I DIDN'T Expect to Like ANY Camera THIS MUCH: The Minolta SR-T 102 Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 11. 2021
- The Minolta SRT 102 is a LOW KEY But Top of the Line Film SLR that has TOP-NOTCH Build Quality UNMATCHED By any other SLR. Add to this some SERIOUSLY Great Minolta Glass and You are all set for your Film Photography Adventures!
Donate to my Channel paypal.me/FilmPhotoChannel
Buy Film at Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/YY6rR
Buy Film on Amazon: amzn.to/2OLDXwy
Buy New/Used Cameras at Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/YY6rR
Epson V850 from Adorama: adorama.rfvk.net/jWeXVM
World's BEST flatbed scanner: amzn.to/3tYAtKB
World's BEST 35mm scanner: amzn.to/3neXLJq
Buy Film, New/Used Cameras at Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/YY6rR
My Blog: filmphotochannel.blogspot.com
My Flickr Channel: tinyurl.com/ydfvjkg9 - Jak na to + styl
I watched my late dad unbox that thing, the SR-T 303b. He was more of a rangefinder guy, but his beloved Retina IIc broke, so he was open for something new - an SLR. Still fully mechanical camera was required. And he was shooting with this camera for a few years. But as soon as his Retina got fixed, I was blessed with almost mint Minolta 303b with that same 50/1.7 lens. And I have that combo to this day. No service and / or CLA whatsoever. And it still works...
The 102 was my first "serious" camera. Bought it in 1975. I've owned lots of good cameras since then, but the 102 remains my favorite 😊
Thanks Eric, by far the most comprehensive overviews out there. These Minolta SLRs & lenses are great value these days
They really are great cameras. Very well constructed with great lens options plus legendary Minolta metering.
Just found your video. I am thinking of buying this camera and your explanation is just wonderful to watch. Thanks a lot for this! I could listen to your voice explaining cameras all day❤
Thanks so much! I’m glad it was helpful
I used the predecessor, the Minolta SRT 101, in the early seventies. It was a joy to use and one of the most beautiful cameras to behold.
loved this info. You've sold me on this guy. Now i'm going to go find one! Glad I found your channel - it's great to learn from someone with so much experience!
The SRT is the camera that made me fall in love with film photography.
Like your earlier M645 review, I love the depth of detail in your videos. I go back and rewatch them because they are so informative. Kudos.
Thanks bits my intent to make them a reference guide so that’s good to hear.
agree fully !
This was a wonderful review. I think you did an excellent job highlighting what makes these cameras special :)
Thanks so much!
So detailed and well explained SR-T video !
I have SR -T 303 and SR-T Super, which are the same as the 102. And i agree 100%, these are wonderful and very well built cameras. Very clear viewfinder.
And the Rokkor lenses deliver wonderful, sharp and colourful pictures with a SR-T camera.
Thanks for this reference video !
Thanks for watching. It’s a wonderful camera with incredible optics. I was blown away after developing the first roll.
Eric, another excellent video on a beautiful vintage film camera. I truly enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great in-depth review. I have several of these cameras, as well as other SRT variants, and they’re built like tanks. Great cameras for the beginner (all-manual really forces one to think) through the advanced hobbyist.
I agree 100%. Great optics as well.
Another excellent video, always really interesting
I really enjoy your thorough reviews that have so much detail. Definitely subscribed. I own an SR-1. So I'm guessing an earlier predecessor to the one you reviewed, but it's a pretty nice camera. I enjoyed you getting into the details! Thanks for another well produced and informative video!
I’m really glad you found it useful! Thanks
My all time favorite camera!!! Thanks for reviewing!!!
Happy to do it.
I love Minolta SRTs! MY first camera was the SRT MC, a cheap variant often sold in Kmart, but it works great! Still use it to this day. Thanks for the nice video!
Thanks so much for stopping by my channel!
Another great, and thorough review! I had one briefly (purchased for a charity auction package) and was impressed as well. Just as you pointed out, the 50 1.7 produced fantastic results. The view finder definitely helped my old eyes there.
Yes the viewfinder is great for my fading eyesight as well. It’s even usable with my glasses on.
