Minolta SR-1

The Minolta SR-1 is an SLR camera made by Chiyoda Kogaku. It was introduced in the late 1950s and built in a factory in Japan. It is very similar to the SR-2 in terms of functionality. However, it lacks the 1/1000-second setting and usually came with a cheaper lens. It was positioned more for cost-sensitive customers. Later, a revised version followed with the Minolta SR-1s.

The lens of the 35mm camera is interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. The Minolta Auto Rokkor-PF 1:2 f= 55mm is often found on the 35mm camera. There is no autofocus function on the Minolta SR-1. The focus is adjusted manually. With the appropriate lens, you can work at open aperture. When the shutter release is pressed, the aperture jumps to the working aperture. The film advance mechanism resets the aperture and mirror.

The camera has no built-in light meter. A clip-on light meter was sold as an accessory. If this is not available, you can simply measure the exposure externally and transfer the values to the camera. Values from 1/500 second to one second are available for the shutter speed. A bulb mode is available for long exposures.

For blur-free shots at slow shutter speeds, the camera can be mounted on a tripod. A cable release can also be connected to the camera to prevent shaking during shooting. A self-timer is also available.

An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The camera does not need power to take pictures. The camera operates completely mechanically.

Films for the Minolta SR-1

According to the manual, the Minolta SR-1 uses 35mm films. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. The film transport is also mechanical. With a quick release lever, the film material has to be transported further after each shot. On the top of the housing there is a counter for the photos taken. When the end of the roll is reached, a small button on the bottom must be pressed in and then the film material spooled back into the cartridge with a crank. Only then can the camera be opened and the film taken to the photo lab for development.

Available photo films for the Japanese camera, which can be easily obtained online, are the Ilford XP2 Super* for black and white images and the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color images. Approximately 36 images fit on one roll. Other suitable films are also offered by Foma, Fujifilm, Rollei and Adox, among others.

The 35mm camera is no longer in production. The costs for the Minolta SR-1 differ depending on accessories and condition. Online, you’ll pay between 50 and 150 euros for a working model with lens.