viewfinder is dimmer with this combination but it's a fine set up nonetheless. I'm waiting for the first roll to come back from the developers.

[wakarimasen]

Can't decide if the meter is good on mine. Hope to try it out this week and develop at the weekend. I already have FD and Nikon F (albeit fewer lenses with the latter) so another system is not 'really' necessary, but the lenses seem really cheap and I like the style of the bodies.

[steveclem]

Well the film came back, unfortunately I'd already exposed it, but never mind, it was mostly to check everything works as it should and so far it would appear so. I think.2012-12-12 14.15.34.jpg

[hrzlvn]

This thread reminds me my Black XD-7 with MC 35/1.8 lost in San Francisco Airport last summer vacation. My first Film SLR bought when I was 16. Since then, never buy a Minolta Gear back

[colyn]

I bought a dented and scratched up srT-201 today at the flea market for $45... However I was not interested in the body. I bought it for the 58mm f/1.2 and 16mm f/2.8 lens which were in excellent condition with no damage..

[wakarimasen]

I just finished the film that came with my SRT101. The seller told me that I was an ISO 400 BW film. Unfortunately, when I opened the back to remove the finished film for developing, I found an ISO 200 colour Fujifilm

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by wakarimasen

I just finished the film that came with my SRT101. The seller told me that I was an ISO 400 BW film. Unfortunately, when I opened the back to remove the finished film for developing, I found an ISO 200 colour Fujifilm

That is a bummer. Hang in there and retest with a reliable emulsion.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by colyn

I bought a dented and scratched up srT-201 today at the flea market for $45... However I was not interested in the body. I bought it for the 58mm f/1.2 and 16mm f/2.8 lens which were in excellent condition with no damage..

So you got $600-$700 worth of lenses (Ebay prices) for $45? Amazing.

[colyn]

Originally Posted by Nokton48

So you got $600-$700 worth of lenses (Ebay prices) for $45? Amazing.

Hey! I'm happy.....the seller wondered why anybody would buy film gear since as in his words "film is no longer available"..and this stuff is useless...

I had the 16mm years ago and was still kicking myself for selling it so I am happy now. I'm going to give it a try on my G1 tomorrow.

I'll also have to give the 58mm a try also.

Got some more film coming in from freestyle in a few days..

[Nokton48]

Today I am test-shooting with a new lens (for me), the 28mm F2.5 MC Rokkor. This is a great lens, had another one recently, but gave it away, to my older Son, who has an SRT-202. So, I needed a replacement. This one seems OK so far, but has some dark yellowing of the glass.

I wonder if putting it in a sunny windowsill for a couple of weeks would clear the glass? Anybody here try this?

Also using my original SRT strobe unit, the Minolta Electroflash 1. I have wanted one of these since my days back in High School. I knew a guy on the yearbook staff that used this one with a Nikkormat, and -liked- it. I recently searched for this particular strobe for two years, and finally found one, with original box, papers, cords, etc. It works perfectly, developed negatives look right on in terms of power output, etc. I am amazed that the capacitor in this thing still works like a champ.

Minolta SRT equipment still rocks

[mynikonf2]

Originally Posted by Nokton48

Today I am test-shooting with a new lens (for me), the 28mm F2.5 MC Rokkor. This is a great lens, had another one recently, but gave it away, to my older Son, who has an SRT-202. So, I needed a replacement. This one seems OK so far, but has some dark yellowing of the glass.

I wonder if putting it in a sunny windowsill for a couple of weeks would clear the glass? Anybody here try this?

Also using my original SRT strobe unit, the Minolta Electroflash 1. I have wanted one of these since my days back in High School. I knew a guy on the yearbook staff that used this one with a Nikkormat, and -liked- it. I recently searched for this particular strobe for two years, and finally found one, with original box, papers, cords, etc. It works perfectly, developed negatives look right on in terms of power output, etc. I am amazed that the capacitor in this thing still works like a champ.

