List of Minolta SR-mount cameras
Minolta manufactured and marketed a line of 35mm film single lens reflex cameras (SLRs) and lenses with the Minolta SR-mount between 1958 and 1996; Minolta later introduced the Minolta A-mount system in 1985, a line of autofocus SLRs and lenses with the mechanically incompatible Minolta A-mount, which eventually supplanted the manual focus system.
Overview
[edit]The first Minolta SLRs were marketed with SR- model numbers starting from 1958 with the Minolta SR-2, which featured semi-automatic diaphragm operation with Auto-Rokkor lenses: winding the film advance lever opened the diaphragm and cocked the shutter; when the shutter was released, the iris would stop down to the selected aperture. These were succeeded by the SR-T models, which incorporated through-the-lens metering in the body, starting from 1966 with the SR-T 101. The SR-T models were succeeded by the X models, which include the X-1 flagship (1973), advanced XE (1974), and compact XD and lowered-cost XG (1977) lines; all of the X models have some form of autoexposure.[1]: 25–37
Starting from the 1960s, Seagull Camera has sold SLRs with Minolta SR-mount; the first cameras were labeled DF (after Chinese: 单反; pinyin: dānfǎn; lit. 'Single-lens reflex'), and were largely copied from the Minolta SR-2. Most of these were produced for the domestic market in China, but some were exported under multiple brands, including Seagull.[2]
The modular XG line was developed into the X-700/570/370 line in the early 1980s. After Minolta introduced its autofocus A-mount system in 1985 under the trade names α (alpha, Japan), Maxxum (Americas), and Dynax (Europe), demand for the earlier manual-focus cameras dwindled. Minolta licensed the design of the X-370 to Seagull in 1987 and one more SR-mount SLR camera was released in 1990, the X-9 (aka X-300s in Europe); Minolta quietly outsourced production of the X-370 to Seagull in 1995, which continued to produce Minolta and Seagull-branded cameras based on the X-370 for a prolonged period.[3]
Year Market | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | ||
Professional / System | — | X-1 (XK, XM) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | SRM | X-1 (XK, XM) Motor | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enthusiast | Semipro | — | XE (XE-7, XE-1) | XD (XD-11, XD-7) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Premium | SR-2 | SR-3 | SR-7 | — | SR-T 102 (Super, 303) | SR-T 302 (505, 303b) | X-700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hobbyist | Mainstream | — | SR-T 101 | XE-5 | XD-5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | SR-1 / SR-1s | — | SR-T 201 (101s, 101b) | — | X-600 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | SR-T 100 | SR-T 200 (100x, 100b) | — | X-570 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entry-level | — | XG-S (XG-9) | X-70 (XG-M) | X-370 (X-300) | X-9 (X-300s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
— | XG-E (XG-7, XG-2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginner | — | XG-1 | X-7 (XG-A) | — |
List of cameras
[edit]Regional name | Special model(s) | Image | Years | Shutter speeds | Meter | Dimensions (W×D×H) | Weight | Notes / Refs. | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JP[a] | NA[b] | EU[c] | Intro | Disc | |||||||
SR-x cameras (1958–1971) | |||||||||||
SR-2 | — | 1958 | 1960 | B+1–1⁄1000 | — | ? | ? | [4][5] | |||
SR-1 | — | 1959 | 1971 | B+1–1⁄500 | External | 143×32×93 mm (5.6×1.3×3.7 in) | 670 g (24 oz) | Updates in 1960, 1962, 1963;[4] significant updates in 1961 (automatic diaphragm) and 1965 (Model V), distinguished by rectangular eyepiece.[6] | |||
SR-3 | — | 1960 | 1962 | B+1–1⁄1000 | External | ? | ? | Can be fitted with Minolta SR Meter; added automatic diaphragm in 1961.[4] | |||
