"Alternative" Camera Case Needed For Minolta SRT - Any Exist?

DF · Jun 13, 2021

I need something like a "modernish" housing for my SRT because its classic bulky thick leather case is cumbersome, hassle to take off/put back on, for I'm using SRT alot more than anticipated. I'd like something more like thick nylon but pliable. I must admit I like the older cases for their tripod holes.

AgX · Jun 13, 2021

It should not be a problem for a tinkerer to transfer a "case-screw" from a classic leather case or similar to a new case of your liking.

neilt3 · Jun 14, 2021

I think firm's like Speedgraphic in the u.k sell a streachy neoprene one piece hobby that hooks around the camera .
If you take it off it can easily be put in a pocket for safety .
Other firms will also sell such things , I think it's made by Op-Tech (?) The firm that makes camera straps .

ruilourosa · Jun 14, 2021

have you thought about using none? just a metal hood and a lens cap?

cases are really unecessary and usually just cumbersome... plus they are a very good nest for fungus,,,

BradS · Jun 14, 2021

I have an SRT-102 with the original leather ever-ready case and have had (and still have) many other Japanese SLR with OEM ever-ready cases. The Minolta SRT case is about as good as it gets. If you don't like that just go naked. Like @ruilourosa says above, a case is nice to have in some situations but mostly just gets in the way.

RLangham · Jun 14, 2021

Like people say above, what do you need a case on that camera for? It's one of the toughest SLR's in existence. With pre-MD Minolta lenses (metal bodied) with clear filters and/or metal lens hoods, and a big strap around your neck, that should be plenty of protection

Bronson Dugnutt · Jun 14, 2021

OP is looking for a purse. Unfortunately, not my area of expertise.

RLangham · Jun 14, 2021

Bronson Dugnutt said:
OP is looking for a purse. Unfortunately, not my area of expertise.

If you read closely it's pretty clear that they want an everready case or something like it.

ruilourosa · Jun 15, 2021

A fashion statement os better achieved through the naked chrome slr...

Rick A · Jun 15, 2021

It's called a "never ready case" for a reason. Take it off and carry a naked camera.

DF · Jun 16, 2021

RLangham said:
Like people say above, what do you need a case on that camera for? It's one of the toughest SLR's in existence. With pre-MD Minolta lenses (metal bodied) with clear filters and/or metal lens hoods, and a big strap around your neck, that should be plenty of protection

Yes - SRT is a tough robust piece of machinery - but it does get swung around abit when I'm changing lenses and nocks around and into, say, my tripod, or worse, a wall I'm next to. It needs protection (pampering).

RLangham · Jun 16, 2021

DF said:
Yes - SRT is a tough robust piece of machinery - but it does get swung around abit when I'm changing lenses and nocks around and into, say, my tripod, or worse, a wall I'm next to. It needs protection (pampering).

Have you considered just the bottom half of the standard everready?

AgX · Jun 16, 2021

...as it covers at least the body against banging against something.

DF · Jun 16, 2021

RLangham said:
Have you considered just the bottom half of the standard everready?

Yes - I do leave it on. 'Got the big giant screw lets the tripod through

Huss · Jun 16, 2021

I use 1/2 cases (the bottom half of the ever-ready case) on nearly all of my film SLRs because frankly they feel too skinny and unbalanced without them.
There is a reason that the camera mfgs starting adding small grips (Minolta X700, Nikon F3), has accessory finger grips (Pentax LX ), then went to large built-in grips (Nikon F4/5/6/75/80 etc).
The grip makes the camera fatter and better to handle.
I also use the add-on grips from Leica for the M series, Buttergrip for pre Nikon F3s etc.

Bonus from using the half case is that it DOES protect the camera from knocks/shock/damage w/o hampering the ability to get the shot.

RLangham · Jun 16, 2021

DF said:
Yes - I do leave it on. 'Got the big giant screw lets the tripod through

I have it but don't use it. I actually got an SRT case randomly at a thrift store for 3 dollars one time. Long nose, I think.

CMoore · Jun 17, 2021

Huss said:
I use 1/2 cases (the bottom half of the ever-ready case) on nearly all of my film SLRs because frankly they feel too skinny and unbalanced without them.
There is a reason that the camera mfgs starting adding small grips (Minolta X700, Nikon F3), has accessory finger grips (Pentax LX ), then went to large built-in grips (Nikon F4/5/6/75/80 etc).
The grip makes the camera fatter and better to handle.
I also use the add-on grips from Leica for the M series, Buttergrip for pre Nikon F3s etc.

Bonus from using the half case is that it DOES protect the camera from knocks/shock/damage w/o hampering the ability to get the shot.

I have a "Butter Grip" on my Minolta X570.
It works great.!
Photo journalists took a 35mm SLR all over The World... including to war... without a case.
I understand that some photographers worry about cosmetics. They seem to be in the large minority.....whatever.
Cosmetics have never been a concern with me, so the "Butter Grip" is perfect.
They are lightweight, make for improved grip and do not get in the way of anything.
They do not...and were not intended to... offer much "Protection"......so a case (IMHO) would be a better choice if protecting camera body cosmetics are a concern.

MattKing · Jun 17, 2021

There is a reason that most Minolta SRT cameras (and other cameras of that vintage) came with a fitted case.
With a very few exceptions (most of them working professionals) the users of that type of camera didn't use the type of camera bag designed for carrying a camera while using it.
There were very few camera bags in the stores that catered to amateurs, and the ones that were available tended to be hard sided and more for use in transporting cameras.
A majority of amateurs carried the camera alone, in its case. And most of them had and used just a single, 50mm lens.
After I gave my Dad the Retina IIIc that I found for him, I was surprised at first that he didn't seem to be using it a lot. He revealed to me that he was reluctant to use it as much as he might, because he didn't have a fitted case for it. I was able to find a case, so everything was fine.
My Dad wasn't comfortable using a camera bag of the type that I liked to use - I don't know if he associated those bags with purses!

"Alternative" Camera Case Needed For Minolta SRT - Any Exist?

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