Minolta SRT equipment still rocks

Congrats on your find. It's great when you can actually find something you have been searching for for a long time, like your strobe. Maybe this strobe did not see much use & that's why it's still in the box & still working? The only thing I've picked up lately is a 58/1.4-PF to put on my XE-7.

[mynikonf2]

I know there are some serious XK users/collectors that frequent this thread so while looking through KEH inventory I noticed a high/mag finder for the XK in LN- condition for just $49. Seems like such a good deal that I almost bought it myself & I don't even own a XK !!!

http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-35m...c=80985&r=WG&f

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by mynikonf2

I know there are some serious XK users/collectors that frequent this thread so while looking through KEH inventory I noticed a high/mag finder for the XK in LN- condition for just $49. Seems like such a good deal that I almost bought it myself & I don't even own a XK !!!

http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-35m...c=80985&r=WG&f

I bought one of those from KEH, right after I got my XK from them, and I would recommend it. I used to have the same type of finder on my Nikon F2's (the "stovepipe"), and it is very useful in some venues.

I did wrap some black electrical tape around the "tube", once I set the focus to my individual eyesight

[Rodchenko]

My son bought me an SRT-303b a couple of years ago. He knows nothing about photography, but knows I like old cameras and came across rather a bargain, with the 50/1.7 and a 135 lens.

I must admit I was a bit baffled. I've never been a fan of SLRs, and I'd just sold my DSLR. As my previous SLR had been an Olympus, the Minolta felt like a complete tank. Finding it used mercury batteries was just the capper, and the camera sat there until recently.

Getting re-enthused about photography, particularly with the prospect of a baby on the way, I found out about replacement batteries, and I've taken the Minolta out a few times now.

Sure, it's a bit of a beast, and the mirror makes a racket, but it's quite intuitive to use. I don't particularly like the 50mm fov, but it's a nice bright lens in use, and I enjoyed it.

I've bought a zoom off eBay (hope it arrives today) so I can get a bit of a wide angle.

I have to confess, though, that it's got me thinking about running an SLR, and I realise I'd be much happier with an OM-2.

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by Rodchenko

My son bought me an SRT-303b a couple of years ago. Finding it used mercury batteries was just the capper, and the camera sat there until recently.

I also have an SRT-303b, I believe that is the European designation of the SRT. For batteries I used the CRIS MR9 adapter, which utilizes the Eveready 386, and is available online for about $30. Alternatively you can have a repairman alter the circuitry in the camera, Greg Stelz converted three of my SRT's to take the Everady 357, and I'm very happy with the meters in all of my rebuilt SRT's.

http://www.criscam.com/mercury_battery_adapters.php


Here is a cheaper alternative to the MR9 battery adapter, somewhat similar in design:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261181175467...84.m1423.l2649

No personal experience with it, but it seems to get good reviews that I have read. The price is certainly right at $5.99US

[Rodchenko]

I got a couple of modern replacement batteries, and the meter works very well.

I took the Minolta out for a wander today with my son and his Canon (I'm trying to get him into photography, and it seems to be working). I think I got a variety of good shots, despite the gloom (and the rain).

Then, when I got home, the 28-70 zoom had arrived, and I want to go out all over again...

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Really love this little camera.

[Nokton48]

I have wanted a Minolta Panoramic Head, which was one of the original accessories. Last year, I won an Ebay auction for one (at a good price), they always seem to cause bidding wars for this item, so I'm not the only one looking for one. Anyway when it arrived, the click-stop detent parts were missing, although the cosmetic condition of the unit was good. Last week I won another auction for one (this time only $9.00!) and it has a perfectly functioning detent mechanism. Combining the best parts from both units, I ended up with a good functioning, good-looking unit for a reasonable price

The Minolta SRT Panorama Head allows you to make between ten and thirty overlapping photographs, using the 35mm, 55mm, 58mm, 100mm, and 135mm Rokkor lenses. The result is a 360 degree sweep, which will be fun and cool to try out.

[kyonthinh]

I just got one X-600 for 35 usd, they seem rare, and I dont know much about their price.

