ambulatingreader

Hi all, I'm new here, but have already learned some useful things. But here's my problem.
I was looking at some B+W shots I took on the Oregon Coast in 1995, and decided I would get back into film photography. My cousin gave me a decent digital camera 4 yrs. ago, a Canon C370UZ, which I used exactly once, so that will be donated somewhere.
I have an Asahi Pentax K1000 that worked fine in '95, and a Minolta SRT 101 my brother in law gave me that year as well. I've never used the 101, so can't speak to its condition. He bought it new in the early 70s.
There's a Minolta SRT202 body on eBay for $95 plus shipping. Here's the body of the ad:
This camera body is in ex++ condition with only some very light scratches on the bottom and a very small amount of wear to the top that are noticeable. It has recently been completely overhauled and this means that I have:
completely disassembled and cleaned
relubricated all bearings in the shutter assembly, slow speed gear train, self timer, mirror cage assembly and transport
recalibrated curtain tension and speeds
recalibrated meter to a new 1.5 volt alkaline battery (included)
cleaned viewfinder system: mirror, viewing lens and fresnel screen
replaced the foam front and back
cleaned pc contacts behind mirror cage
comes with a front body cap
comes with a sixty day warranty

I'm thinking it would make more sense to buy this than ship him the 101 and spend a minimum of $75 to have it overhauled, not knowing if it is even worth it. My other option is to send the K1000 to a guy named Eric Hendrickson who would charge over $75, but is highly regarded.

I probably won't be shooting more than 2 rolls/ month of film, so don't really need (or want) 2 cameras, as I also have an Olympus XA purchased in 1987, and still working fine, as a back-up. So, all you classic camera fans, what's your advice. Thanks. Walt Kuciej, Seattle WA

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 202 sounds real good - assuming you do have a lens for it - Minolta made some great glass !

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

What is wrong with either the Minolta SRT101 or Pentax K1000? What makes you think either needs an overhaul to use? These are mechanical film cameras and can last a lifetime. I have a Pentax K2 DMD (a high end variant of the then top of the line Pentax) that I purchased around 1980, and it has never been serviced. Both your Minolta and Pentax are considered to be very reliable cameras. With the Pentax any and all Pentax lenses my be used on it, totally manually of course. Most of the Camera Repair Shops I know of do estimates for free. Why waste $75.

Are you saying the Minolta SRT101 and SRT202 use 1.35v Mercury Batteries? That sucks. The Pentax K-cameras all use /used 1.5v Silver Oxide or Alkaline Batteries; as I recall correctly MS-76, A-76, or xx-76 numbered batteries.

twiceeagles

I think that I would just buy a couple rolls of film and try the cameras. If they don't do the job, then worry about the alternatives.

BebuLamar

Yup I would say just use the SRT-101. Forget about the meter and go meterless. It's much more fun that way.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

You have some oldies there. My father owned a Minolta SRT 101 SLR. He had only one lens for it, the entire time he owned it. A 50mm prime. That was a great camera. I borrowed it occasionally. My father sold that camera after having it for about 25 years. He went digital in the early 2000s. I have seen that camera on eBay, and have been tempted to buy one. But, going digital can spoil you, especially when you can view your shot, shortly after hitting the shutter button. You can't do that with SLR film cameras. I don't know much about the SRT-202, I imagine it was an upgrade to the 101. Minolta as you probably know already, was bought out by Sony. Everything, including lenses. Those older, very good, Minolta vintage lenses, can be used on the current Sony A-mounts, and perhaps some E-mounts (mirrorless cameras) with adapters. Have fun with your oldies. I enjoyed that past era. Manually focusing all lenses.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Just my opinion based on owning/restoring slrs from the 1980s. Almost all of them will need replacing of the felt light seals and the mirror reflex pads. As for batteries, it’s not difficult to find workable replacements— so I would not be concerned with batteries that are no longer available. Battery technology is way superior to those many of these older cameras recommended . Hopefully they have not been stored with the battery installed.

BebuLamar

You can't use lenses from the SRT's on Sony A mount cameras. Not without an adapter and in fact it's easier to adapt these lenses to the E mount than the A mount.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Perhaps you didn't fully read my thread. I mentioned the use of adapters.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The 101 and K1000 are in the same class, with similar features. Run a few rolls through each and see what you think. Slide film is best to test meters. Perhaps it comes down to meter batteries or meter/shutter calibration. Get one of them reconditioned if an estimate is reasonable.

The 202, reconditioned, is a good camera and a safe choice.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

The Pentax Super Program I purchased in 1984 still works fine, even though it has been used only sparingly since 1995. The OP should try the K-1000 before just assuming it needs CLA.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Walt, welcome to the Hog!
Here's my advice, but I'm sure you won't take it.
Get rid of all that manual junk and get a real camera!! That's what I did.
I shoot a lot of digital and some of it professionally with Canon.
So I got rid of all the old cameras I had and bought a Canon 1n for $125 from KEH. It's a professional body and uses all my EOS lenses, so I have a ton of professional lenses to use on it that interchange with my digital system. AND it uses AA batteries!!!
It will shoot anything I throw at it including fast moving sports. I don't shoot film for nostalgia, a zen feeling or because I'm cheap. I shoot specific select shots with film to get an edgier look than digital to the final product.
My photography doesn't get better because I, "slow down". The ONLY difference between my film shooting and my digital shooting is that I can't CHIMP!!! LoL
Walt, again welcome and good luck!
SS

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

I have and still use a 101 I bought in the 80's also have one of the first XK's. I agree with imagemiester, Minolta made some really good glass back in the day. To that end I obtained an adapter to use a few of my old lenses on my 7D, with good results. You should take the 101 for a test drive and see how it does, even if the meter is no longer working you can always use the Sunny 16 rule and still make great photos. By the way what lenses do you have for it? Hopefully one is a 50mm f1.2 MD which is a much sought after lens.

BebuLamar

I know about all the adapters and also know about how to get real mercury battery but it's not worth it.

thix2112

I have sent several Pentax lenses and cameras to Eric. He does outstanding work and they come back to you like they are brand new. If you decide that your Pentax needs a clean, lube, adjust (CLA), send it to Eric. CLAs on run of the mill cameras nearly always cost as much or more than the camera is worth. Your choice.