The Minolta SRT 101 is a 35mm SLR camera featuring through-the-lens exposure metering and the exclusive CLC system for precise light compensation. Known for its durability and mechanical reliability, it remains a popular choice among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike since its release in 1966.
1.1 Overview of the Minolta SRT 101 Camera
The Minolta SRT 101 is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera renowned for its mechanical durability and intuitive design. It features through-the-lens exposure metering with the exclusive CLC system, ensuring accurate light compensation. Suitable for both professional and amateur photography, the SRT 101 offers manual controls, a microprism focusing screen, and compatibility with a wide range of Minolta lenses, making it a versatile and reliable choice.
1.2 Historical Significance and Popularity
Introduced in 1966, the Minolta SRT 101 marked a significant milestone in SLR camera design, blending innovation with accessibility. Its popularity stemmed from its robust mechanical build and user-friendly features, making it a favorite among professionals and photography students. The camera’s enduring appeal lies in its reliability and timeless design, solidifying its place in photographic history and among collectors today.
1.3 Key Features and Benefits
The Minolta SRT 101 boasts a through-the-lens exposure meter with the exclusive CLC system, ensuring accurate readings in varying light conditions. Its mechanical design offers reliability without battery dependence, while features like the microprism focusing screen and depth-of-field preview enhance usability. These elements combine to make it a versatile tool for both professional and amateur photographers seeking precise control over their craft.
Names of Parts and Major Features
The Minolta SRT 101 features key components like the film rewind crank, back cover release knob, and accessory shoe. Major parts include the pentaprism, shutter dial, and lens release button. Its CLC metering system ensures precise exposure, while the mechanical design and microprism focusing screen enhance functionality and accuracy.
2.1 External Components and Controls
The Minolta SRT 101 features external components like the film rewind crank, back cover release knob, and accessory shoe. Key controls include the ASA speed dial, film advance lever, and shutter release button. The depth-of-field preview button and lens release button are also prominently located for easy access, ensuring intuitive camera operation.
2.2 Internal Mechanisms and Functionalities
Internally, the Minolta SRT 101 incorporates a focal plane shutter and a CdS exposure meter with CLC circuitry for accurate light measurement. The camera’s mirror lock-up control and self-timer functionality enhance operational flexibility. The mechanical design ensures reliable performance without relying on battery power for fundamental operations, making it a robust tool for photographers seeking precision and durability;
2;3 Exclusive CLC Metering System
The Minolta SRT 101 features the exclusive CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering system, enhancing exposure accuracy by compensating for contrast variations. Utilizing a CdS meter with two cells on the pentaprism, it ensures precise light measurement, delivering reliable results in diverse lighting conditions, from high to low contrast, making it a standout feature for consistent photographic outcomes.
Preparations Before Taking Pictures
Ensure optimal camera performance by inserting the mercury battery, checking its power, and setting the ASA speed according to your film type for accurate exposures.
3.1 Inserting the Mercury Battery
To insert the mercury battery, first remove the battery cover by turning it counterclockwise. Install the 1.35v Mallory PX-625 battery, ensuring the positive terminal faces outward. Avoid touching the terminals with moist hands to prevent damage. Never dispose of mercury batteries in fire or break them, as this is hazardous.
3.2 Checking Battery Power
The Minolta SRT 101 features a built-in battery checker to verify mercury battery functionality; Locate the battery checker on the camera, press it gently, and observe the needle. If the needle points to the checkmark, the battery is functioning properly. Avoid touching terminals with moist hands to prevent damage and ensure accurate power verification.
3.3 Setting the ASA Speed
To set the ASA speed on your Minolta SRT 101, locate the ASA speed dial, typically found on the top of the camera. Lift and rotate the dial to align the desired ASA number (e.g., 100, 200) with the marker. This ensures the camera’s light meter is calibrated to the film’s sensitivity, providing accurate exposure readings; Always match the ASA setting to the film you’re using for optimal results.
Loading Film
Open the camera back, insert the film cartridge, advance the film using the lever until it secures, then close the back and check the frame counter.
4.1 Opening the Camera Back
Raise the back cover release knob until resistance is felt, then pull slightly to fully open. Ensure the back is completely open for easy access to the film compartment, aligning the film cartridge correctly for secure loading.
