The Rokkor Files - The Minolta SR Series

The Minolta SR-T Series of cameras launched in 1966 was a huge step forward from the SR Series that had preceeded it. For the first time Minolta had released a camera with through the lens metering, but unlike its competitors it did this at full aperture. Where other manufacturers were struggling with systems where the photographer would have to stop the lens down to check the metering, the Minolta SR-T101 enabled metering to be conducted with the lens wide open. This meant that the meter reading in the viewfinder was always clear and bright, and that the photographic process could be more about inspiration, not perspiration.

To support this system an entire new range of lenses were introduced, the "MC" line (for "meter coupled"). These lenses incorporated a lever that communicated the aperture of the lens to the camera body, enabling the system to work. Naturally, the older Auto lenses still worked on the SR-T101, but required to be stopped down for metering.

The SR-T series was manufactured for 15 years, and the cameras had many variations over that period. The timeline for production of these cameras, and the details of the different cameras in the SR-T Series are as follows:

As can be seen above, there was a major revision of the SR-T line in 1975, with a change to all of the model names and many of the features. Less well known is the fact that there was another major change to the line in 1977, with many changes to internal parts, and noticeably the elimination of the FP/X flash switch and a change to the metering system. These changes were introduced without a change in model names, which can make selecting the late model SR-T that you might want quite challenging.

Given the number of different model designations for SR-T cameras, if you wish to jump straight to one model rather than read through the history, simply click on the link below:

	SR-T101 (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)



		The SR-T101 - An outstanding camera when released and still very useable and popular today.
	The SR-T101 was the first camera released in the SR-T Series in April 1966, and its success is shown by the exceptionally long period for which it was manufactured. The SR-T101 incorporated for the first time through the lens metering at full aperture, making the process of photography much more simple and opening up the world of photography to many newcomers. However, it was not just the fact that the camera metered at full aperture that was revolutionary about the SR-T101. The camera actually incorporated the world's first matrix metering system, called the 'Contrast Light Compensator' system by Minolta. The system used two seperate metering cells, situated at different parts of the pentaprism. These cells measured the light falling on different parts of the viewfinder screen, and provide a reading that takes into account the contrast in a scene. As a result, the camera has the capacity to significantly reduce underexposure of shadows or other dark areas in a photo, by minimising the effect of particularly bright areas which are brighter than the real average of the scene. While it sounds complex, it actually does work, and this fact helped the SR-T101 to become one of the most popular cameras of its era. Other key features of the camera included a viewfinder that displayed the selected shutter speed, mirror lock-up for use with non-retrofocus wide angle lenses, and a depth of field preview button that enabled the photographer to stop the lens down to the taking aperture to assess the depth of field. The major specifications of the camera were as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Mirror lock-up Exposure control needle and selected shutter speed visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Fine microprism focusing with Fresnel lens Automatic reset film counter Accessory shoe (cold) Self timer Depth of field preview button In 1969 Minolta adopted ISO standards, formerly using Japan Industry Standards (JIS). The changeover to the new system involved the company switching from slotted screws to cross-head (Philips) screws for both internal and external construction. Because of this, many parts were modified, if only slightly. Some changes characterized on the SR-T 101 are a different placement of top cover screws and a change to the shutter-speed dial. This was originally black with a fine knurled edge (as shown in the above image) but became chrome (black for black bodies) with a knobby edge. Additionally, towards the end of the SR-T 101 the mirror lock-up feature was removed, presumably at the same time that it was removed on the SR-T 102. Models of the SR-T 101 without mirror lock-up are relatively rare. It is noted that while there is a tendency to think of the SR-T 101 as an entirely new model due to the significant change from the SR Series inherent in its radical new metering system, in fact it would be more appropriate to regard it as an evolution from the SR Series. In fact, many of the internal mechanical parts developed for the SR-7v were used in the SR-T 101, and were not changed until the model was redesigned in 1975. Even now, nearly 40 years after it was released, the SR-T101 remains a potent photographic tool. As a principal camera, it makes an excellent and reliable tool. As a second body to a more recent model Minolta camera the argument in favour of the SR-T is even more powerful. None of the later models after the SR-T Series boasted a fully mechanical body, and this feature can make photography in very cold conditions from a trial to a pleasure. Additionally, after the SR-T only the XK Series body has the mirror lock-up feature. While originally designed for use with the 21mm non-retrofocus wide angle lens, the mirror lock-up feature is especially useful for photomacrography and when using very long telephoto lenses. These two features alone virtually demand that the SR-T be considered by Minolta manual focus photographers. To review an advertising brochure for the SR-T101 (highly recommended for its description of the metering system) simply click on the image below.


