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Bron-Y-Aur Stomp

Member
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Joined
Aug 12, 2019
Messages
6
Location
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Hi all,

My dad was a Minolta fan an I recently inherited his cameras. As a film noob, I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the relative merits of each of the following:
  • Hi-Matic 7
  • SR-1
  • X-570
  • SR T303
Many thanks!
 
All good cameras but the SRT 303 would be my user of choice.
 
Welcome to Photrio.
I agree with Kino.
In addition though, the Hi-Matic 7 is a great simple, "take anywhere" camera.
 
Thanks a bunch, this is super helpful! This seems like a great place for advice on all things photography and I definitely plan to linger.
 
Remember that the PX-13 Mercury batteries used in the SRT series cameras are no longer available. Go by a drug store and pickup some 1.4 volt #675 zinc hearing aid batteries (very inexpensive) and get some rubber O-rings from a hardware store to adapt them to the battery compartment. You just need them to stay centered and touching the terminals. The voltage difference shouldn't cause enough of an exposure difference to matter.
 
I've got the European version of the X570, the X500, and I'm very happy with it. I had an SRT101 but the light meter stopped working.
 
My wife has an SR-1. It's a good camera, very well built, but it doesn't have a light meter. That's okay for her, because she doesn't need one. But if you do, it's something to consider.
 
If you give me one of those I would pick the Hi Matic 7. Second choice would be the SR-1. Third choice would be the SRT-303. The X570 would be my last choice.
 
I have two XD7 (European XD11) and a X570. The XD7/XD11/XD are great, but the X570 is also very good. Less cool looking, less smooth, more plastic, but the choice if using flash (TTL flash available with lots of choices), and the motor drive fits to it.

The SRT and SR are mechanical, so the battery is needed only for the light meter, but as mentioned, they used originally Mercury batteries which do not exist anymore. I think out of your cameras, the X570 is the only one which uses still available batteries (but needs them always, not only for the meter).

But in general, all these are great cameras! The SRT are too large and heavy for me, but this is just a preference, I prefer the lighter later models (XD series...). By the way, all (beside the Hi-Matic of course) work with the same lenses, Minolta SR bayonett (MD or MC).
 
The SR-1 is a great all-manual camera,

The SRT is also a great camera.

The X-570 may be the most "advanced" of the SLR's you listed, but also likely to have issues with worn-out capacitors which would need to be replaced.
 
Wow! Lots of great information with some contrasting opinions. Instead of deciding what to keep, I might have to start building a collection like Kino! (1/4 of the way there!)
 
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp said:
Wow! Lots of great information with some contrasting opinions. Instead of deciding what to keep, I might have to start building a collection like Kino! (1/4 of the way there!)
Click to expand...

This path leads to madness...
 
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp said:
Wow! Lots of great information with some contrasting opinions. Instead of deciding what to keep, I might have to start building a collection like Kino! (1/4 of the way there!)
Click to expand...
You wouldn't get much money selling anyone of them. You don't want to throw your father's camera away. So really you have no choice but keep them all.
 
Chan Tran said:
You wouldn't get much money selling anyone of them. You don't want to throw your father's camera away. So really you have no choice but keep them all.
Click to expand...

Yes, having looked around on eBay, that is the conclusion I came to myself. Maybe my kids will decide to take up film photography...
 
The thing to do is do a bit of film photography yourself and show your kids. This will help them carry on grandpa's hobby.

Alternatively, if you want to get rid of the SLRs, I collect cameras to take to Weber State University's photography program here in Ogden, Utah. Students there need good working mechanical SLRs. I'd happily pay the postage.

But, really -- don't get rid of heirlooms. Take one, put it in a shadow box with some pics of your family that were taken with it, pics of your dad, make it an item to be passed down.
 
Chan Tran said:
You wouldn't get much money selling anyone of them. You don't want to throw your father's camera away. So really you have no choice but keep them all.
Click to expand...

Order your coffin with cubby holes and you can take it with you. That is my plan. :whistling:
 
Sirius Glass said:
Order your coffin with cubby holes and you can take it with you. That is my plan. :whistling:
Click to expand...
His father didn't take it with him and so I don't recommend the OP to take it with him either. Keep them as long as he lives and then pass them on to the kids or grand kids.
 
LOL -- all suggestions appreciated... I'll definitely look into taking up film photography myself.

Speaking of which, what kind of film should I get as a beginner? There's actually a local store that still supports film and I should buy there to support them.
 
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp said:
LOL -- all suggestions appreciated... I'll definitely look into taking up film photography myself.

Speaking of which, what kind of film should I get as a beginner? There's actually a local store that still supports film and I should buy there to support them.
Click to expand...

Color: Kodak Portra 400
Black & White: Kodak Tri X 400
 
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