Minolta XD-11 vs Minolta SRT 101, which one to get?

[Vsanzbajo]

Can somebody tell me pros and cons on both? I can not make my mind. I located both in perfect shape, but cannot decide.
Help!!!

 

[CGW]

I've had both. The 60s SRT 101 is mechanical, tough, but also very long in the tooth and takes no longer available PX625 batteries. The XD11 is a late 70s model with a dead-quiet electronically controlled shutter and a LED meter display instead of the SRT's match needle readout. My only problem with the XD-11 is its 30+ year-old electronics--a sometimes failure-prone part of Minolta's last MF film cameras. I'm partial to the mechanical SRT which can still be found in quite good shape for very little $.

Lots of info here:

Dead Link Removed

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I know that the SRT 101 is a true classic.

Jeff

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I had an XD-5 and it was a beautiful camera. I also have an old SRT. The XD won't work with a dead battery while the SRT will work. Why not get both? Use the SRT as a back up

 

[silentworld]

I have both XD-11 and SRT-102 as well as most other Minolta MF models. From a practical point of view, if I have to choose one between the two as my only camera, I would go with XD-11 for its quiet shutter, nice metering system, bright viewfinder, multi-auto mode, accurate and durable vertical electronic shutter, common battery type, etc. Some would say that SRT would be better in cold weather, but I have used XD-11 with a fresh pair of batteries in -20 C for a few hours and had no problem. There are many practical reasons to choose XD-11 over SRT, BUT SRT is a beauty in itself and it feels great when you hold it, which is why I got two SRT-102 and a SRT-202 in my closet as well. At the end of the day, you have decide for yourself based on what you plan to use it for and why you get into these old cameras in the first place.

 

[upnorthcyclist]

Hi,

I have both cameras - they are the basis of my film photography kit.

My SRT-102 is a rock-solid example of what was going on in the camera world in the 60-70s. It is heavy and very well built. I have had it CLAd a couple of times over its long lifespan. It works flawlessly and its meter is very accurate, within the EV range of a CdS-type photocell. I use a C.R.I.S. battery adapter with a silver-oxide cell. I tend to use the SRT with larger lenses and with the MC Rokkor-X 100mm macro lens, usually with a tripod. The MLU feature is nice when doing macrophotography. There are a lot of resources for having the camera repaired or adjusted, and service is usually quite reasonable. Lots of spare parts are available as Minolta made a lot of SRTs - plenty of carcasses to scavenge from.

The XD-11 is an absolute jewel. To me, it exemplifies the height of progression of MF 35mm film cameras. It feels great in the hand, all the controls are right where they should be, it is light for an all-metal camera and has a very good silicon photocell. The acute-matte viewfinder is terrific. It uses a modern lithium battery. I use it for 90% of my film photography. It is an electronic camera for the most part, and the electronics are getting old. I have never had any mechanical or electrical problems with my XD-11, but the potential, I suppose, is there, and there aren't nearly as many resources for getting the camera repaired as there are for the SRTs. Parts are scarce.

Both cameras get you into the great Rokkor lenses but to use all the features of the XD the later MD lenses work best. I have noticed that prices are climbing for Minolta glass recently, probably because they can be used on digital cameras with a Micro 4/3 sensor.

If this is your first foray into film cameras, I think the SRT-102 may be the best choice. It's a great fully manual camera, and the prices are pretty reasonable. It can be CLAd for under a hundred bucks and will likely outlast the average photographer! The XD-11 might be a camera to progress to at some point, but keep in mind that nice ones command fairly high prices. As another post mentioned - why not get both? I find that mine complement each other very well.

Mike

 

[mgb74]

I have a SRT-201 for sale here (shameless plug). But if I had to choose between xd-11 and SRT, I'd go with the XD-11.

I think the XE-7 was probably the most rugged Minolta (ignoring the XK which is very hard to find). I think the XD-11 is the most capable. It's biggest drawback is that the leather shrinks, which is totally cosmetic.

The XE-5 and XD-5 were somewhat less featured models, but still quite capable.

