Minolta SRT 100
Sometimes "budget" does not mean inferior, as is the case with the Minolta SRT 100. Introduced in 1971, the Minolta SRT 100 was a stripped-down and simplified version of the more expensive, more professional Minolta SRT 101. The SRT 101, first introduced in 1966, had proven to be an immensely successful camera, and Minolta wanted to offer some of its best features, but in a model that was priced more affordably for advanced amateurs. They did so by removing the self-timer and mirror lock up mechanisms, as well as the shutter speed viewfinder display and lowering the top speed from 1/1,000 to 1/500. These simplifications drastically reduced the manufacturing costs of the SRT 100 and allowed it to hit the market at a much reduced price.
Even with these cost reduction efforts in place, the SRT 100 kept several key features of the SRT 101, such as Minolta's "Contrast Light Compensator" TTL metering system. The SRT 100 also kept the depth of field preview button, always a handy feature to have. The SRT 100 even made some minor improvements to certain elements of the camera, such as a deeper milled shutter speed dial for easier traction, and a mild update to the internal pressure plate and take up spools.
Essentially, these omissions and additions balance out fairly well and the user ends up with a camera that feels true to the SRT line, is incredibly rugged and reliable, all the while being slightly less expensive and making it an even better bang for the buck. The SRT 101 and SRT 201 will continue to be the most popular cameras in this fine series of 35mm SLRs, but don't discredit the SRT 100.
za/sd
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