I bought this in order to have a SLR film camera that handles like a mechanical range-finder camera, and that is just how it is. In its time, this was Minolta's top of the line camera. It is still well-regarded for its no-nonsense mechanical design and reliability. It includes several features that are not found all together in the other models in the SR series, nor in many more expensive cameras. In addition to a hot shoe, two types of flash synchronization ports are on the front housing. This makes the 102 compatible with just about every type of flash unit in general use for the last 60 years. A mirror lock-up lever is included. The mass of the mirror and the way that it moves ahead of the shutter can cause vibrations that result in blurred pictures. This is especially noticeable at longer exposure times when the camera would be on a tripod and operated with a cable release. Locking up the mirror before releasing the shutter fixes that. All of the models in the SR series have a depth-of-view preview (aperture stop-down) button. The view through the finder is clear and almost full-frame. Included in the view is the shutter speed, a clever view of the aperture ring setting, and an easy to read match-needle exposure indicator which does require a battery to operate. This all makes it possible to compose, focus, and set the exposure at once while looking through the lens. The overall construction is solid, well-plated metal, with few plastic parts. Next to the more modern electronic cameras of this format, it seems half again as large, and half again as heavy. The all-mechanical shutter design may not be as precise as those with electronic timers, but it doesn't need batteries and will reliably operate in weather tens of degrees colder than most electronic devices. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is interested in taking full control of the process of photography. Although with some lenses it could be set up like a point-and-shoot camera, that would be missing the fun of making creative choices. The size and mass of it, though, might make it uncomfortable in smaller hands.Read full review
This is my second minolta srt. I previously had a srt 101 and the 102 is very similar. I am loving my black and whites with this camera.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The SRT 102 is the top of the line of the legendary Minolta SRT cameras. The series began with the SRT 101 in 1966 and ended in 1981. The 102 was produced from 1973 to 1975. The 102 had the most functions of all the SRTs, and included mirror lock-up, BOTH aperture and shutter speeds visible in the viewfinder and foolproof double exposure capability. The full list of features can be found online in the "Rokkor Files." One caveat is that Minolta dropped the mirror lock-up feature around 1975, so if you are an advanced user and need this, be sure to ask if the one you're interested in has it. Ironically, the SRTs produced from 1975 to 1981 have FEWER features than the SRT 102--by this time, cheaper to produce, electronic cameras with autoexposure (which could be sold for more) were the craze. In contrast, all SRTs are fully mechanical cameras and don't need a battery to function, just the meter. A few tips to buying an SRT 102 are in order. First, this review assumes you know how to use a manual camera. If you have never had to manually figure shutter speeds and apertures based on film speed, you will need to learn. Second, ALL SRTs used sleeve bearings. These tend to dry out after 30+ years, causing the shutters and mirror return to stick or be inaccurate. When purchasing an SRT, it is HIGHLY ADVISABLE to get one that has been lubricated and had the light seals replaced (CLR'd).Read full review
This is the top of the line Minolta manual focus film camera in its day - and its day is still here, if you like 35mm film. With this camera, you can get image quality similar to a 24mp digital camera that will cost 20 times as much. I have bought this as a "backup" to the family heirloom SRT 101 I have been using. Nothing much to go wrong with these, except light seals and occasional cleaning and tuneups. The SRT 102 is just like the 101 with several improvements- a split-image rangefinder for focusing, plus aperture and shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder. My copy has been checked out and serviced, and had its seals replaced. These cameras are heavy compared to modern consumer-grade plastic DSLR's. The manual controls and huge, bright viewfinder are a joy to use. The metering - exposure system is classic in its simplicity and ease of use. The tiny battery lasts for years. They don't replace my DSLR's but supplement them. especially for outdoors, landscape shots. The available Rokkor MC and MD lenses are generally inexpensive and of great quality.Read full review
Bought to replace my old STR-101, which was getting close to the end of the line. Very happy with condition and function. All my old lenses fit fine. An unexpected bonus was the split focusing ring that makes manual focusing so much easier than the SRT-101. Full manual (including focusing) with on-board meter.
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