	Brochure for SR-T101 (pdf 472KB)



		The very rare Minolta SRM had an integrated motor drive, and was designed for high workload professional applications.
	In April 1970 Minolta released its first motorised camera, the SR-M. The SR-M had what Minolta called a "unitized" motor drive, which was non-detachable. The rationale behind this arrangement was that the camera and drive combination would be sturdier and more reliable if the motor drive formed an integral part of the camera body. The motor drive enabled single or continuous motorised use, with the continuous drive at a rate of 3 frames per second. The camera required eight AA batteries to power the motor drive, which were stored in the attached handgrip. The handgrip had a shutter release to facilitate use. Surprisingly, the camera did not include a meter. The rationale for this is that CdS meters are slow to react to sudden changes in light levels. While later silicon meters are able to reassess the meter reading in the instant between exposures, the CdS meters in use at the time could not meter correctly for subsequent frames due to the mirror blackout that occured at the moment of exposure. In addition to lacking a meter, the SR-M also did not have a depth of field preview button or a self timer, causing some people to contend that the camera was actually a modified SR body, and should fall into that category, as opposed to the SR-T category. In fact, the SR-T, SR-M and SR-7v all use a majority of the same parts, and accordingly the SR-M could be classed as either SR or SR-T. Personally, I feel that the SR-M belongs more to the SR-T family due to its appearance, and the era in which it was available. Specifications of the body are as follows: Single lens reflex camera motorised film advance. Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Motorised film advance at up to three frames per second Motorised rewind with automatic stop Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Mirror lock-up Visibility 94% of actual film image Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Ground glass with fine microprism focusing circle Automatic reset film counter Accessory shoe (cold) Weight 1560gm with f1.7 lens (without batteries) The SR-M was designed for professional use, and came with an extensive range of accessories to support this use, including a 250 frame back. Minolta obviously considered that there was a market for a motorised meterless camera, and while that may have been the case, the scarcity of the SR-M in used markets would indicate that the market was quite small. Today I imagine that unlike many other older Minolta bodies, very few SR-Ms are still in regular use. The lack of a meter (even a clip on meter) severely limits the utilisation of the camera for general photography. Unlike most of the other SR-T models which were available in chrome and black finish, the SR-M was available only in black. The black finish on a regular SR-T cost an extra $10 or so, but it is actually a less durable finish than the chrome, and wears easily. This means that an SR-M without significant brassing is a real find, and will normally command a very high price.


	The SR-M with 250 frame back installed.


	While the SR-1s had served as the economy model behind the SR-T 101 for some time, competitive forces and technological change meant that by 1971 the SR-1s could no longer compete effectively in the new camera market. In response, in March 1971 Minolta released a new lower tier camera based upon the SR-T 101, called the SR-T 100. The major specifications of the camera were as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/500 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Fine microprism focusing with Fresnel lens Automatic reset film counter Accessory shoe (cold) Depth of field preview button The SR-T 100 had the key feature of the SR-T 101 being the TTL metering, but many features of the SR-T101 were omitted in its design. The camera had a top speed of 1/500 sec instead of 1/1000 sec, it had no mirror lock up and no self timer. Critically, it no longer displayed the shutter speed in the viewfinder. Naturally all of these changes enabled significant savings in production costs. The lack of all of these features makes the SR-T100 a poor choice for someone seeking to purchase an SR-T model today.



