Anyone have any experience with these things? I've been really considering this camera. Would a Canon F-1 Or Nikon F2 be a better option? (I already own some Minolta glass)
I have a Minolta XK, and most of the focusing screens, and heads, and I like it. On the right is my camera with the rare AE-S head. I sent mine to Essex Camera repair for a total rebuild (figured I better while I could), it was expensive, but they did a fabulous job, it took about six weeks. A month after I got it back, Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast, and Essex went out of business. I wonder who will work on the XK at this point?
As I understand it, the XK is an almost exact copy of the Nikon F1 but it takes MC and MD lenses. I think you would be better off with the X570, 370, 700, or whatever, even the SRTs, because they are later-generation cameras with more capabilities.
The XK was a much different camera than the F, more in line with an F3, electronic shutter, but an exact copy. The camera was well reviewed, but did not really catch on with Pros, at least PJs as it does not have a motor drive, you had to buy a motor drive body with an integrated drive. When I was a working PJ in the 70s and 80s I don't recall ever seeing a XK in the field, I saw other X bodies that took winders, 101 and 201s but not an XK.
I'll swear on a stack of bibles that the SRT-101 is the finest camera I've ever gotten to know. I love this thing, and see no reason to shoot any other manual focus Minolta.
I'm really digging the 58mm f/1.4 lens that I picked up for $40 for it too. Fun wide open! Maybe not as extreme as the 58mm f/1.2, but at least I can nail focus at 1.4.
As for repair, definitely contact John Titterington! He had my SRT-101 modified (swapped in a SRT-102 screen and recalibrated for a silver battery) and repaired, under budget, in less than two weeks. Best repair service I've *ever* had.
JTCamera@aol.com
John Titterington
8109 Wenonga Road
Leawood, KS 66206
I just lucked into a pristine SRT-201 for almost nothing the other day. It feels wonderfully robust, like a K-1000. You're really making me want to send it in to my guy for conversion and CLA!
I picked the F2AS over the XK when I bought my camera in 1977 because the motor drive issue and the electronic shutter. Today the XK is worth as much as the F2AS which is worth more than other F2's.
I picked the F2AS over the XK when I bought my camera in 1977 because the motor drive issue and the electronic shutter. Today the XK is worth as much as the F2AS which is worth more than other F2's.
If you wanted a pro interchangeable viewfinder camera in 1977 - with aperture priority and a motor drive, the only option was the XK Motor which was released in 1976.
By overhaul do you mean a CLA (clean, lube adjust) or was there something else wrong? [/IMG]
My XK was very erratic in operation, the meter was all over the place. And I'm sure it was gummy inside. It was a complete rebuild including the AE and AE-S metering heads. Figured I better get it while I could.
Now I feel I can rely on this camera. It was very expensive but worth it to me. It's quite accurate now.
Anyone have any experience with these things? I've been really considering this camera. Would a Canon F-1 Or Nikon F2 be a better option? (I already own some Minolta glass)
It was this feature that made the XK not popular back then. Too many people people back then (including myself) think it's not right to have a pro level camera with aperture priority automation and electronic controlled shutter. Of course I was wrong.
My XK was very erratic in operation, the meter was all over the place. And I'm sure it was gummy inside. It was a complete rebuild including the AE and AE-S metering heads. Figured I better get it while I could.
Now I feel I can rely on this camera. It was very expensive but worth it to me. It's quite accurate now.
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