The Minolta SR 101 is an SLR camera with interchangeable lenses and can be considered the successor of the SR-T 101. It was built in a period from 1975 to 1977. The production took place in a factory in Japan. It could be purchased in Japan under the name Minolta SR-T 201. Photographers in Europe and the rest of Asia knew the model as SR-T 101b. SR 101 was the model name for the North American market (Canada and USA).
The camera’s lenses are interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. It was often sold with a 50mm or 58mm lens. However, there are a variety of other lenses available for the mount. From wide angle to telephoto, you have a choice. You have to focus the lens manually on the desired subject.
Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in light meter. It can be used with films with a sensitivity of ISO 6 to ISO 6400. The correct exposure is measured through the lens. The exposure time can be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable. There is no automatic exposure control.
The mechanical cloth shutter allows times from 1/1000 second to 1 second. For long exposures, you can use the Bulb setting. The shutter remains open as desired. For this, you should mount the camera on a tripod.
An external flash can be used for exposures via the PC flash port or the hot shoe. A cable release / cable trigger can also be used with the camera. Automatic shooting is also possible with the self-timer.
The dimensions of the camera body are 14.5 x 9.5 x 4.75 cm. It weighs 690 grams without the lens. The camera requires a 1.35 V mercury battery. The battery is needed to operate the light meter.
Films for the Minolta SR 101
35mm film is required to take pictures with the Minolta SR 101. 35mm film is still manufactured today and can be developed in most laboratories. The film transport is mechanical. There is no motor on this model. There is a counter on the top for the number of photos taken.
A 35mm film for nice color shots is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 100*. This provides impressive monochrome images with the camera. There are, of course, other manufacturers of 35mm film on the market. Theoretically, all available 35mm films can be used with this model.
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 |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 1.35 V mercury battery |
| Size | 14,5 x 9,5 x 4,75 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.74 x 1.87 inches |
| Weight | 690 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Minolta SR-T 101b, Japan: Minolta SR-T 201 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1977 |
| Production duration | 2 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 105,68 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 93 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 108,51 Euro (116.90 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 105,56 Euro (113.65 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 101,77 Euro (109.32 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta SR 101
What type of camera is the Minolta SR 101, and what are its key features?
The Minolta SR 101 is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with interchangeable lenses. Its key features include a built-in light meter, manual exposure settings, and a mechanical shutter.
What lens mount does this Japanese-made camera use, and what focal lengths were commonly sold with it?
It uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount. It was frequently sold with 50mm or 58mm lenses, but many other lenses are compatible, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto.
How does the Minolta SR 101 handle focusing and exposure, and what is its shutter speed range?
Focusing is manual. Exposure is also manual; the built-in light meter assists with correct settings. The shutter speed ranges from 1/1000 second to 1 second, plus bulb.
Does the camera offer any automated features, and what kind of film does it use?
While it has a self-timer for delayed exposures, it lacks automatic exposure control. It uses standard 35mm film; film advance is entirely manual.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of the Minolta SR 101, and what battery does it require?
It measures 14.5 x 9.5 x 4.75 cm and weighs 690 grams without a lens. It requires a 1.35V mercury battery for the light meter.