		An example of the SR-T Super. This model is regarded by some as the best camera made by Minolta. It is certainly the best fully mechanical camera.The SR-T Super incorporated a full information viewfinder, mirror lock-up, multiple exposure capability and a built in hot shoe.
	In March 1973 Minolta released a new flagship model camera, replacing the SR-T101, which while still in production, was relegated to a secondary position. The new camera was the SR-T 102. At this stage Minolta also commenced its practice of naming cameras differently in different markets, which it carries on to this day. In this respect, the SR-T102 was named the SR-T 303 in Europe, and the SR-T Super in Asia-Pacific. Changes to the SRT101 are small, but significant to the advanced amateur photographer. Firstly, the camera included a full information viewfinder, whereby the lens aperture and selected shutter speed are shown in the viewfinder display. A photographer need never take his eye away from the finder now to check any details. Secondly, a split image rangefinder was added to the focusing screen as a new focusing aid. A multiple-exposure capability was also added through the use of the film release button. While this could be done on the other models, it was unpredictable and the photographer needed to hold the film rewind knob to ensure that the film was not advanced partially during the process. This was no longer a problem with the new model. Finally, the cold flash shoe was replaced by a hotshoe, eliminating the need for use of a sync cord when using electronic flash. These changes, although relatively minor, make the SR-T 102 probably the most attractive of all of the SR-T models to photographers today. It is noted however, that Minolta did cease production of SR-T 102 models with mirror lock-up partway through the model run. Accordingly, if looking for a SR-T 102, 303 or Super, be sure to check that the particular example you are interested in has mirror lock-up. The major specifications of the camera were as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Mirror lock-up (on most examples) Exposure control needle, selected shutter speed and aperture visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Mat-Fresnel-field focusing screen with split-image spot surrounded by microprism band Automatic reset film counter Accessory hotshoe Self timer Depth of field preview button

Minolta entered into arrangements with major US department stores for the sale of its cameras. In order to ensure that the cameras sold in these stores were differentiated so that advertising from the stores was not dispersed to camera stores etc, these cameras were slightly different, with a different name and different features.

Essentially the SR-T SC and SR-T MC were a cross between a SR-T 100 and a SR-T 101. The maximum shutter speed was 1/1000 sec, and the camera had a depth of field preview button (like the 101), but there was no self timer. A hot shoe was also added. The focusing screen was changed to a microprism only focusing screen (ie. no additional focusing aids). The MC was available in black only, and also had the shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder. The SC was produced in chrome, and was without the shutter speed display.

The SR-T SC was sold exclusively by Sears stores in the USA, while the MC was sold by K-Mart and J.C Penney in the USA and K-Mart in Europe.



	The SR-T 303b. The top of the line SR-T post-1975.
	In August 1975 Minolta upgraded the entire range with minor new features, and renamed the cameras. The top of the line SR-T 102 became the SR-T 202, or SR505 in Japan and SR-T 303b in Europe. There is some speculation that this was conducted as simply a marketing measure, but it is considered more likely that Minolta had a plan for progressive upgrades to the platform, with respective model improvements every few years. The camera remained very similar to the previous model, with some minor changes. Unfortunately, the mirror lock-up feature that had been present on the SR-T 102 was now gone. In its place was a new feature, a film safe-load indicator to tell the photographer that the film had correctly been attached to the take-up spool. Additionally, the camera now had a film memo holder on the back door to take a film box top to remind the photographer of the type of film loaded. Another change over this period that however did not affect functionality was the switch from a metal aperture follower ring to a black plastic ring. The major specifications of the top of the line SR-T body were now as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Exposure control needle, selected shutter speed and aperture visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Mat-Fresnel-field focusing screen with split-image spot surrounded by microprism band Film safe-load indicator Automatic reset film counter Film memo holder Accessory hotshoe Self timer Depth of field preview button The SR-T 202 (SR505 SR-T 303b) remains an excellent choice for a serious photographer looking for a mechanical camera to use with Minolta manual focus lenses. In the event that the photographer feels that he/she is unlikely to use the mirror lock-up feature, it is actually probably a better choice, as the film safe-load indicator is a great feature.



