Minolta SRT101: An underrated tank of SLR

Simple, efficient and built like a Tiger II tank. That's how I would introduce the Konica Minolta SRT-101, launched in 1966.
Learn more about radioactive lenses and the Rokkor family: @justinphillip • Best Vintage Lenses fo...
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[@valuedcustomer9614]

The SRT-101 was equipped with a mirror lock-up control when it was introduced in 1966. Only a few 101's manufactured near the end of production in 1975 lacked mirror lock-up - they are fairly rare.

[@robinj.9329]

Almost all of the "Made In Japan" 35mm SLR cameras 📷 of this period ( 1960's, 70's and 80's) were excellent 👏. I owned and used Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Konica, etc. and was never disappointed. So sad that NOTHING of this high level of quality is made today!

[@j.c.103]

Here i have the SRT 101b ( same as 201 ), the SRT 303 and the SRT Super. I can recommend them all too. So precise shutter ! So nice design ! So big and bright viewfinder ! I prefer them over all other and more expensive SLR's.

[@robinferand]

Nice collection! I also have a XG-2 in France that I need to bring back. They can be less reliable over time since they have more electronic inside.

[@augustin_ceb]

Amazing video and very aesthetic shots. Keep up the good work Robin !

[@vorteco7692]

I love my SRT101 also. The hot shoe is called a cold shoe when there are no electronic contacts on it. :)

[@robinferand]

Thanks, I actually learnt that a few weeks after recording this.

[@seyithanteymur9817]

Very informative! Thanks for this video and the tips on reusing the lenses on digital cameras.

[@robinferand]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-su4mu4ml7q]

I love srt101. It's very simple and nothing. "The machine of 100 years."

[@johnrflinn]

I like the SRT 102 even better.

[@robinferand]

I haven't tried one myself. I heard the focusing screen was easier to use.

[@alexlopez-ke8nu]

​@robinferand It's honestly the only film camera I use now. So happy I found one in perfect condition. I'm not sure what focusing aids are used in the SRT 101 or 100 but the 102 uses the 2 center focusing aids with the cross patch and split prism. The 102 was the highest trim of the SRT line so it was the first of the SRT cameras that had your shutter speed and aperture visible in the viewfinder. It had a toggle depth of field preview, mirror lock up, and double exposure button. Those were pretty much it for upgrades over the standard 101 (it really depends on the year for mirror lock up). I guess the dedicated double exposure button is cool but the camera still counts the frame when winding so you have to take a mental note for which frame you are on or write it down.

[@7ninephotography199]

Great video man! I own one and I really struggle to hit my focus when shooting wide open portraits. Any advice?

[@robinferand]

Thank you! Try paying attention only on the 2 circle, not the small one in the middle but the one around. If you defocus fully, you'll find that circle is filled with a diamond-shaped texture. Slowly focusing disperses this texture and once you can see through, this means you are in focus. So if your subject isn't right in the middle then you'll need to grab the focus and recompose.

[@alexlopez-ke8nu]

​@robinferand that's good advice. That's I usually focus using the two aids on my 102. That and I also sometimes just focus by eye by putting the subject out of center. I know that there are some older SRTs that have neither of the two focusing aids.

[@shengliu9378]

Loved your videos and thanks for sharing. I got Minolta 101b last year and it’s my very first ´ vintage ´ mechanical camera comes with a 50mm f/1.7. I absolutely loved it, for its look and metal body. To be honest, it’s not my very first choice, as after so many online tutorials and reviews I watched, I was looking for a Canon AE-1 something like that but I was so afraid to buy this kind of things online even if the return is possible. So I found this camera on sale at my local film developper’s studio, then the story begins… So here I have a question after watching your video, you mentioned that I can use an adapter to use Rokkor lens with Canon RF caméra, I happen to have a Canon RP, so which adapter do you use ? Thanks ! 😊

[@robinferand]

That’s a good choice! Getting into the Canon MD lens ecosystem now can be challenging and quickly become pricy since so many people are using these lenses for filmmaking as well as film photography . Minolta Rokkor lenses are excellent and less people know about them so you can find affordable ones! For the adapter, I use the K&F Rokkor to RF. Works perfectly! It can be found on Amazon.

[@coasttocoastphoto]

My dad bought me one from K-Mart in 1972 for about $220.00 US.

[@robinferand]

I hope you were able to keep it :)

[@The157ra]

Thanks for the very enjoyable video. One minor point though - the mirror lock-up was highly valued by amateur astronomers, as the vibration from mirror slap could degrade images taken at high power through telescopes of the moon, planets and stars. Also, in case you've missed it, there is a KZbin video on how to easily re-calibrate the SRT101 so that it can use modern day batteries for its light meter - so that it can be used in the way it was intended. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorEfJSAqJ2hhas&t Regards.

[@robinferand]

Hey there, thanks a lot for your message! It couldn't come at a better time. Lately, I found that the meter inside my srt-101 was giving me wrong results. I think the mercury battery is dying and I wasn't sure how to make it work with a recent battery. I'll try that out!

[@The157ra]

@@robinferand No problem. Glad I could help.

[@mrchedda]

10 days of talk about the Minolta SRT-101.... ZERO photos taken with the actual camera. Useless. lol