Awesome video, brings back memories, my Grandmother taught me photography with this camera, also an SRT-101, cheers!
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m really enjoying the camera. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do.
Extremely informative video, thank you for putting it together.
Thanks, I’m glad you found it useful.
Thank you for your thorough video. I found one, that seems to be in pretty good shape, for 30 clams. I've been into photography for the last 10 years but just recently got the bug for film after I received my dad's Cannon Rebel G after he passed.
My dad had the SRT 100B, I have and XD-11 it's such a beautiful camera, with a damped mirror and metal focal plane shutter that sounds and feels superb.
I bought it on e-bay for £23, about $30 with a 135mm f1:3.5 lens. The shutter wouldn't release even in "O" mode.
It was worth the 25 hour CLA effort, I have the brilliant 50mm f1:1.7, I was using with an MD mount adaptor on my Fuji X-E3. Just excellent!
Love your videos!
I learned photography on this and an XGM. They were my mother’s, I still keep them in working order with my own X700. Great cameras, great glass.
They are impressive cameras and like you said the glass is exceptional.
This camera or X700 and why?
The Minolta X700 is a more advanced camera that offers TTL flash exposure and an available power winder (2fps) or motor drive (MD-1) that can use up your film at the rate of 3.5fps. It also has auto exposure modes that some people may prefer. I’m perfectly happy to use the manual exposure mode in the SR-T102. I also like the look of it as well as the full-info finder. If I had a legitimate need for the automation that the X700 offers I might choose it but I like to keep things simple when it comes to film photography.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks so much!!!
Great content as always!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the excellent review! Looking for a new Minolta body after my XG-M failed
I've got the 100b and the Super (303b). I just love the design and simplicity... It just works with far less potential issues than the later, more electronic models.
I know it's VERY unlikely but I'd love to see Sony pay respect to their Minolta roots and release a modern camera styled on this... It would set a record for camera sales. Such a beautiful classic.
I had to sign in to like the video and say thanks for the tip about pressing the aperture preview button to shut off the meter! Turning that switch on the bottom of my camera between shots has been my biggest complaint for my SR-T 101. Great content throughout your channel!
Glad I could help!
Im about to start film photography and Im glad i got this as my first vintage cam!
It’s a great photographic tool. Top notch lenses too. I was just marveling at some Ektar photos I took recently with my SR-T102.
Good review of the camera, I would like to handle one sometime, but I’ve limited myself to just Nikon for all of my SLR needs for simplicity. Also I’ve noticed your production quality of your videos has improved and looks/sounds very professional. I know it is a lot of work, but the final product is very high quality.
Yeah my video production is a work in progress. Thanks for noticing tho
My brother got me a 303b (called 202 in the US) and i absolutely love it. It's almost the same as this except the mirror lock up feature was removed and a film safe-load indicator was added.
To me the weight is my favorite part because it gives a feeling of quality and i'm used to modern Canon 1D cameras and i don't use a neck strap with any of my cameras and the weight of this camera makes this feel really secure in my hand.
I agree 100% that it feels well made. I don’t mind the weight either but I just wonder why it’s so heavy compared to like a Nikon F3 or Canon A1 etc. I think the internals are super robust and made from heavier metals like brass or something.
I like cameras that have mirror lockup. This does.
All your camera reviews are excellent; this one is no exception. I just picked up a SRT Super (102) on ebay and waiting for delivery...cross my fingers it's a good one.
It’s an exquisite camera. Thanks for stopping by!
I have a similar SrT-201 that I first shot last week. I'm amazed a basic 45mm lens can be so sharp. I had no experience with MD Minoltas before, but I'm quickly won over!
It’s a great system. The lenses are so good that it’s hard to believe that I didn’t discover them sooner.
Great informative video! Good job. I have the SRT-303 (the European version of the SRT-102) I have the 1.4 50mm Rokkor lens. Mine is refurbished by my camera repair guy. Absolutely love it!
It’s an absolutely solid, well built, functional and all around awesome camera. 👍
The SR 102 is an absolute Unit of a camera. The Apex of Minolta in Mechanical design.
I agree 100%! It feels so substantial and well engineered. A true gem in the film camera world.
