Minolta SRT 101 - Good, but is it Great?

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

The mount is called SR hence the name SR-T and in 1966 it was one of the first cameras to allow light metering with the aperture fully open, that's why MC stands for metered coupled, so it was no longer necessary to measure by stopping down. In any case, the previous lenses could be used, although they did need to close the aperture before metering, which was achieved by pressing the button, which also served to see the depth of field. The MLU, although it served to block the mirror before shooting, the reason for its existence was that the first wide-angle lenses (for example 21mm) did not have RF (rear focus) and in order to use them you had to raise the mirror. Later, Minolta changed the design of those lenses and the MLU was considered an unnecessary production cost, hence its disappearance from 1973 I think. The SRT-101 is a good camera, although well maintained, but the 303 is even better, for me a great camera.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

1) Yes, older models, like my dad's SRT303b doesn't have a mirror lock up leaver. As I was a kid I watched him unboxing that thing btw. Those early models used some very wide lenses (15mm comes to mind) that had protruding elements, and where sold with separate viewfinder; that's what mirror lock up was for. 2) I never liked MC lenses, course back in the day I was a big slide film user, and those lenses are giving some kind of greenish yellow tint compared to other brands and even MD series of lenses, what was quite bad if combined with Kodak's Ektachrome film in perticular...

[@Kim_Miller]

The SRT 101 was my first SLR way back in 1969. I loved the feel of it in my hands and loved the sound of the shutter. That camera is now long gone (these days I shoot with Sony) but in a fit of nostalgia a few days ago I went looking for another one. So I've now got the camera with the MCIII 50mm 1.4 lens on the way from Japan. It's like a mini love story. 😍

[@Whywas6scared]

A very well thought through review, especially in terms of the two sides to the build quality. I bought one recently from ebay for £38 including delivery. It was in near mint condition and included 50mm f1.7 and 135mm f3.5 Rokkor lenses (also near mint) plus a cheapo flash unit. An absolute bargain! However, while playing with it the other week, the shutter release button suddenly locked up and it is now unusable. I took the top off and couldn't see anything obviously broken (including broken string), but I'll have to take another look. Anyway, it is a sample size of one, so I'm certain not saying that all 101s will go the same way, but it is annoying.

[@autonomousindividual7780]

I just went on a vintage camera binge. Canon, Olympus and Minolta. I know almost nothing about photography, but have a lifetime of contact with all sorts of mechanical items. I have to say the Canon FTb certainly seems well made and the lenses are well thought of. Any reason to choose an SRT over FTb?

[@gideonliddiardphotography]

For me, none

[@AlphaCentCom]

Yes, you can have everything. The SR-T 102 does have the aperture in the viewfinder.

[@Whywas6scared]

Does it also have the mirror lock up?

[@AlphaCentCom]

@@Whywas6scared The early models do.

[@ncearthquake]

As does the SRT Super which was released in 1973

[@michaelcase8574]

No problem! I have one of each! LOL

[@larryervin9664]

The Canon was significantly more expensive in the day

[@gideonliddiardphotography]

It was indeed, which only adds to the advantage the Canon has now.

[@larryervin9664]

@@gideonliddiardphotography I understand.. I bought my SRT101 in 1972.

[@hansemannluchter643]

"Ugly Canon EF"??

[@driline]

Apology Accepted :) The British are so Polite.