		The SR-T 101b in chrome and black. The black units were more expensive and are generally harder to find today, particularly in good condition.
	The venerable SR-T 101 was updated along with the remainder of the SR-T line in 1975, becoming the SR-T 201 (or SR101 in Japan and SR-T 101b in Europe and Asia Pacific excluding Japan). The changes to the camera as a part of the upgrade were not significant, and were generally in line with what was happening with the other models. The camera lost its mirror lock-up feature, and in its place received a hot shoe and a film memo holder. The specifications for the mid-range SR-T 201 were now: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Exposure control needle and selected shutter speed visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Automatic reset film counter Film memo holder Accessory hotshoe Self timer Depth of field preview button The SR-T 201 (SR101/SR-T101b) remained in production until finally being retired in 1981, however was subject to a major change after 1977. This change included major alterations to the metering system, and given the magnitude of the change, the later model cameras have been covered in a seperate section. A brochure for the SR-T 101b from 1975 is available below. Simply click on the image to open a pdf file of the brochure.


	SR-T 101b Brochure from 1975 (pdf 858KB)


	The base model SR-T 100 was also updated in 1975 when the other models were altered. The camera remained similar to the previous budget model, with the top speed increased from 1/500 sec to 1/1000 sec.. The major specifications of the budget SR-T body were now as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Exposure control needle visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X and FP) Automatic reset film counter Accessory shoe As with the original SR-T 100, the later budget model does not have a lot to recommend it when other more fully featured models are now available for similar prices. At the time, however, it remained an attractive option for someone seeking a fully mechanical body with a limited budget.


	The 1977 change to the top of the line SR-T was very minor compared to the other models, as in the SR-T 202 and its equivalents the Contrast Light Compensation metering system was retained. The only real changes that did occur were the elimination of the FP flash sync and changes to the depth of field preview button. The major specifications of the top of the line SR-T body were now as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Exposure control needle, selected shutter speed and aperture visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X) Mat-Fresnel-field focusing screen with split-image spot surrounded by microprism band Film safe-load indicator Automatic reset film counter Film memo holder Accessory hotshoe Self timer Depth of field preview button The depth of field preview feature in all of the post 1977 SR-Ts was changed from that offered previously. Prior to 1977, most SR-Ts had a locking depth of field preview button (eg. press once to engage, then again to release). After 1977, all models had a depress and hold, non-locking button. The SR-T 202 (SR505s SR-T 303b) remains an excellent choice for a serious photographer looking for a mechanical camera to use with Minolta manual focus lenses.



		The SR-T 101b late (post 1977) model. Note the lack of a 'CLC' designation on the front of the prism.
	After only minor changes to the SR-T 201/101b/SR101 in 1975, in 1977 there was a major simplification of the model line. Interestingly, this occured without fanfare, or even changes to the model designation, except in Japan where the SR101 became the SR101s. The most significant of the changes implemented at this time was the elimination of the Contrast Light Compensation metering system. Where the SR-T range had previously used this excellent metering system, to save on costs the two CdS cells (one fore and one aft) were replaced with a single, slightly smaller oval shaped cell aft. Additionally with the obsolescense of flash bulbs, the FP flash synchronisation was eliminated. One positive feature however, was the introduction of a new improved focusing screen, with a split image focusing aid, and a finer Fresnel mat area, which changed from 16 lpmm to 24 lpmm. The specifications for the mid-range SR-T 201 were now: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Exposure control needle and selected shutter speed visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X only) Mat-Fresnel-field focusing screen with split-image spot surrounded by microprism band Automatic reset film counter Film memo holder Accessory hotshoe Self timer Depth of field preview button The SR-T 201 (SR101/SR-T101b) remained in production until finally being retired in 1981, an amazing achievement given the camera was still very similar to the original SR-T 101 released in 1966. Of interest to some is the fact that Minolta released a black bodied SR-T 201 exclusively through Ritz Camera that had a hard-wearing rubber waffle leatherette. To read the brochure for the post 1977, non-CLC version of the camera, simply click on the image below.


