Minolta SRT 201 35mm Camera Body

The Minolta SRT 201 35mm Camera Body is a fully mechanical, manual-focus SLR introduced in 1975 as a refinement of the beloved SRT 101, part of Minolta’s rugged, all-mechanical SRT series produced from 1967 to 1981. It’s a welcome island of simplicity, favored by photographers who want a solid, dependable camera for everyday use, portraits, and travel.

The camera features a fully mechanical, pentaprism-topped horizontal shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second plus Bulb mode, meaning the shutter and film advance operate entirely without battery power. A built-in TTL match-needle light meter, powered by a PX625-type battery, displays both the selected shutter speed and lens aperture directly in the viewfinder, letting photographers adjust settings without taking their eye off the subject. Film speed is selectable across a notably wide ASA/ISO range of 6 to 6400, adjusted via a ring around the rewind knob.

Compared to the SRT 101, the primary update on the SRT 201 is the addition of an electronic hot shoe for on-camera flash, with a flash sync speed of 1/60 second. Handling includes a mechanical self-timer, depth-of-field preview, PC sync for external flash, a film memo holder, an automatic-reset film counter, and multiple-exposure capability; mirror lock-up is present on some but not all examples. The camera uses Minolta’s SR lens mount, designed to work with MC-series Rokkor lenses, though later MD-series lenses remain fully compatible as well.

Build quality centers on a heavy-duty, all-metal chassis with a classic chrome finish, giving the SRT 201 a reputation for dependable, long-lasting field use. It measures approximately 146 x 95 x 54mm and weighs approximately 780g (body only).

Key Features
– Minolta SR-mount (MC/MD compatible) fully mechanical 35mm film SLR
– Mechanical shutter, 1 sec to 1/1000 sec plus Bulb
– Functions without battery (meter only requires power)
– Built-in TTL match-needle light meter
– Shutter speed and aperture visible in viewfinder
– ASA/ISO film speed range of 6-6400
– Electronic hot shoe for on-camera flash (1/60 sec sync)
– PC sync terminal
– Mechanical self-timer
– Depth-of-field preview
– Film memo holder and automatic-reset film counter
– Multiple-exposure capability
– Mirror lock-up (present on some examples)
– Heavy-duty all-metal chrome-finish body
– Approximate weight: 780g (body only)
– Powered by a PX625-type battery (meter only)