 

[MikePenn]

I have an SRT 101 that my father bought in 1968 that still is in perfect shape and a few months ago I bought a black SRT 201 as a back up. I had a XD-11 for about 3 months before it stopped working. While I appreciate what an electronic camera can do I prefer a mechanical for reliability.

 

[Katie]

Just want to throw in that I just started using my XG-1 model and couldn't be happier with it! I love the rokkor lenses - they are gorgeous!

 

[fstop]

It depends on where you plan on buying it from, if playing ebay roulette I would buy the SRT because its less likely to have hidden problems. All you need to know about the SRT is if the meter works.
If you are set on an XD-11 buy one from KEH.

I've either owned or used at least one of every series that was in the Minolta line up.
The XD -11 is the one I pick up first.

 

[Jadedoto]

The SRT hands down. Good, mechanical camera. The XD is smaller and quieter, but I just prefer the heft of the bigger cameras. My favorite 35mm is currently the XE-7, which is a great blend of both worlds, you may want to give it a look as well.

 

[M.A.Longmore]

My favorite 35mm is currently the XE-7, which is a great blend of both worlds, you may want to give it a look as well.

.
If the price is right, Buy Both !
My SRT-101 is still taking a licking, if the XD-11 is still functioning properly.
Enjoy it while you can, if price is not a major concern. If your wallet isn't cooperating, just take The 101. It should still be able to provide many years of service. Some wiseguy had to go and mention the Minolta XE-7, that's a magnificent piece of machinery ! I have two that are busted, but I still use
them on the 'X' setting, and 'B' for those long exposures. It really is one of
the Sweetest Cameras ever made ! I got so excited thinking about the XE-7,
I forgot to give you an Official Welcome To APUG ! Pardon My Manners ...

Ron
.

 

[Zathras]

Another vote for the XE-7 and I also like the SRT-101.

 

[hoffy]

And while we are talking about camera's that the OP hasn't asked about - another vote for the XE-1/7.

Personally, If I wanted to have some form of meter, I would go with the XD-11. If I didn't care about the meter at all, I'd go with the SRT101

 

[2F/2F]

The SRT is a plain-ol' camera – one you'd see if you looked up "camera" in the dictionary. You control shutter, aperture, and focus, and that's it (though there are a few other doodads). You don't need much else, despite what many think. The fact that the batteries are not made is a plus IMO. It will force you to think harder about light and/or use a hand held meter. If you must have an in-camera meter, I'd just go for the XD-11. They are great cameras too.

You can also resolve the battery issue in the SRTs by using 675 hearing aid batteries adapted to fit the compartment. IMHO, don't waste your money on Wein cells; you are better off with one of the 1.5V alkalines, even though they provide the wrong voltage. The Wein cells are expensive, they must be replaced often, and they drift like mad IME.

I agree that the XE-7 is also a good camera.

 

[TimmyMac]

I like the balance of the XD11 with the MD 50/1.4, 24/2.8, and 135/2.8. If you get into the heavier lenses like the 58/1.2 or 85/1.7 I'd go for one of the big bodies.

 

[Zathras]

The SRT is a plain-ol' camera – one you'd see if you looked up "camera" in the dictionary. You control shutter, aperture, and focus, and that's it (though there are a few other doodads). You don't need much else, despite what many think. The fact that the batteries are not made is a plus IMO. It will force you to think harder about light and/or use a hand held meter. If you must have an in-camera meter, I'd just go for the XD-11. They are great cameras too.

You can also resolve the battery issue in the SRTs by using 675 hearing aid batteries adapted to fit the compartment. IMHO, don't waste your money on Wein cells; you are better off with one of the 1.5V alkalines, even though they provide the wrong voltage. The Wein cells are expensive, they must be replaced often, and they drift like mad IME.

I agree that the XE-7 is also a good camera.

I have recently come to the conclusion that I don't really get along with in camera meters all that well, so the battery issue doesn't matter to me any more. None of my SRT's have a battery in them. I noticed a while back that I had a higher percentage of correctly exposed negatives when I used a handheld meter, incident mostly, compared to an in camera meter. When I was younger most of my exposures were all over the map with a in camera meter as I did not realize that meters were programmed to give a reading that would average out to middle gray. So now i save a fortune on batteries since I don't buy them.

