Minolta SRT101 35mm Camera ‘Nairobi’

Minolta SRT101 35mm Camera. (Serial 1924004) with an MC Rokkor 58mm f1.4 (Serial 5610945)

We call this camera ‘Nairobi’ and she is a very special lady indeed.  Sold in Nairobi as new in 1971 the camera was carefully stored but unused by someone emigrating to the UK.  The camera and lens are in 100% pristine condition.  The case and strap are the best we have ever seen.  Clean and with the felt in amazing condition with only very minor wear marks. Unmarked original Minolta lens cap.

The lens lubricants were solid when we acquired her and the lens has had a complete rebuild. The camera body we have left alone apart from replacing light seals and the mirror bumper.  She runs close to perfect factory specification but the 1/1000th speed is slightly out of factory specification.  We have decided to do no work on her as camera CLA always carries some risks and we feel she is better off being preserved in her original throughout condition so she has only been carefully cleaned. Light meter is running perfectly and battery chamber is pristine.

We have her original warranty card and manual to complete the set.

She deserves to be given a chance to shoot more than we can ever give her but she is also an outstanding example being 100% mint and genuine so may suit a collector.

Fully manual SLR manufactured between 1966 and 1975. The SRT101 set new standards in its day being the first camera with a full aperture metering and automatic lens indexing.

The SRT101 features a micro prism focusing screen.

The only electronics are for the light meter which on this camera has been calibrated to use a standard SR44 battery with an adaptor. Users should remember to turn the camera off after use as otherwise it will drain the battery. The Minolta SRT series comes from an age when people were expected to use their noodle rather than rely on electronics. For details on an adaptor check out the guide on power for these classics.

Camera and lens cleaned throughout, degraded light seal and mirror buffer removed and replaced with new high-quality professional camera foam.

Lens complete rebuilt with fresh lubricants and given a deep clean.

Mirror, viewfinder and focus screen cleaned of any dust or debris. Viewfinder is mint

Metering system fully operational and accurate within the limits of its original design

Deep cleaning throughout and UV treatment to ensure long term fungal kill in both lens and camera.

Shutter tested with ZTS V shutter tester.

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 full 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 it’s fully working before we sell it on to you.

Most lenses are cleaned, re-lubricated and all of their functions checked before 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