I bought a Minolta SRT 101

[JeremyLangford]

U guys have been helping me decide on a camera to buy for my photography class. Thought Id tell you I got this one with a 50 f/1.4 on ebay for 26 bucks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140147654480&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

Can't wait to try it out!

 

[Bike Tourist]

I had one in the mid-60s. It served me well. I'll bet yours will, too!

 

[xayraa33]

great camera with some very good lenses.
the Rokkors came closest of all the japanese glass, to the german style IMHO.

 

[rover]

Congratulations, the 101 is my favorite Minolta. And a great price. If needed you can have it CLAd and still be ahead of the game.

 

[cmedin]

Hey, that's a really nice deal you got! I just picked one up too, SRT-101 with the 50/1.7 MD for $28. Can't believe how cheap things have gotten.

I see you have the version with mirror lockup; I think some later ones didn't come with it. The light seals seem easy to replace; interslice on ebay (I believe he's an RFF member) has a good kit for dirt cheap, as well as SRT-specific instructions on replacing the seals. Good luck!

 

[robin a]

Hey,great deal-great camera,use it well..........Robin

 

[KoNickon]

One of the great SLRs, I think (I have several!). Only thing it doesn't have is a hotshoe, but not a big deal at all. And the battery can be an issue, of course. But you have chosen well! And I envy you that deal you got.

 

[cmedin]

For the hotshoe thing, I got a little adapter hotshoe deal for something like $8 that sits in your 'coldshoe' and plugs into your sync connector.. adds half an inch or so to the height but that's generally no biggie.

 

[bean_counter]

Congrats!

I have an SRT-102 (essentially the same animal); bought it from KEH when my high school graduation present, a Minolta XD-5, died a couple of years ago.

Provided the meter works, replacement batteries aren't a big deal, just get a suitable "air cell" battery and replace it periodically. I use an o-ring from the hardware store to improve the fit.

 

[colyn]

A fine camera. I own several SRT's myself.

If you would like to convert the meter to use a 357 silver oxide battery check out my page at http://www.colyngoodson.com/minolta.html

At the bottom right of the above link click the link to photos of this fix..

 

[Kin Lau]

Enjoy it... mine's nearly indestructible.

 

[40oz]

incredible deal, IMHO, for a working camera and lens. I paid four times that for my 101 and a 50/1.7.

 

[Rodinal Addict]

I started with one in high school in the 70's, ( before u were born). I had to get one a couple of years ago for a photo class, and still admire the simplicity, rubustness and cheap lenses of this classic. Just use it a lot. It will teach you.

Robin

 

[bobkonos]

Ah, it was my first good camera, my first 35mm camera. Purchased it in 1975 at age 21, with the 50 mm f1.4 and a Vivitar zoom. It taught me photography basics, and was a good teacher. Sold it in 1979 to get a new Nikonos III outfit. But you know what? I loved that camera so much i found a mint one two years ago. So, once again, I have a Minolta Srt 101, this time with the 28mm f2 Rokkor and the fast 50. And that makes me happy. Enjoy yours-it is a fine tool.

 

[BillBingham2]

They were the standard camera for just about every high school photo shop in the 70's. Fine camera to learn with and original minolta lenses should be great bargains too.

B2 (;->

 

[wlewisiii]

I may be a Canonista, but that's a great camera & lens at an exquisite price. Enjoy! And share the results!

William

 

[cmedin]

Holy poop, I just looked at KEH's prices for long lenses (fixed focal length) and you can get the 300/5.6 for $59 in EXC condition. The rest of the stuff is pretty cheap too!

 

[dee]

Best ever - I have a handfull - but the best is a battered well used , USA 102 which just keeps on going.

My favourite though is it's predecessor - the compact SR 7 v with biult in non-TTL meter or the non meter SRs .

Good luck with it .

dee

 

[alansoon]

I completely agree with xayraa33 -- Minolta glass is the closest you'll get to German style ones, and at a small fraction of the cost.

My favorite Minolta lens is the 40/2 Rokkor used on the CL/CLE. Minolta glass have the most "personality" IMHO.

 

[JeremyLangford]

They were the standard camera for just about every high school photo shop in the 70's. Fine camera to learn with and original minolta lenses should be great bargains too.

B2 (;->

Thats really neat.

I guess it would be compared to a Canon Rebel today cause thats what pretty much everyone else in my class has. For some reason I decided to go with an older camera. I guess its from being on these forums.

Ive spent about a week in my photography class, and yesterday I learned how to develop using developer, stop bath, and the fixer. I am starting to think that I am going to end up liking film a whole lot.

I was planning on eventually saving up and getting a Canon 5d. But now Im thinking more like I want to turn my bedroom into a darkroom. haha.