The Minolta SR-T 101 is a 35mm camera. It belongs to the group of SLR cameras and was introduced in the mid-1960s. It is the successor of the Minolta SR-7 (Model V). The model was produced by Minolta Camera Co. Ltd. in Japan.
The camera comes with interchangeable lenses. Lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet can be used. In many cases, the camera comes with the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4, but also MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 or MC Rokkor-PG 58mm f/1.2. There is no autofocus function on the Minolta SR-T 101. The focus is set manually.
It is the first Minolta SLR with TTL exposure metering at full aperture. For this purpose, the SR mount was modified to allow communication between the lens and the aperture. The lenses with MC (meter coupling) connection can signal the aperture set on the lens to the camera via a tab.
The 35mm photo camera has a built-in CdS exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 6 to 6400. The metering of the correct exposure is done through the lens of the SLR camera. The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer. The viewfinder shows the metering results of the camera technology.
The shutter allows shutter speeds from 1/1000 second to 1 second. A bulb mode is available for long exposures. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The sync speed is 1/60 second. The 35mm camera comes with a self-timer with ten seconds advance. There is also a port for a cable release and threads for a tripod.
With a size of 14.5 x 8.9 x 9.45 cm, the Minolta SR-T 101 weighs 990 grams. A PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. The batteries are difficult to get nowadays. If you don’t use the light meter, you can use the camera without batteries, because the other functions work mechanically without power.
Films for the Minolta SR-T 101
According to the manual, the Minolta SR-T 101 is designed for 35mm format. The film transport is manual and therefore there is no motor for the transport. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. Available photographic films for the SLR that can be easily obtained are the Ilford Delta 400* for B&W shots and the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos. The color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs.
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 | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Size | 14,5 x 8,9 x 9,45 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.50 x 3.72 inches |
| Weight | 990 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Minolta Camera Co. Ltd. |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 100,13 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 93 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 111,81 Euro (120.15 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 107,94 Euro (115.82 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 99,81 Euro (107.16 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta SR-T 101
What type of camera is the Minolta SR-T 101, and what is its key feature?
It's a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Its key feature is its through-the-lens (TTL) metering system at full aperture, a first for Minolta SLR cameras.
Does this particular photographic device have autofocus capabilities?
No, the Minolta SR-T 101 does not have autofocus; focusing is done manually.
What kind of lenses are compatible with the Minolta SR-T 101?
It uses interchangeable lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet mount. Common lenses included the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF lenses.
What is the range of shutter speeds available on the Minolta SR-T 101?
The shutter speed ranges from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, with a bulb mode for long exposures.
How is the camera powered, and what happens if the battery is dead?
It uses a PX625 battery for the light meter. If the battery is dead, the camera's mechanical functions, like shutter and aperture, still work.