		SR-T 101b brochure from 1981 (pdf 611KB)



	The SR-T 100x. While the budget model, it was still a very capable camera.
	The base model SR-T 200 (100b) was also updated in 1977 when the other models were altered. The body received a hotshoe and the FP flash synchronisation was removed, and later during the model run the CLC metering system was replaced with the simplified metering system. The new focusing screen from the 201 with a split-image spot surrounded by a microprism band was also added at the time that the metering system was replaced. The USA model remained designated the SRT-200, while the European/Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) model became the SR-T 100x. The major specifications of the budget SR-T body were now as follows: Single lens reflex camera with through-the-lens meter coupled to shutter and film speed. Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100 with f/1.4 lens. Film speeds supported ASA 6-6400 Fully mechanical cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B Shutter speeds 1-1/60 sec with electronic flash Oversized quick return mirror for no image cut-off even with supertelephoto lenses Exposure control needle visible in viewfinder Flash synchronisation (X only) Mat-Fresnel-field focusing screen with split-image spot surrounded by microprism band Automatic reset film counter Accessory hotshoe As with the original SR-T 100, the later budget model does not have a lot to recommend it when other more fully featured models are now available for similar prices. Click on the image below to see an advertising brochure for the SR-T 100x.


	SR-T 100x brochure from 1981 (pdf 443KB)

Following on from the earlier arrangements with Sears and K-Mart, in 1977 Minolta entered into supply agreements for the sale of an updated camera. New versions of the SC and MC were produced, called (not too originally) the SC-II and MC-II.

The SR-T SC-II and SR-T MC-II can best be described as slight downgrades from a SR-T 201. The MC-II was lacking only the shutter speed display in the viewfinder. The SC-II had the shutter speed display, but was without the self timer and the the memo holder on the back door. Both began with the microprism only focusing screen and CLC metering, but later in the model run changed to a split image surrounded by the microprism collar, getting the non-CLC metering at the same time.

The SR-T SC-II was sold exclusively by Sears stores in the USA, while the MC-II was sold by K-Mart and J.C. Penney in the USA and K-Mart and Hertie's in Europe.

The SR-T101 was a groundbreaking camera when released, and over the years the changes that were introduced to the camera made it even easier to use. Wholly mechanical in nature (requiring a battery only for the metering cells) SR-T cameras were produced for 15 years before being phased out in 1981, demonstrating the fact that they remained a real alternative to many of the later electronic bodies that followed..

I believe that an SR-T is a very fine camera to learn photography with, or as a mechanical backup to a later model body. It is a camera that requires some knowledge of photographic principles to use well, and accordingly, if a person is looking for a camera that is more a point and shoot, I would recommend a different model. That said, an SR-T will most likely still be operating and be repairable in 50 years time, something not many electronic cameras could claim.

To help select an SR-T Camera, I strongly recommend a visit to Dick Sullivan's SR-T page. This page includes a table of all of the features of the different SR-T models, enabling an informed decision to be made. You can visit Dick's page by clicking here.

I would like to thank all of the many contributors who have helped to compile and check the information incorporated into this page. Specifically, I would like to thank JH and Justin Bailey for their assistance in proofreading and correcting minor inaccuracies. Thanks guys!