Minolta? As dead as Tom Arnold's career?

Dewman · 01-25-2020, 08:59 PM

I have a box of Minolta cameras (2-SRT-101) and four lenses that belonged to a friend of mine. He passed away this past December and his wife has asked me to dispose of them. Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight?

Thanks..... I think I already know the answer, but I had to ask.

stevebrot · 01-25-2020, 09:07 PM

Originally posted by Dewman

I have a box of Minolta cameras (2-SRT-101) and four lenses that belonged to a friend of mine. He passed away this past December and his wife has asked me to dispose of them. Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight?

Thanks..... I think I already know the answer, but I had to ask.

The lenses may be adapted to several mirrorless mounts and the bodies have value and marketability similar to a Pentax Spotmatic. I have an SR-T 101 from about 1968 that is fully functional and a pleasure to shoot with. You can find out more about which variant(s) you have at the Rokkor Files Web page on the SR-T line:

The Rokkor Files - The Minolta SR Series

What lenses do you have? Some are quite highly regarded.

Steve

**luftfluss** · 01-25-2020, 09:10 PM - **2 Likes**

Poor Tom Arnold...

LesDMess · 01-25-2020, 11:06 PM

Originally posted by Dewman

Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight?

Of course the worth of any tool is only as good as what the user can create with it . . .

As with anything, condition, functionality and what you are willing to part with it for.

The SRT101 is a full function SLR which incorporated CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering system, the predecessor to matrix metering today. You can read more about the line at rokkorfiles SRT series or the auction site for current sold prices.

lesmore49 · 01-26-2020, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

Of course the worth of any tool is only as good as what the user can create with it . . .

As with anything, condition, functionality and what you are willing to part with it for.

The SRT101 is a full function SLR which incorporated CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering system, the predecessor to matrix metering today. You can read more about the line at rokkorfiles SRT series or the auction site for current sold prices.

Now that is a nice collection of Minolta cameras . I have but one, a Minolta MAXXUM 7000. I note the XK in the picture...which to my eyes is wonderful looking pro level product, which I would guess would go for more money than other models. Not being a Minolta aficionado, I don't know if this is the case.

Wasp · 01-26-2020, 10:47 AM

I have an SRT303 with Rokkor 58mm f/1.4 that sits around. I really should get an adapter for that lens and use it on my Samsung NX1.

Regarding the question, it depends a lot on which lenses. Minolta made some good ones under the Rokkor name.

LesDMess · 01-26-2020, 10:53 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by lesmore49

Now that is a nice collection of Minolta cameras . I have but one, a Minolta MAXXUM 7000. I note the XK in the picture...which to my eyes is wonderful looking pro level product, which I would guess would go for more money than other models. Not being a Minolta aficionado, I don't know if this is the case.

I believe the SR2 and the XK are at the top end when it comes to pricing.

---------- Post added 01-26-20 at 12:56 PM ----------

Originally posted by Wasp

I have an SRT303 with Rokkor 58mm f/1.4 that sits around. I really should get an adapter for that lens and use it on my Samsung NX1.

Regarding the question, it depends a lot on which lenses. Minolta made some good ones under the Rokkor name.

Minolta lenses are indeed exceptional.

**arnold** · 01-26-2020, 02:12 PM - **1 Like**

Those SRT Minoltas are very well made and a pleasure to use. I still have four versions of them. Great quality lenses as well.

Dewman · 01-27-2020, 08:21 AM

I good friend of mine passed away last December and his wife has asked me to help her dispose of his huge cache of camera gear. Mostly Pentax, but a lot of other stuff, too. There's also a few other pocket cameras (Nikon, Olympus) two video camera that were used for underwater photography. Two Pelican cases (one very large, one smaller), a 2 1/4 x 2 1/4" camera, 3 or 4 Minolta camera bodies and several Minolta lenses.

Also, there's a White K-50 Storm Trooper with a defective aperture switch..... less than 2K clicks. I'm sending it off to be fixed.

Thanks for all the info on the Minolta cameras.

Schick · 01-27-2020, 06:41 PM

Try selling the goods on ebay.
I just had my first Minolta lens delivered today. I thought I might try Minolta lenses on my K-50.

Astro-Baby · 01-28-2020, 12:44 PM

A good SRT 101 would fetch something around £45 and up depending on condtion, accessories. You would be better off putting a lens on the camera for sale but a lot would depend on the lens as to whether it would be better bundled or sold seperately. To give you an idea I paid £70 for a totally mint, fully working SRT101 with a mint Minolta 58mm f1.4 compete with original leather case. That combo could hit £150 on a good day.

