The Minolta SR-7 is an SLR camera. It was built by Minolta from 1962 to 1966. It is the predecessor of the Minolta SR-T 101 and was the successor of the Minolta SR-3. The model was produced in Japan.
The lens of the camera is interchangeable. For this purpose, a Minolta SR bayonet was used. In many cases, the camera comes with the Minolta Auto Rokkor-PF 1:1.4 f=58mm. The Minolta SR-7 has no autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand.
The SR-7 was the first SLR camera from the Japanese company with a built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 6 to ISO 6400. On the top of the camera is the exposure meter display. Depending on the set shutter speed, the camera technology recommends a suitable aperture. This value can then be set by the user. The exposure settings are not set automatically.
The available exposure times of the cloth shutter are 1/1000 second to 1 second. There is a bulb mode for long exposures. For long exposures, selfies or group photos, you can mount the camera on a tripod. A connection for a cable release and a self-timer are also available. An external flash can be connected to the PC flash socket.
The camera requires a PX625 mercury battery (eBay / Amazon*). These batteries are no longer sold in Europe. As an alternative, you can reach for the Weincell batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Minolta SR-7
According to the instruction manual, the Minolta SR-7 is designed for 35mm film. The film is manually advanced after each frame. A motor for film transport did not exist at that time. The number of frames already taken is shown by a counter.
For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black-and-white images. Possible films for the Japanese SLR are the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for stylish black and white images. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life and when traveling. Of course, there is a wide range of additionally suitable films for this camera. The film only has to be within the range of possible ISO values of the light meter.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/50 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1966 |
| Production duration | 4 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 134,10 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 163,33 Euro (176.43 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 168,25 Euro (181.84 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 149,54 Euro (161.28 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta SR-7
What type of camera is the Minolta SR-7, and what are its focusing capabilities?
The Minolta SR-7 is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It features manual focusing; autofocus was not yet a standard feature in cameras of that era.
How does the light meter on this classic camera work, and what ISO range does it support?
The Minolta SR-7 has a built-in light meter that suggests appropriate aperture settings based on the selected shutter speed. It supports film ISO speeds from 6 to 6400.
What kind of lens mount does the Minolta SR-7 utilize, and what's a common lens it comes with?
This vintage camera uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses. It often includes a Minolta Auto Rokkor-PF 1:1.4 f=58mm lens.
What are the shutter speed capabilities of the Minolta SR-7, and are there provisions for long exposures?
The camera's cloth shutter offers speeds from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, plus a bulb mode for longer exposures.
What type of film does this Japanese-made SLR use and how is it advanced?
The Minolta SR-7 uses 35mm film, advanced manually after each shot. It lacks a motorized film advance, typical for cameras of its time.