The Minolta SR-M is an SLR camera. It was introduced in the early 1970s and produced by Minolta Camera Co. Ltd. in Japan. It was the Asian manufacturer’s first SLR model with a motorized film advance.
The camera’s lenses are interchangeable. This is made possible by the Minolta SR bayonet. The Minolta MC Rokkor 55mm f/1.7 is often found on the 35mm camera. The SLR does not have an autofocus. It is manually focused by hand.
The correct exposure cannot be measured by the 35mm camera, as it does not have a light meter. Shutter speed and aperture can be freely selected. The camera comes with a cloth shutter. This offers shutter speeds from 1/1000 second to one second. A Bulb setting is available on the 35mm photo camera. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The camera offers the option of a mirror lock-up.
An external flash unit can be connected to the PC flash socket. A cable release can also be connected to the camera. The camera can be mounted on a tripod for long exposures. This model does not have a self-timer.
With a size of 14.5 x 12 x 4.75 cm, the Minolta SR-M weighs 1560 grams according to the instruction manual. The weight refers to the camera plus lens. Eight AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are provided for power.
Films for the Minolta SR-M
The Japanese SLR was Minolta’s first model with motorized film transport. On the bottom is the fixed electric motor. It can transport the film material at a speed of up to three frames per second. The frame counter of the captured photos is found on the back and not on the top of the camera body as usual. The return transport back to the cartridge is also motorized. Both the film transport after shooting and the return transport are also mechanically possible.
The Minolta SR-M is designed for 35mm film. 35mm film is still made today and is fairly easy to get. A possible film for color images is the Kodak Portra 400*. A possibility for B&W images is the Ilford FP4 Plus*. According to various reviews, they are good for everyday shooting and produce solid results.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 3 |
| 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 |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 8x AA batteries |
| Size | 14,5 x 12 x 4,75 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 4.72 x 1.87 inches |
| Weight | 1560 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Minolta SR-M
What type of camera is the Minolta SR-M, and what is its key feature from the 1970s?
The Minolta SR-M is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Its notable feature was a motorized film transport, a first for Minolta in the early 1970s.
How does one focus and control the exposure on this particular 35mm camera?
The Minolta SR-M uses manual focusing. Exposure is also manual; it lacks a built-in light meter, so the shutter speed and aperture must be set manually.
What are the shutter speed capabilities and any special settings offered by the camera?
This 35mm film camera offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000th of a second to one second, including a bulb setting for long exposures.
Does the Minolta SR-M have any features to aid in external lighting or long exposures?
Yes, it has a PC flash sync terminal for external flash units and can be mounted on a tripod for long exposures using a cable release. It does not, however, include a self-timer.
What kind of film does this classic camera use, and what is its power source?
The Minolta SR-M uses 35mm film. Power is supplied by eight AA batteries.