Great job explaining this camera and its functions. I have this same camera, and I can’t understand why the same vintage Pentax cameras are going for so much more. However, I did like the LED meter on my Pentax MX better. But, I agree with you, Eric, the SRT series are very well made.
I love Minolta SR-T series...!!! I have the SR-T 303b (my dad's camera), the SR-T 101 and the SR-T 100x...!!! Thank for the video...!!! Greetings from Buenos Aires.
Thanks for watching. Greetings from a very snowy and cold Northern Virginia. 🥶
It was great, thank you!
Thanks so much!
Thank you for making this video...I was only 13mins into the video but went and found an SRT 102 on ebay in great condition with the 1.4 50mm lens for USD$125...I am hoping it works just as well as the example in your hands in this video. I love your voice too...so smooth and calming. Thank you.
Thanks a lot. It’s an awesome camera
So my 'new' SRT102 arrived. Yes, it's heavy. Yes, it has the odd scratch and the odd ding and chip....but it is amazing. It gives a satisfying SLR clunk everything I depress the manual shutter....and the light meter works just like it is 1975. Great piece of Japanese engineering.
Thanks for sharing! There’s something very satisfying about using this camera. I really appreciate the engineering. Even if it’s a little heavy. 😀
Excellent video. Brand new camera? Where can I get such cameras ?
My first 35mm SLR was a Minolta SR-T Super with Rokkor 50mm f 1.4.
A fantastic camera and lens combination. Later i bought 35mm f3.5, 28mm 2.8, 58mm f1.2 135mm f3.5 and 40mm f2.
Wonderful days.
First multi point metering, first AF,(7000) First eye control AF (7 xi) first auto zoom (xi series with xi lens) WOW.
Very nice to see you post more videos. I am glad to see you well and busy with film photography!!
I am also part of the #minoltagang.
A couple of remarks:
1. You were lucky to find a SRT102 WITH the mirror lock up feature. Later models in the same series omitted that and when buying one online it's rare to find this specified by sellers.
2. "TOP-NOTCH Build Quality UNMATCHED By any other SLR"
Hi, Awesome video. I just bought the srt303 in mint condition for about $100 total. Do you know where I can get the winder plastic and? Been searching no luck.
Hi I found this: www.ebay.com/itm/122625986820
These Minoltas and their lenses have amazing clarity.
Absolutely! Great glass and a tank of a camera! So well built.
can I use MC and MD lenses ? I bought a Minolta XG1 and thinking of picking up an SRT camera.
Damn I have one of these lying around and you've really made me want to take out for a spin. I haven't shot a roll through it so I am hoping the shutter speeds are fine. :fingerscrossed:
I have the Minolta 50 1.4 (got it for use on mirrorless digital) so I look forward to trying that on this. Also have a Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 in Minolta mount which would also be fun as well as a Minolta 135 2.8 which unfortunately has some mold and is just too big for me to want to use with this heavy camera tbh
thanks for the video!
Good to hear. It’s a fun camera to use. Enjoy!
Great review!! How does one decide from the SRT 101, 102, 201 or 202 😂😅 any help would be so appreciated!
I chose the the 102 in order to get the full information display in the viewfinder. They are otherwise very similar cameras that yield identical results.
I just stumbled on this video after watching the Baby Leica shootout. I’ve had 3 SRT’s and 2 X700 cameras. Loved them all. Currently have an SRT 201 and an X700. While the SRT series is heavy, I’d say we are spoiled with the more modern, lighter cameras. Cameras like the SRT’s and Nikon F4 and F5’s could probably beat off a bear attack and photograph it at the same time! Two videos in and I have subscribed. Looking forward to more. Oh-and I also have the Canon QL 17 GIII. That thing is solid, too!
Thanks for the sub! I’ve been carrying around my QL17GIII lately with some T-Max 100 loaded inside. I’m looking forward to making some new content in the spring.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I saw your video on the QL17, but the audio was really low. I listen more than watch while in the car. I’ll try again with earbuds; might make a difference.
Great review Eric. How's the Rollei 35S going? Any chance of an update? Cheers and regards.