4.2 Inserting the Film Cartridge
Place the film cartridge into the designated chamber, aligning it with the take-up spool. Ensure the film leader is securely seated in the slot. Gently push the cartridge until it clicks, confirming it’s locked in place for proper winding and exposure preparation.
4.3 Advancing the Film
Gently operate the film advance lever in short strokes until the film winds securely around the take-up spool. Continue until the frame counter shows “1,” indicating the first frame is ready for exposure. Repeat this process after each shot to advance the film and cock the shutter, ensuring smooth operation.
Setting the Correct Exposure
The Minolta SRT 101 features a through-the-lens meter with a follower needle system, ensuring accurate exposure settings. Adjust aperture and shutter speed until the needles align for optimal results.
5.1 Understanding the Exposure Meter
The Minolta SRT 101’s exposure meter uses a CdS cell with a Contrast Light Compensator (CLC) system, providing accurate readings across the entire picture area. This system ensures consistent results regardless of lighting conditions, making it ideal for both high-contrast and low-light situations. The meter’s readings are displayed through a follower needle in the viewfinder, simplifying exposure adjustments.
5.2 Adjusting Shutter Speed and Aperture
Adjust shutter speed by rotating the dial, with options from B (bulb) to 1/1000th of a second. Aperture is controlled by rotating the lens ring, with settings from maximum to minimum f-stop. The exposure meter’s needle guides alignment with the desired settings, ensuring proper exposure by balancing aperture and shutter speed according to lighting conditions.
5.3 Using the Follower Needle for Accurate Settings
The follower needle in the viewfinder aligns with the exposure meter’s needle to indicate correct aperture and shutter speed combinations. Match the needles to achieve optimal exposure. Rotate the aperture ring or shutter speed dial until both needles meet, ensuring precise settings for any lighting condition. This system simplifies achieving accurate exposures efficiently.
Focusing and Depth of Field
The Minolta SRT 101 features a microprism focusing screen for sharp focus and a depth-of-field preview button to check focus range before shooting, ensuring precise control.
6.1 Using the Microprism for Sharp Focus
The Minolta SRT 101’s microprism focusing aid provides a central spot with diagonal lines, allowing precise focus adjustment. Rotate the lens ring until the subject appears sharp within the microprism, ensuring ultra-fast and accurate focusing for professional results.
6.2 Understanding Depth of Field Scale
The depth-of-field scale on the lens barrel helps determine the range of distances that will appear sharp at a given aperture. By focusing on your subject and using the scale, you can preview how much of the image, both in front of and behind the subject, will remain in focus, ensuring precise control over your composition.
6.3 Previewing Depth of Field
To preview depth of field, press the diaphragm stop-down button on the lens or camera. This closes the aperture to the preset f-stop, allowing you to visually confirm the sharpness range in the viewfinder. Use this feature to ensure your desired areas are in focus before capturing the image.
Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings
The Minolta SRT 101 offers shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000th of a second and a bulb mode for extended exposures. Aperture settings control light intake, ensuring precise exposure control.
7.1 Shutter Speed Options
The Minolta SRT 101 provides a wide range of shutter speeds, from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, offering flexibility for various lighting conditions. The B (Bulb) mode allows for long exposures, controlled manually by the photographer. This feature is particularly useful for creative techniques such as light trails or low-light photography, ensuring precise control over exposure duration.
7.2 Aperture Control and Light Volume
The Minolta SRT 101’s aperture control is operated via the lens aperture ring, enabling precise adjustments to light intake. Varying the aperture affects the depth of field and light volume. The CLC metering system works alongside the aperture to optimize exposure by compensating for contrast, ensuring accurate light measurement and proper exposure settings for diverse lighting conditions effectively.
7.3 B (Bulb) Mode for Long Exposures
The B mode allows for extended exposures, controlled manually by holding the shutter release. Ideal for night photography or artistic effects, the bulb setting keeps the shutter open as long as the button is pressed. Use a remote or self-timer to minimize camera shake during long exposures, ensuring sharp results even in low-light conditions.
Flash Photography
The Minolta SRT 101 supports flash photography via its accessory shoe. Attach the flash unit securely, use guide numbers to determine aperture settings, and synchronize with the shutter for balanced results.
8.1 Attaching the Flash Unit
To attach the flash unit to your Minolta SRT 101, slide the flash’s base into the camera’s accessory shoe from the back. Align it properly and tighten the flash’s screw to secure it firmly, ensuring a stable and wobble-free connection. This setup allows for synchronized flash photography, enhancing your low-light shooting capabilities.