My XE7, on the other hand, depends on batteries to power the shutter. I don't use the built in meter on this camera much unless I have color neg film in it. Then I'll often set it to automatic when I'm mindlessly snap shooting. I choose the stop and the camera picks the shutter speed. I still look in the display to see what speed the camera picks. Works well, I hate to admit. I usually use the XE7 when I need a quieter camera or a brighter viewfinder. Otherwise my old SRTanks are my go to cameras. The XE7 is the only battery dependent camera I'd even consider owning. IMHO, it is such a good camera that I have made this the only exception to my "no battery dependent camera" rule. And the correct batteries for the XE are still readily available.

I also prefer either of these two models for another reason. I have large hands and these cameras fit them well. The SRT's would probably also make a good weapon if needed.

 

[Steve Smith]

I think the XE-7 was probably the most rugged Minolta (ignoring the XK which is very hard to find).

It's a fine machine. I have the XE-1 which is the European equivalent. Same camera but in chrome and black instead of all black.

EDIT: Oh yes..... Which one to buy?..... Get both!


Steve.

 

[Diapositivo]

The SRT is mechanical, has mirror lock-up, and is a perfect backup, or a camera to keep in the bag with a 24mm (while you have maybe a zoom or a normal in the other camera), or to use for special purposes such as tripod use, macro use, very-wide-angle use (you can mount certain very-wide-angle lenses only if your camera has mirror lock-up, and use an external viewfinder).

The other one is probably more pleasant for general use, being more silent, lighter, having an electronic shutter release which can help, and probably having a brighter viewfinder.

Mirror lock-up is very important if you do tripod work and if you care about sharpness. I don't know which are your other cameras. If I really had to choose and if this were the only SLR to have, I would go for the SRT no doubt because of mirror lock-up.

 

[ath]

The only common thing between these cameras is that they accept the same lenses
SRT: fully mechanical, meter is quirky (clc) and needs mercury cell (or workaround), dim viewfinder, feels rather massive
XD: electronically (and very sophisticated) with emergency mechanical speed, standard batteries, bright viewfinder (acu matte)

If you do not have an aversion against electronics and are able to switch to "manual" if you need it I would clearly get the XD.

 

[sgluck]

SRT 101 and XD-11

I recently bought an Xd-11, SRT 101 and SRT 202 from KEH. Each was in "as is needs seals untested" condition. Wein makes a enviornmentally friendly battery for the SRT series for about $5. A reseal kit specifically for these cameras is $10. I bought these cameras for $30, $7 and $11. There still are batteries vor the Xd-11. I put the batteries into the cameras and the meters sprank to life. I tested the meters against readings from my Sekonic 318b handheld meter and from my Minolta Flash Meter III all readings were spot on. Put some Fujicolor 200 into the camera's and fired off a roll after resealing each of them with a kit supplied by Interslice AKA Jon Goodman. The pictures were fine. If you can find an XD-11 go with it. I own 2 of them and they are my favorite. The SRT's are built like tanks and they weigh as much. Houever they are easy to use. I like the 202 because it has a built in flash contact on the prisim.



























4

 

[Pumalite]

I have the three same cameras and I have nothing but good to say about them

 

[fstop]

My first choice would be the XD-11.
Followed by a 102 m /MLU
And then a 202.

 

[andrewc]

I have or have had the XD11, several SR-Ts (including my current SR-T 102), XE-1 and 7, and prefer the XD11. In fact the XD11 is one of my very favorite manual focus cameras. If I could have only one Minolta camera, it would be the XD11.

Andy

 

[Chan Tran]

First I would say to get both as both have pros and cons. I have both of them and personally I would pick the SRt-101 as I have tweak its shutter speed and is very accurate. I don't care for the meter in the 101 though. Even when new and with the correct kind of battery I don't think it's very accurate. I shoot the 101 sans meter as I don't really need a meter. If you do want a meter the meter in the XD-11 is far superior to that of the SRt-101.