I did an update video after I got it back from the shop that fixed the slow shutter speed problem. I carried it with me all summer. I keep it with me just about everywhere I go. I might make another video simply based on how much I use it.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Look forward to that. FYI For my Rollei 35S I have sorted 37mm Yellow and Red filters real cheap ( About$US5 each) from Ali Express . Then from Ebay a 30.5mm to 37mm adaptor. ($US3.27) Works as a lens hood as well. The correct size filters are 30.5mm but almost cost as much as the camera so a good solution. Cheers!
Cyanoacrylate adhesives (such as Crazy Glue) appeared on the consumer market in quantity during the 1970s.
Good to know. I was wondering out loud, lol
This was my first SLR ever. It came with an excellent Rokkor f1.7 lens. Later on I would purchase a 35mm, a 70mm and 80-210 zoom lens. I never knew about the fancy metering and even if I did, I probably wouldn't understand it back then ? I took some great pictures with this camera and developed them in my home made darkroom. I had a choice between this camera and a Pentax K1000. I decided to go Minolta for some reason, maybe because it looked better. Back then (late 1980's) Pentax was already on a downward spiral. The top 3 were Nikon, Canon & Minolta.
Yeah I would definitely pick the Minolta over a K1000. It’s such a well made camera and the optics are absolutely superb!
Old Minoltas are great cameras, the Rokkor-lenses are even better.
Nice video! How does this camera meter if it doesn't do that when you press the DOF button? I mean if you have set aperture to f/8, but that does not stop down the lens (as I understand what you mentioned), then how does the camera meter for f/8 at f/1.7?
It used a little tab at the base of the lens that tells the meter what aperture the lens is set to. The meter then reacts as if the lens were physically stopped down.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel OK, so it takes a metering without stopping down and calculates this into whatever the aperture is? It doesn't do a direct metering stopped down like my Ricoh Singlex TLS does. On the Ricoh when you turn on the metering you will also get DOF preview.
My SRT Super doesn't stop moving when I click the button at the buttom to release the spool hold (without film) like you did in the video. I wanna do a double exposure so badly :( what to do?
Maybe a malfunction? I only know one way to do a double exposure on the SR-T which is how i demonstrated in the video. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
I like your style. It is my experience that the wein cell batteries are costly and do not last long. MR-9 Adapters are apparently a good alternative. Also I here a voltage regulator adapter corrects well.
I've just ordered a SRT 202 body. I'm confused about the lenses though. I have a couple of Minolta lenses, both just say MD 50mm Minolta...neither say Rokkor. Will they be compatible with the SRT 202..or do I need to look for the MC Rokkor lenses.?
I explain lens compatibility in the video. Check to be sure but MD lenses should be compatible.
I'm pretty sure that all MD lenses should be quite happy on any SRT body. It was Minolta's alpha-mount Maxxum autofocus line that truly eliminated backwards compatibility.
@@willhouse Thank you.. Minolta lenses were a little confusing but I'm now finding a lot of compatibility between the cameras and lenses. I appreciate your reply.
Looks like new. Never had a SRT, because i got my XE before (switched from XG-M).
Yeah it’s pretty minty!
It is a fantastic camera. Incredibly cheap for what it is. I have several, here in Europe it's the SRT 303. In Sweden I can't find someone to do the maintenance so I had to learn how to do it myself. It has its tricks but it is a mechanical gem. There are not many people who know the details that you talked about, such as why the SRT series had a MLU, everyone thinks that its main function was to avoid vibrations of the mirror and the real reason was the non-retrofocus wide angle lenses lenses that needed the mirror up to fit . You have very good taste and now you just need to pair the camera with a MC 58 f1.4 : ) your videos are getting better and better . I really enjoyed your video, thank you very much.
I’m very glad you enjoyed the video. The 58mm is one of the great lenses for this camera as I’ve read but I unfortunately don’t have one at this point. I really appreciate the build quality of this gem. I’m really looking forward to doing more reviews in the summer of 2022 since I’ve thankfully gotten past an ongoing physical issue that’s been preventing me from doing so over the past year or so. Please stay tuned and my sincere thanks.