SR-7 | — | 1962 | 1966 | B+1–1⁄1000 | non-TTL (CdS) | ? | ? | Includes in-body, non-TTL CdS meter near rewind crank; mirror lock-up added. 1965 update (Model V) to take Series V accessories, distinguished by rectangular eyepiece.[4] | |||
SR-1S | — | 1967 | 1971? | B+1–1⁄1000 | External | ? | ? | Uses SR-T 101 components & Model V accessories.[4] | |||
Regional name | Special model(s) | Image | Years | Shutter speeds | Meter | Dimensions (W×D×H) | Weight | Notes / Refs. | |||
JP[a] | NA[b] | EU[c] | Intro | Disc | |||||||
SR-T xxx cameras (1966–1981) | |||||||||||
SR-T 101 | SR-T SC (Sears), SR-T MC (K-Mart/ J.C. Penney), both 1973–75 | 1966 | 1975 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) | 145×48×94 mm (5.7×1.9×3.7 in) | 705 g (24.9 oz) | SC, MC, and late versions removed mirror lock-up. SC and MC removed self-timer.[7][8] | |||
SR-T 100 | — | 1970 | 1975 | B+1–1⁄500 | TTL (CdS) | ? | ? | Simplified version of 101, replaces SR-1s; removed mirror lock-up and self-timer.[7] | |||
SRM | — | 1970 | 1975 | B+1–1⁄1000 | — | ? | ? | Includes permanently-fixed motordrive unit.[7] | |||
SR-T Super | SR-T 102 | SR-T 303 | — | 1973 | 1975 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) | 145×89×94 mm (5.7×3.5×3.7 in) (with 50mm f/1.4) | 1,020 g (36 oz) (with 50mm f/1.4) | Aperture setting visible in viewfinder.[7][9] | |
SR-505, 505s | SR-T 202 | SR-T 303b | — | 1975 | 1980 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) | ? | ? | Similar to 102 but mirror lock-up removed; minor updates in 1977.[7] | |
SR-101, 101s | SR-T 201 | SR-T 101b | SR-T SC-II (Sears), SR-T MC-II (KM/ JCP), both 1977–80 | 1975 | 1981 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) | 145×47.5×95 mm (5.7×1.9×3.7 in) | 705 g (24.9 oz) | Removed mirror lock-up, compared to 101; CLC removed from light meter in 1977 (101s). Some features stripped for SC/MC.[7][10] | |
SR-T 100X | SR-T 200 | SR-T 100b | — | 1975 | 1981 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) | 145×47.5×95 mm (5.7×1.9×3.7 in) | 690 g (24 oz) | Simplified version of 201; CLC removed from light meter in 1977.[7][10] | |
Regional name | Special model(s) | Image | Years | Shutter speeds | Meter {modes}[d] | Dimensions (W×D×H) | Weight | Notes / Refs. | |||
JP[a] | NA[b] | EU[c] | Intro | Disc | |||||||
Xn cameras (1973–1996) | |||||||||||
X-1 | XK | XM | XK Ritz (1978) | 1972 | 1981 | B+16–1⁄2000 | TTL (CdS, Si) {AM} | 147.5×48×109.5 mm (5.8×1.9×4.3 in) | 895 g (31.6 oz) | Professional modular system camera with interchangeable finders.[11] | |
XE | XE-7 | XE-1 | — | 1974 | ? | B+4–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {AM} | ? | ? | Shutter developed with Leitz and Copal; related to Leica R3 | |
XEb | XE-5 | — | 1975 | 1977 | B+4–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {AM} | ? | ? | Simplified version of XE; multi-exposure added for XEb | ||
X-1 Motor | XK Motor | XM Motor | — | 1976 | 1981 | B+16–1⁄2000 | TTL (CdS, Si) {AM} | 147.5×83×171 mm (5.8×3.3×6.7 in) | 1,445 g (51.0 oz) | Integral motor drive with detachable battery pack.[10][11] | |
XD | XD-11 | XD-7 | XD-s | 1977 | 1984 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {ASM} | 136×51×86 mm (5.4×2.0×3.4 in) | 560 g (20 oz) | Related to Leica R4–R7[10][12]: 179–180 [13] | |
XG-E | XG-7 | XG-2 | XG-SE | 1977 | 1984 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {AM} | 138×52×88 mm (5.4×2.0×3.5 in) | 506 g (17.8 oz) | Replaced XE-5, compact SLR; XG-SE included "Accu-Matte" screen.[14][15] | |
— | XG-1 | — | 1978 | 1981 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {AM} | 135×52×88 mm (5.3×2.0×3.5 in) | 490 g (17 oz) | Simplified version of XG-E[10][12]: 179–180 | ||