[Clay]

I have two Minolta SR-T101 cameras, still going fine.
Really like my 200 & 300mm Rokkor lenses. Backup for my
Nikon F2AS gear. The first camera I bought from a buddy who bought it at the PX at Subic Bay, Philippines when he was
serving in Vietnam. Has seen a lot of history, wish it could
talk!

Best regards,

/Clay

[Nokton48]

Good for day trips, one body travels in the Swedish Medical Camo bag, the other over my shoulder. My preference is for high-speed lenses, so I have the 35mm F1.8 MC Rokkor, and the 85mm F1.7 MC Rokkor. And a lot of Eastman 5222 Double-X film, my current favorite. Two matching Red Ringneck Lizard (from Morgan at Cameraleather) covered SRT101 bodies, both recently overhauled by Greg Stelz, who as far as I am concerned, is -The Man-. Not lightweight equipment, but very reliable and comfortable to use.

[Laviolette]

Originally Posted by racoll

This is one of my favorite manual cameras and the one pictured here is identical to the rig I'm using at present. It's a beautiful camera, simple, straightforward, and most efficient, and this lens is one of my favorite 50/1.4 lenses from any manufacturer.

Andy

Agree. I love the quality of this 50/1.4 wide open, and stopped down it is really sharp. The way it render colour is superb, too.

[steveclem]

I'm pleased to see somebody looking after these old beauties, they are really nice cameras to hold and use.

[Rodchenko]

Took my SRT for a walk this morning, and enjoyed photographing flowers using the macro setting on the zoom. I don't like this camera except when I'm using it.

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I've finally capitulated, partly because of this thread. Bought a SRT101 body on line last night. I have a 101b that seems to be working perfectly, but I wanted the mirror lockup of the original. The purchase comes from a reliable seller I've used before so should be good, hopefully. I have around a dozen Minolta lenses that fell into my lap for free some time back, and people generally talk well of the glass, so I thought I should see for myself. I still think they're an ugly design on the inside (what the hell is a string pulley doing under the top cover? Yuck!). But they seem to keep on working (mostly) and are attractive enough on the outside.
Cheers,
Brett

[Zathros]

Originally Posted by racoll

This is one of my favorite manual cameras and the one pictured here is identical to the rig I'm using at present. It's a beautiful camera, simple, straightforward, and most efficient, and this lens is one of my favorite 50/1.4 lenses from any manufacturer.

Andy

I also have the 50mm Rokkor-X PG ƒ1.4 lens. I remember being amazed at just how good that lens is when I saw my first pictures taken with it. The guy that developed and printed the film actually asked me what kind of camera and lens had I used. He also noted that the exposures were very consistent and dead on the money throughout the roll. Not only did they have great glass, but Minolta's CLC metering was quite good as well. Definitely better than the meter in the Nikon F2A I had in the Navy. If I had realized just how good Minolta was back then, I would have bought a 101 or an XE-7 and Rokkor glass instead of the Nikon.

[Nokton48]

Sometimes you accumulate accessories before you get your primary photographic item. I have been searching for a Minolta 250 Exposure SR-M Film Back for a good while, and not many are available. Same with the original accessories for it.

But, here are six Minolta 250 exposure Film Cartridges, just waiting for the day I find the back

One of the film cartridges came fully loaded, with 250 exposures of some unknown film. $5 in a junk box at a camera show last year.

[rover]

HU, CLA'd Black SRT 102.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-Bl...ht_1084wt_1141

[timor]

Black SRT102. Question about it: How dark is viewfinder in 102 ? I have one sitting on my desk, but a viewfinder compared to later model of SRT SC-II is about 2 stops darker, with lens or without lens on them. Is this mirror going bad ? The other thing, the pentaprism has a window above the lens for aperture number display in the viewfinder, but I cannot see that numbers in viewfinder. Anyone one would have an idea what's wrong with that piece I have ?

[Nokton48]

Something for the Minolta XK Collector.

The original "Minolta XK Sales Manual" written in 1973. No doubt meant as a reference for Minolta salespersons in camera stores. Impressive size and presentation. Well worth having.