8.2 Determining the Correct Aperture
To determine the correct aperture for flash photography, obtain the guide number of your flash bulb. Divide this number by the distance to your subject to find the appropriate aperture setting. For example, with a guide number of 120 and a subject 15 feet away, the aperture would be f/8. This ensures proper exposure in low-light conditions.
8.3 Synchronizing Flash with Shutter
The Minolta SRT 101 features two sync terminals: FP and X. Slide the flash unit into the accessory shoe and tighten securely. For FP bulbs, sync at 1/60th of a second; for others, use the X terminal. Press the shutter release to test synchronization, ensuring the flash fires in harmony with the shutter opening for precise illumination;
Accessories and Lenses
The Minolta SRT 101 supports a wide range of MC Rokkor lenses, offering exceptional optical quality. Accessories include dedicated flash units and an accessory shoe for expanded functionality, enhancing versatility for various shooting needs.
9.1 Compatible Lenses and Accessories
The Minolta SRT 101 is compatible with a wide range of MC Rokkor lenses, ensuring high optical quality and versatility. Accessories include flash units, an accessory shoe, and depth-of-field preview buttons, enhancing functionality. The camera’s exclusive CLC metering system works seamlessly with these lenses, providing precise exposure control and adaptability for various photography needs.
9.2 Using the Accessory Shoe
The Minolta SRT 101 features an accessory shoe for attaching external flash units. Simply slide the flash unit into the shoe from the back and tighten the screw for secure mounting. The camera supports flash synchronization via designated terminals, ensuring proper timing with the shutter release. This setup enhances low-light photography capabilities, offering reliable flash functionality for various lighting conditions.
9.3 Depth-of-Field Tables for Different Lenses
Depth-of-field tables are provided for various Minolta lenses, detailing focus distances at different apertures. These tables, often engraved on the lens barrel, help photographers determine the depth of field for specific focal lengths and aperture settings. For example, a 50mm lens at f/8 focused at 15 feet provides a depth of field from 13.2 to 17.3 feet, ensuring precise control over sharpness in both foreground and background.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular cleaning of the camera, especially the lens and viewfinder, is essential. Common issues include battery depletion and mechanical malfunctions, which can often be resolved by recalibrating or replacing parts.
10.1 Cleaning the Camera
Regularly clean the Minolta SRT 101 using a soft, dry cloth for exterior surfaces. For the lens, use a microfiber cloth and gentle strokes. Avoid harsh chemicals. Use a blower to remove dust from internal components. Handle the mirror and prism with care to prevent damage. Cleaning ensures optimal performance and image quality.
10.2 Common Issues and Solutions
Common issues with the Minolta SRT 101 include battery drain, meter inaccuracy, and sticky shutters. For battery issues, clean the contacts or replace the mercury battery. If the meter malfunctions, check for worn circuits. Sticky shutters may require professional servicing. Always refer to the repair manual or consult a technician for complex problems to ensure proper functionality.
10.3 Mirror Lock-Up Control
The mirror lock-up control on the Minolta SRT 101 minimizes vibrations during exposure, ideal for sharp images with wide-angle lenses like the Rokkor 21mm F4 or F4.5. Pressing the lock-up button raises the mirror before the shutter releases, reducing blur. This feature is especially useful for precise focus and steady shooting in professional photography scenarios.
The Minolta SRT 101 is a legendary camera renowned for its reliability and innovative CLC metering system. Its timeless design and ease of use make it a favorite for photographers of all levels, offering precise control and professional-grade results. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of its features and operation, ensuring optimal use for both learning and professional photography.
11.1 Summary of Key Features
The Minolta SRT 101 features a through-the-lens exposure meter with an exclusive CLC system for accurate light compensation. It offers a wide range of shutter speeds, manual aperture control, and a precise microprism focusing aid. Built with durability and user-friendly design, it supports interchangeable lenses and includes a depth-of-field preview, making it ideal for both professional and amateur photographers seeking precise control and versatility in their work.
11.2 Final Tips for Using the Minolta SRT 101
Always clean the lens and viewfinder to ensure clear photos. Use the correct mercury battery for accurate meter readings. Experiment with different lenses for creative results. Store the camera in a dry, cool place to maintain its mechanical precision. Regularly check and replace worn seals to prevent light leaks and extend the camera’s lifespan for years of reliable use.