— | XD-5 | — | 1979 | 1979 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {ASM} | 136.5×51×87 mm (5.4×2.0×3.4 in) | 525 g (18.5 oz) | Simplified version of XD[10][12]: 179–180 [13] | ||
XG-S | XG-9 | — | 1979 | 1981 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {AM} | ? | ? | Replaces XG-E.[14] | ||
X-700 | — | 1981 | ? | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {PAM} | 137×51.5×89 mm (5.4×2.0×3.5 in) | 505 g (17.8 oz) | [12]: 179–180 | |||
X-7 | XG-A | — | 1981 | 1984 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {A} | 138×52×85 mm (5.4×2.0×3.3 in) | 485 g (17.1 oz) | Simplified version of XG-1. X-7 released in Japan, 1980; autoexposure mode only.[12]: 179–180 [14] | ||
X-70 | XG-M | — | 1981 | 1984 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (CdS) {AM} | 136×52×89 mm (5.4×2.0×3.5 in) | 515 g (18.2 oz) | Update to XG-9; includes provision to add motordrive.[12]: 179–180 [14] | ||
X-500 | X-570 | X-500 | — | 1983 | ? | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {AM} | 137×51.5×89 mm (5.4×2.0×3.5 in) | 505 g (17.8 oz) | Simplified version of X-700[16] | |
X-600 | — | 1983 | 1984 | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {AM} | ? | ? | Includes focus confirmation, features similar to X-570 | |||
X-370 | X-300 | X-7A, X-370s | 1984 | ? | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {AM} | 137×51.5×90 mm (5.4×2.0×3.5 in) | 470 g (17 oz) | Simplified version of X-570, replaced XG-line.[14][17] | ||
X-9 | X-300s | — | 1990 | ? | B+1–1⁄1000 | TTL (Si) {AM} | ? | ? | Updated X-370 |
- Notes
References
[edit]- ^ Reynolds, Clyde (1979). The Minolta SLR Way. London: Focal Press. ISBN 0-240-51023-2. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ McGloin, Joe (2022). "Seagull -- Before Minolta". Minchin: Non-Minolta 35mm Rokkor-mount SLR cameras. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ Odenbach, C.J. (March 16, 2021). "Last Man(ual Focus Minolta) Standing - The X-370". 678 Vintage Cameras. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Hands, Antony. "The Minolta SR Series, 1958 - 1971". The Rokkor Files. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Minolta SR-2 (brochure)" (PDF). Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko K. K. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- ^ "Minolta SR-1 (brochure)" (PDF). Minolta Corporation. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- ^ a b c d e f g Hands, Antony. "The Minolta SR-T Series, 1966 - 1981". The Rokkor Files. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Minolta SR-T 101 (brochure)" (PDF). Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- ^ "Minolta SR-T 303 Bedienungsanleitung" (in German). Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Minolta Dealer Notebook, Part 12: Specifications" (PDF). Minolta Corporation. March 1981. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- ^ a b Hands, Antony. "Minolta X-1 / XM / XK, 1973 - 1981". The Rokkor Files. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Shipman, Carl (1982). How to select & use Minolta SLR cameras. Tucson, Arizona: H.P. Books. ISBN 0-89586-044-9. LCCN 80-81594. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ a b Hands, Antony. "The Minolta XD Series, 1977 - 1984". The Rokkor Files. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Hands, Antony. "The Minolta XG Series, 1977 - 1984". The Rokkor Files. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Minolta XG-7 Owner's Manual". Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "Minolta X-500 Bedienungsanleitung" (in German). Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "Minolta X-370s Instruction Manual". Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Retrieved 5 August 2024.