The 58mm f1.4 is desirable as a bokeh monster of you like that sort of thing.

Prices are variable, seem to go cheap in US, expensive in UK, crazy in Japan.

Like any film camera film tested is the gold standard. Seals may have perished out and mirror bumper could be gone but thats easy to replace. SRTs have potentially failing light cells so metering can be wrecked but almost any camera tech can fix most of the ills.

Dammit what I am saying......they are highly toxic, super dangerous artefacts and should only be handled by experts in old cameras like me and Ismael

Astro-Baby · 01-29-2020, 12:08 AM

By the way whos Bob Arnold ?

Jonathan Mac · 01-29-2020, 04:04 AM

Originally posted by Dewman

I have a box of Minolta cameras (2-SRT-101) and four lenses that belonged to a friend of mine. He passed away this past December and his wife has asked me to dispose of them. Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight?

Thanks..... I think I already know the answer, but I had to ask.

I love the old SR series Minolta cameras. They're very similar in size, build and functionality to the Pentax K series. None of them are worth much money though, even if fully working.

The lenses could be another matter, depending on what they are, but the old Minolta lenses are very well regarded. Primes are better than zooms and fast is better than slow, as always with vintage lenses.

stevebrot · 01-29-2020, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

None of them are worth much money though, even if fully working.

That may depend on market, which is why I suggest equivalent comparison in Pentaxland. In my city a working and CLA'd SR-T 101 in very good to excellent condition is worth $200-$250 USD at retail, about the same as a similar condition Spotmatic II or K1000. Part of the high price is that the general popularity of film photography here has depleted the used film camera market with non-electronic models commanding higher prices.

An MC Rokkor 50/1.4 PG sells for about $100 USD in my market.

Steve

Jonathan Mac · 01-30-2020, 04:06 AM

I've picked up all of my SR cameras very cheaply and all work very well (light-meters aside) without any need of a CLA. I think they're just incredibly hardy cameras and that keeps their numbers up and their prices down.

I was out shooting the black SRT101 yesterday and remembering just how lovely it is to use. I think it may be my favourite.

01-25-2020, 08:59 PM	#1
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492	Minolta? As dead as Tom Arnold's career? I have a box of Minolta cameras (2-SRT-101) and four lenses that belonged to a friend of mine. He passed away this past December and his wife has asked me to dispose of them. Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight? Thanks..... I think I already know the answer, but I had to ask.

01-27-2020, 08:21 AM	#9
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492 Original Poster	I good friend of mine passed away last December and his wife has asked me to help her dispose of his huge cache of camera gear. Mostly Pentax, but a lot of other stuff, too. There's also a few other pocket cameras (Nikon, Olympus) two video camera that were used for underwater photography. Two Pelican cases (one very large, one smaller), a 2 1/4 x 2 1/4" camera, 3 or 4 Minolta camera bodies and several Minolta lenses. Also, there's a White K-50 Storm Trooper with a defective aperture switch..... less than 2K clicks. I'm sending it off to be fixed. Thanks for all the info on the Minolta cameras. Last edited by BigMackCam; 01-27-2020 at 01:48 PM. Reason: Edited as per moderator advice

01-29-2020, 11:05 AM	#14
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac None of them are worth much money though, even if fully working. That may depend on market, which is why I suggest equivalent comparison in Pentaxland. In my city a working and CLA'd SR-T 101 in very good to excellent condition is worth $200-$250 USD at retail, about the same as a similar condition Spotmatic II or K1000. Part of the high price is that the general popularity of film photography here has depleted the used film camera market with non-electronic models commanding higher prices. An MC Rokkor 50/1.4 PG sells for about $100 USD in my market. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 01-29-2020 at 11:17 AM.

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01-25-2020, 09:07 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Dewman I have a box of Minolta cameras (2-SRT-101) and four lenses that belonged to a friend of mine. He passed away this past December and his wife has asked me to dispose of them. Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight? Thanks..... I think I already know the answer, but I had to ask. The lenses may be adapted to several mirrorless mounts and the bodies have value and marketability similar to a Pentax Spotmatic. I have an SR-T 101 from about 1968 that is fully functional and a pleasure to shoot with. You can find out more about which variant(s) you have at the Rokkor Files Web page on the SR-T line: The Rokkor Files - The Minolta SR Series What lenses do you have? Some are quite highly regarded. Steve

01-25-2020, 09:10 PM - 2 Likes	#3
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Poor Tom Arnold...

