Minolta SRT 100X MD Rokkor 50mm f1.7 Lens

Near mint Minolta SRT 100X MD Rokkor (lovely condition)(serial 8522543) 50mm f1.7 lens (Serial 5501739) dating from February, 1979 and is probably close to the last of the SRT-100X series which retained the CLC metering system before Minolta simplified the entire camera. The rebuilt lens is extremely clean and, like the camera, near mint condition.

Camera and lens have been completely CLA’d (see Restoration Pictures), tested with professional quality test equipment and subsequently film tested to ensure camera and lens are working perfectly. The particular unit has incredibly accurate shutter times, far better than any normal SRT possibly due to its low use.

Camera body is very clean  and close to mint and has the appearance of a camera that has not shot much film and had been very carefully stored.

The SR-T100X was among the last of the SRT series.  The SRT series launched in April 1966 with the SRT-101  and was in production for many years finally retiring at the end of the 1970s.  This one dates from February, 1979 and is probably close to the last of the SRT-100X series which retained the CLS metering system before Minolta simplified the entire camera with the final iteration before retiring the entire SRT series around 1980

The SRT101 was revolutionary it day for being the first camera will full aperture through the lens metering . The SRT101 actually incorporated the world’s first matrix metering system, called the ‘Contrast Light Compensator’ system by Minolta. The system used two separate 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.

The  SR-T101 twas to become one of the most popular cameras of its era and led to a range of models eventually leading to the SRT-100X.

The major specifications of the SRT100X are;

• 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

SRT-100X Restoration - Major pieces of camera during cleaning and refurbishment.

SRT-100X Restoration - Camera with calibration lens on during the final phase of rebuilding.

SRT-100X Restoration - Shutter mechanism and advance gear fully cleaned and relubricated.

SRT-100X Restoration - Camera close to the end of refurb awaiting finishing.

SRT-100X Restoration - Lens stripped and cleaned awaiting lubrication and assembly.

Camera and lens have been 100% CLA’d. Many SRTs for sale have never been properly serviced or CLA’d due to the amount fo work required. This one has had a near complete strip down to remove all old internal foam, relubrication and recalibration and was used as part of our comprehensive CLA tutorial guide for technicians.

SRT100X Test Pictures - test shot with Ilford HP5 at ASA400

SRT100X Test Pictures - test shot with Ilford HP5 at ASA400

Minolta SRT 100X MD Rokkor 50mm f1.7 Lens Test pics are low-res scans – please click for high definition version.

Please be aware that the cameras and lenses for sale can be up to 50 years old.  They have been serviced and/or checked and are always as good as they can be made, but please don’t expect them to be flawless as if they were made yesterday.

All lenses of this age exhibit some small particles of dust and coatings are not up to modern standards. Cameras will exhibit some wear signs and likewise may have small dust specks in their viewfinders or focus screens.  These do not affect the picture in any way.

ANY problems or issues will be described in the main text which you are advised to read carefully.If you are unfamiliar with film cameras we suggest you do some online research and read the manuals which are freely available from online resources.

We are enthusiastic film fans and spend our time hunting cameras and lenses that have been or are being unloved. We then spend hours to bring them back to fully working and clean condition, ready for a new lease of life with you  We always change the film seals, give the camera a clean/service and make sure its fully working before we sell it on to you.

Most lenses are cleaned, re-lubricated and all of their functions checked prior to sale so you know they will work, full details will always be in the text. All items are packed safely for transit using proper packing material NOT something the cat was sick in. Having been stung both on eBay and by dealers alike who often know very little about film cameras we decided to offer people a chance to experience film using a camera that will last for many years and which we can say for sure works reliably

Mel & Claire