There were actually TWO versions of the SRT102 -- PLUS the SRT102 was sold under different names. I have several of the original SRT102, and I think it is the best of all the SRT models.
http://www.subclub.org/minman/srt102.htm
Have a 101 and 102, other than the full information viewfinder other wise, not much difference,
Step up and get the real Minolta - the XK.
XK - is that a Jag-yoo-arrr? No, it's my Minolta.
The best Minolta in use overall is the X-700.
I have X-500, XD-7, SRT-101, 303b (same as 102) and XE.
If I had to chose one Minolta to use forever it would be the 303b.
It’s super reliable, repairable and very nice to use.
The SRT-102/303 has a special charm you can only really know by holding and using it.
The ground glass screen is bright and clear. A nice compromise between brightness and size.
Not as bright as acute matte, but probably ultimately sharper and more universal.
The film gate is individually milled per body at the end of production to match lens flange distance as closely as possible.
This as opposed to how many other manufacturers use shims to adjust.
This is more precise and is much more robust to disassembly and hard use.
It’s lighter and more reliable than the XE which is also a nice camera.
There is good reason why variations of the SRT-10X line sold for fifteen years.
Aperture Judas window, real double exposure (good for pre flash) and the retainment of mirror lockup (penetrating wides and astro photography) and x/fp switch is (fp is useful for afterglow phosphorescence) is a feature package that is almost unmatched in SLRs.
High praise indeed! Looks like I can’t go wrong. Thanks!
I have a 202. Virtually the same camera as the 102. It's one of my favorites.
Like a Jag, the XK would be wasted on me. But, at least I wouldn't have to push it home.
That depends. Just as there were TWO versions of the SRT102, there were TWO versions of the SRT202.
The first model of the SRT202 was almost the same as its predecessor, the SRT102 (model b), but it had the addition of a film tab holder on the back (the new film memo holder retains the ASA/DIN converter, but you can't see it if you have a film tab inserted) and a film advance window. Nice touches, but Minolta dropped the mirror lock-up feature. Two steps forward, one step back. The viewfinder and focusing screen remained the same.
But there were subtle differences as well. The previous model had "MINOLTA CAMERA CO.,LTD." imprinted on the top between the pentaprism and the rewind crank. On this model, the imprint is gone. In addition, the film plane indicator, which had been behind the shutter speed dial (on the right), is now placed between the pentaprism and the rewind crank (on the left). This was a smart move and makes measurements a little easier for those few people who use it. Last, the hot shot on this model is marked with a red "X", hopefully to remind users that the "hot" part of the shoe is only usable with X-synch, not bulbs.
In 1977, a few changes were made to the SRT202 (model a). This was the same year that Minolta introduced the first of the XD and XG cameras, and several of these features were copied directly from the XD and XG line. Perhaps it was an attempt to make the older-styled cameras look as similar as possible to the newer cameras, but it is just as likely that the newer parts were available -- and usable -- on the older cameras. First, there was a switch on the SRT202 (model b) to a black, plastic aperture ring around the lens mount -- replacing an aluminum ring.
In addition, the locking DOF button of the earlier SRT cameras was replaced with a non-locking DOF button. On the surface, this sounds like a minor cosmetic change. But the change is more than skin deep. At the same time, Minolta dropped the "meter off" switch which, in all previous SRT models, would automatically turn the meter off when the DOF button was pressed (when an MC lens was attached to the camera). The purpose of this early feature was to allow metering in "stop-down" mode with early non-MC lenses. That's why the DOF button on Minolta SLR cameras was originally called the "stop-down-metering" button. So with this switch, Minolta was cutting out a few cents in manufacturing costs -- and casting aside users of earlier lenses.
Also, the SRT202 (model b) only had X synchronization for flash use -- the FP option of the SRT202 (model a) was dropped. Look for the black, plastic aperture ring around the lens mount to identify the SRT202 (model b).
http://www.subclub.org/minman/srt202.htm
That depends. Just as there were TWO versions of the SRT102, there were TWO versions of the SRT202.
The first model of the SRT202 was almost the same as its predecessor, the SRT102 (model b), but it had the addition of a film tab holder on the back (the new film memo holder retains the ASA/DIN converter, but you can't see it if you have a film tab inserted) and a film advance window. Nice touches, but Minolta dropped the mirror lock-up feature. Two steps forward, one step back. The viewfinder and focusing screen remained the same.
But there were subtle differences as well. The previous model had "MINOLTA CAMERA CO.,LTD." imprinted on the top between the pentaprism and the rewind crank. On this model, the imprint is gone. In addition, the film plane indicator, which had been behind the shutter speed dial (on the right), is now placed between the pentaprism and the rewind crank (on the left). This was a smart move and makes measurements a little easier for those few people who use it. Last, the hot shot on this model is marked with a red "X", hopefully to remind users that the "hot" part of the shoe is only usable with X-synch, not bulbs.
In 1977, a few changes were made to the SRT202 (model a). This was the same year that Minolta introduced the first of the XD and XG cameras, and several of these features were copied directly from the XD and XG line. Perhaps it was an attempt to make the older-styled cameras look as similar as possible to the newer cameras, but it is just as likely that the newer parts were available -- and usable -- on the older cameras. First, there was a switch on the SRT202 (model b) to a black, plastic aperture ring around the lens mount -- replacing an aluminum ring.
In addition, the locking DOF button of the earlier SRT cameras was replaced with a non-locking DOF button. On the surface, this sounds like a minor cosmetic change. But the change is more than skin deep. At the same time, Minolta dropped the "meter off" switch which, in all previous SRT models, would automatically turn the meter off when the DOF button was pressed (when an MC lens was attached to the camera). The purpose of this early feature was to allow metering in "stop-down" mode with early non-MC lenses. That's why the DOF button on Minolta SLR cameras was originally called the "stop-down-metering" button. So with this switch, Minolta was cutting out a few cents in manufacturing costs -- and casting aside users of earlier lenses.
Also, the SRT202 (model b) only had X synchronization for flash use -- the FP option of the SRT202 (model a) was dropped. Look for the black, plastic aperture ring around the lens mount to identify the SRT202 (model b).
http://www.subclub.org/minman/srt202.htm
Seriously? You're asking US if you should buy a camera?
Just do it.
The mirror lock up was needed for the f/4[?] 21mm lens. Since that lens was replaced by a f/2.8mm 21mm lens that did not protrude into the mirror area, the lock up was believed to be unnecessary.
Yeh, I'm shocked that you guys would give me the go-ahead.)) Enablers. All of you.
At least I've gotten a ton of good intel on the camera which is great. It's good to hear from people who actually own and use one.
If I buy the one I'm thinking of, it will look and function like it just left the factory. It will be more expensive than a snagging an unknown version off of fleabay, but a far better value.
The only problem with the SRTs is deciding which one -- there were too many variations to list here.
How about the SRT201 RITZ camera model with a rubberized waffle covering like the ROKKOR-X lenses (there was an XK RITZ version as well)
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