The Minolta SR-T Cameras: How to Use

This video pertains to all Minolta models:

SR-T 101 (1966-1975)
SR-M (1970-1975)
SR-T 100 (1971-1975)
SR-T 102 / SR-T Super / SR-T 303 (1973-1975)
SR-T SC / SR-T MC (1973-1975)
SR-T 202 / SR505 / SR-T 303b (1975-1977)
SR-T 201 / SR101 / SR-T 101b (1975-1977)
SR-T 200 / SR-T 100b (1975-1977)
SR-T 202 / SR505s / SR-T 303b (1977-1980)
SR-T 201 / SR101s / SR-T 101b (1977-1981)
SR-T 200 / SR-T 100x (1977-1981)
SR-T SC-II / SR-T MC-II (1977-1980)

Notes:

The X/FP switch: The X sync connector (or switch setting) would fire the flash only when the first shutter curtain was fully open, whereas the FP (Focal Plane) setting would fire the flash at the beginning of the exposure, before the first shutter curtain started to move. Why the difference? Flash bulbs had a slower burn; you could use ANY shutter speed with the FP setting, whereas newer electronic flashes would only flash for 1/10,000th of a second, so it was important that the entire frame of the film be exposed before the flash went off. For this reason you could only shoot with electronic flash at the camera’s flash sync speed (1/60th of a second, which is why it's painted red) or slower.

Many of the early models also had a mirror-lock-up function, which was useful for astrophotographers and others with long lenses. Locking the mirror in the "Up" position eliminated much of the internal vibration when you took a picture; vibration which sometimes led to camera shake and blurry pictures when using long lenses.

Back in the 1960's (earlier, actually) there were two competing standards for film speed: ASA and DIN (and you can see an equivalence table on the back of the camera). In 1987 the world migrated to ISO, which is essentially ASA with a new label.

[fladoodleflamy]

Best video I have ever seen on how to use an analog camera....

[nicolishus]

Gary, I just got a vintage minolta and this video is very helpful, probably watched it over 3 times! Thank you 🙏

[LongTimeTTFan]

There is something mystically appealing about the SR-T cameras. The build, the look, the feel, and the Sound are all inviting. I have a copy of the 100, 101, 102, 200, 201, and 202. Just having them and looking at them has a therapeutical effect. They make you feel good. Of all the mechanical cameras, the SR-T is my all time favorite. Thank you very much for your excellent vids about Minolta cameras.

[dancobb]

Bought the SRT303 in the US Navy exchange in 1973. Photographed most of the Mediterranean, Europe, and North Africa with it. Great camera, still have it. Sixth Fleet Flag, USS Little Rock. FTM3

[jamielikescoffee]

Thanks for this. I have used some of these cameras. Funny I have done hundreds of photoshoots and my best portrait ever was taken on a 101b. Sometimes mechanical simplicity is all you need :)

[effnemm]

i just randomly spiked interest in film photography and i am so thankfulfor your videos!!

[Hallacairion]

This is freaking nice.
I just got an srt 202 handed down from my mother and was trying to find out how it works.
This video is worth so much to me right now as all the old childhood pictures were taken with this camera

[Emma-zkit]

My first film camera was a XE-7. Is good to see people are getting back into film. It means that these cameras will continue to be used.

[jodiknutson]

I won a Minolta SRT 200 camera at an auction. And struggled with loading film in and even accidentally wasting a whole roll because I thought I loaded it in properly. This really helped and told me about some parts that I didn’t know what they were before. Thank you! (Fun fact: you can use this camera without a battery)

[alexanderlimper]

Thank you so much for excellent explanations that many store clerks have not been able to convey when I asked them! For example, I love your explanation of the f-stop preview button.

[Uchiha]

My first film camera is the SRT 100 !! Thanks for the video :)

[sharkpyro]

just got a SRT 100X for 20 bucks in mint condition, i already have some minolta mc/md lenses, this video was very useful thank you

[nomadben]

I first got into photography around 2011, and bought my first "real" camera, which was a Minolta SRT-101. I even made a video about it at the time. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it, it's a lovely piece of engineering. It still works great, of course (although the light meter isn't very accurate anymore).

I enjoy your videos Gary, your enthusiasm for what you do really shines through.

[sketchysketchin]

Ah, this is so handy and comprehensive. My dad found a whole kit with a well cared for Minolta srt102 with some cool nice lenses, and he gave it to me to try to sell. I think I’m going to try to mess around with it for a while, this video really sold me on the whole thing! Thank you for your time and expertise!

[ArtWong]

Thanks for this video. I still have the SRT-101 that my dad bought us to use growing up. I shoot maybe a roll or two a year with it, plus another roll or two in my AF film bodies. I've been using the 1.4V zinc air batteries with an adapter. I'll have to remember to overexpose a little. Thanks for the tip. I do love "slow photography" from time to time, not rely on all of the automation available to us nowadays. I have an old XE-7, my main camera back in the day, but its like meter is a mess and I prefer not to have to "sunny 16" it all of the time.

[sydneytomlinson]

I just got an SRT-202 as my first film camera and this video has been extremely helpful. Thank you! This was way better than all the other info I found online and certainly more entertaining than the manual :)

[ScottPC]

Your explanation on shutters and f are amazing. Never heard anyone explain this so clearly.

[harleycashinfo]

Just bought some Fuji film at Walmart for my 1971 Minolta SR-T 101 for the Eclipse tomorrow just put in new light seals had to come back and watch to make sure I loaded film right 😂 I know these are different than my other 35mm thanks great video I love this Camera/ Tank can't wait to use it, and Kodak and Polaroid making film again too yeah my first roll in 30 years.

[Zukax]

I just got one yesterday, this video was super helpful thank you

[scottpaprocki]

You have an excellent demeanor for these type of videos...nice work!