Excellent review! I missed one on the flea market witch was sold for just 25 euro/30-ish USD..
It’s a very capable camera. Hope you find a good deal on one soon!
These lenses are great on your digital equipment. Well priced.
These lenses are great on Minolta cameras primarily.
Whenever I see a review of a 70’s SLR film camera. The reviewer always says you should not use the built in light meter because it’s probably dead because of the age of the camera. And they recommend using a app on your phone as a light meter.
But it sounds like you clearly recommend to use the built in light meter even though it is very old? How do I know for sure it works correctly on my SRT-101? Of course i need to put the correct batteries in it. But besides that, how do I know if it works as it should? And Can I trust the built in light meter evertime?
You can compare it to the metering App on your phone. I fount the Minolta meter to be spot on and completely accurate. Most of my older SLRs, Leica rangefinder and even my fixed-lens compacts have very accurate metering. The only problem I’ve had has been with my Pentax cameras, specifically the K1000 and ME super. I talk about those issues in the video reviewing those cameras.
I don’t see the link for the battery, did you post that?
Here’s a link. Double check before you buy always. Thanks. amzn.to/3DsTZF8
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Much appreciated, thank you
There is actually a mathematical formula that defines how many cameras you should own. It is X = n + 1 where n is the number of cameras you have now and X is how many you need. ;-)
Makes so much sense, lol
Nice. My father had a 101 and I don't think it had the full info viewfinder. Once you've used a full info finder you want nothing less. This is in a much higher league than the over-priced Pentax K1000, more like a KX. The ISO 6-6400 range (~10 stops) on the dial does not necessarily mean the meter has a 10 stop range, it is just an electrical bias on the metering circuit. No film was tha fast as 6400 back then, but people could push-process.
Did I miss the link to the battery for this camera?
Hi I’m not sure if I posted a link so here it is. amzn.to/37xvgDh please confirm before purchasing. Thanks.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel You're awesome! Thank you so much for your super helpful review of this camera!
@@ethancarpenter8365 It will also take LR-44 batteries from the dollar store. But you'll have to get your meter recalibrated.
Those film take-up spools are geared to turn somewhat faster than the indexing sprockets, but have a slipping clutch so as to keep a tension on the film entering the spool. It the clutch wears, tension is lost and the film will bunch up rather than be wound on.
That sounds like what was happening. I had the option to return it so I just did that.
Hello . Great review 👍.
I'm a minolta shooter just for it's Glasses That i have . Rokkor lenses are fabulous ،Unique and unrepeatable. I also have srt 303b that is the same line of 102 . Its really good camera. I have two problem with it . The first is that the meter's on/off Switch is a little annoying. The second is that aperture reading through the viewfinder is a little hard . Other than those it has really good metering system , the lockable dof preview is useful for some lens like minolta rokkor 85mm f2.8 varisoft and i really enjoy using match needle system .
Regards 👍.
Thanks for sharing. Good information.
Ooh! I am *legit envious* of anybody who has a varisoft.
@@willhouse oh man . Yeah it's a one of the minolta legendary lenses . I hope you find one for yourself. Although the price is very high.
I had a Minolta xg-1. A good quality small cheap camera. Read an interview with the actor Graham Stark the actor who was a great portrait photographer. He raved about this lens. I went and bought one. At the time it cost more than all my existing kit. I used and used it. In the end I added another body, a X700. Over time I completely stopped using 50mm lenses. Just the 85mm and a 35mm one on each body for nearly all my photography. Getting back into the hobby that lens is what I miss most of my old kit.
Funny you should mention the SR-M. I’v still got mine. I’ve had it since the 70’s.
Around the :38 second mark in the video the SR-M is listed along with all the other great SR series cameras. Also around 10:32 I show the SR-M as the only SR camera with motor drive capability.
Please, please doa review on the XD!!!
Gladly but I don’t have one at the moment.
whats the purpose of the battery?
The battery is only for the light meter. This is an otherwise a fully mechanical camera.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you
You want to really get great photos. Track down a Minolta 35-70 ` 2 step" lens. Seperate focus and zoom. I have that lens and I really love that lens
Good tip! I’ll take a look at one n
I love you, stay black