Minolta SRT-102 CameraThe Minolta SRT-102 Camera is a single lens reflex film camera with a through-the-lens CLC meter coupled to shutter and film speed.  It’s also known as the ‘SR-T Super” in Asia and the Pacific, or the ’SR-T 303’ in Europe.  Minolta’s innovation on the SR-T series was to add through-the-lens (TTL) metering.  Minolta then added Contrast Light Compensation, CLC, to give correct exposure in high contrast light.  CLC uses two CdS photocells in series to expose for the darker of two segments.  The SRT-102 has a ground glass microprism and split rangefinder focusing.

The shutter speed ranges from 1s to 1/1000s, including ‘Bulb’ mode with a cable release.  It also synchronizes a electronic flash with the shutter speed from 1s to 1/60s.  ISO can be set for films from 6 to 6400, so it’s compatible with any 35mm film.  The light meter functions with a needle seen through the viewfinder.  The shutter speed and aperture, also seen through the viewfinder, adjust by matching the meter needles to get the perfect exposure.   As an addition feature, this camera can also achieve multiple exposures with a simple trick.  By pressing the release button for rewinding the film, the advance lever can be advanced re-activating the shutter without actually advancing the film; allowing many exposures in a single frame. 

The Minolta SRT-102 was in production between March 1973 to 1975.  List price for a new Minolta SRT-102 Camera in 1975 was approximately $290 (app. $1,285 USD in 2016 dollars).  Today, used price for a camera in very good condition runs around $100 USD including several lenses. 

For a story about using the Minolta SRT-102 along with images, see Minolta SRT-102 to Yosemite NP | a 7 Image Story.

 

Minolta SRT-102 Specifications

  • Type: 35mm SLR w/TTL exposure metering
  • Focusing Range:  approximately 50cm (1.75 feet) to infinity
  • Focusing Method: Direct helicoid focusing with infrared index
  • Viewfinder: Real-image through fixed pentaprism with focus & exposure information
  • Focusing: Matte Fresnel microprism focusing screen with split-image spot & manual
  • Shutter: Horizontal cloth focal plane, mechanically timed
  • Speeds: B, 1 – 1/1000 sec; with electronic flash: 1-1/60 sec
  • Meter: TTL metering system, CLC with two CdS cells on the pentaprism 
  • Meter sensitivity EV 3 to EV 17 at ASA 100
  • Battery:  1.35v mercury battery, Mallory PX-625 or equivalent
  • Flash:  PC Terminal, Hot Shoe, 1/60 X-sync, FP sync
  • Film: 35mm  Film-speed Range: ASA 6-6400, DIN 9-39
  • Lens Mount: Minolta Bayonet Mount (MC/MD)
  • Mirror: Oversize quick-return mirror with mirror lock up
  • Self Timer: Time adjustable up to 10 sec maximum
  • Dimensions: 5.75″ x 1.87″ x 3.75″      Weight:  25 oz
  • Construction: Single stroke lever film advance, drum-type loading, and exposure counter
  • Depth of field preview button, automatic reset film counter, tripod threads

 

Minolta Rokkor-X 50mm f1.7
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Lens: 6 elements in 5 groups with achromatic coating   Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Aperture: f1.7 – f16   Angle of View:  47°
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 meters / 1.5 feet
  • Dimensions: 64x36mm   Weight: 165g / 5.8oz