01-25-2020, 11:06 PM	#4
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Dewman Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight? Of course the worth of any tool is only as good as what the user can create with it . . . As with anything, condition, functionality and what you are willing to part with it for. The SRT101 is a full function SLR which incorporated CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering system, the predecessor to matrix metering today. You can read more about the line at rokkorfiles SRT series or the auction site for current sold prices.

01-26-2020, 09:15 AM	#5
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by LesDMess Of course the worth of any tool is only as good as what the user can create with it . . . As with anything, condition, functionality and what you are willing to part with it for. The SRT101 is a full function SLR which incorporated CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering system, the predecessor to matrix metering today. You can read more about the line at rokkorfiles SRT series or the auction site for current sold prices. Now that is a nice collection of Minolta cameras . I have but one, a Minolta MAXXUM 7000. I note the XK in the picture...which to my eyes is wonderful looking pro level product, which I would guess would go for more money than other models. Not being a Minolta aficionado, I don't know if this is the case.

01-26-2020, 10:47 AM	#6
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	I have an SRT303 with Rokkor 58mm f/1.4 that sits around. I really should get an adapter for that lens and use it on my Samsung NX1. Regarding the question, it depends a lot on which lenses. Minolta made some good ones under the Rokkor name.

01-26-2020, 10:53 AM - 1 Like	#7
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by lesmore49 Now that is a nice collection of Minolta cameras . I have but one, a Minolta MAXXUM 7000. I note the XK in the picture...which to my eyes is wonderful looking pro level product, which I would guess would go for more money than other models. Not being a Minolta aficionado, I don't know if this is the case. I believe the SR2 and the XK are at the top end when it comes to pricing. ---------- Post added 01-26-20 at 12:56 PM ---------- Originally posted by Wasp I have an SRT303 with Rokkor 58mm f/1.4 that sits around. I really should get an adapter for that lens and use it on my Samsung NX1. Regarding the question, it depends a lot on which lenses. Minolta made some good ones under the Rokkor name. Minolta lenses are indeed exceptional.

01-26-2020, 02:12 PM - 1 Like	#8
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,294	Those SRT Minoltas are very well made and a pleasure to use. I still have four versions of them. Great quality lenses as well.

01-27-2020, 06:41 PM	#10
Schick Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 57	Try selling the goods on ebay. I just had my first Minolta lens delivered today. I thought I might try Minolta lenses on my K-50.

01-28-2020, 12:44 PM	#11
Astro-Baby Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Reigate, Surrey Posts: 764	A good SRT 101 would fetch something around £45 and up depending on condtion, accessories. You would be better off putting a lens on the camera for sale but a lot would depend on the lens as to whether it would be better bundled or sold seperately. To give you an idea I paid £70 for a totally mint, fully working SRT101 with a mint Minolta 58mm f1.4 compete with original leather case. That combo could hit £150 on a good day. The 58mm f1.4 is desirable as a bokeh monster of you like that sort of thing. Prices are variable, seem to go cheap in US, expensive in UK, crazy in Japan. Like any film camera film tested is the gold standard. Seals may have perished out and mirror bumper could be gone but thats easy to replace. SRTs have potentially failing light cells so metering can be wrecked but almost any camera tech can fix most of the ills. Dammit what I am saying......they are highly toxic, super dangerous artefacts and should only be handled by experts in old cameras like me and Ismael

01-29-2020, 12:08 AM	#12
Astro-Baby Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Reigate, Surrey Posts: 764	By the way whos Bob Arnold ?

01-29-2020, 04:04 AM	#13
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	Originally posted by Dewman I have a box of Minolta cameras (2-SRT-101) and four lenses that belonged to a friend of mine. He passed away this past December and his wife has asked me to dispose of them. Are they worth anything other than as a paper weight? Thanks..... I think I already know the answer, but I had to ask. I love the old SR series Minolta cameras. They're very similar in size, build and functionality to the Pentax K series. None of them are worth much money though, even if fully working. The lenses could be another matter, depending on what they are, but the old Minolta lenses are very well regarded. Primes are better than zooms and fast is better than slow, as always with vintage lenses.

01-30-2020, 04:06 AM	#15
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	I've picked up all of my SR cameras very cheaply and all work very well (light-meters aside) without any need of a CLA. I think they're just incredibly hardy cameras and that keeps their numbers up and their prices down. I was out shooting the black SRT101 yesterday and remembering just how lovely it is to use. I think it may be my favourite.