The Minolta SRT-101 is a tank: simple, mechanical, heavy, and deeply satisfying if you like the slower craft of film photography. It does not flatter you with automation, but it gives you a clear match-needle meter and a solid mechanical shutter noise, confirming that light did, in fact, hit the film. It also opens the door to the underrated world of Rokkor lenses.

This was my dad’s first 35mm SLR, bought in 1975, and it was the camera on which I learned film photography, running countless rolls of Fujifilm Superia 200 through it.

It is not as iconic as a Nikon F2 or a Canon AE-1. It is simpler than that, bare of gimmicks, but excellent at what it does: “point, focus, click”. The CLC metering system helps keep that process straightforward, even in backlit situations where you still want the subject properly exposed.

The Good:

• Fully mechanical shutter keeps the camera usable even without meter batteries.

• Durable metal build makes it feel trustworthy and field-ready. Almost indestructible.

• Match-needle metering is simple, visible, and great for learning exposure.

• Rokkor lenses have a strong reputation and a distinct rendering (and those flares!)

• Mirror lock-up and depth-of-field preview add serious camera features.

• No display, no program mode, no fuss.

The Bad:

• Heavy compared with compact SLRs like the Olympus OM-2.

• Meter batteries and voltage compatibility can require attention.

• Viewfinder brightness and focusing aids depend heavily on age and condition.

• Get it if you want a rugged, mechanical, no-nonsense 35mm SLR.

• Get it if you enjoy manual exposure and want to build an excellent, still-affordable collection of classic Rokkor lenses.

• Get it as a first SLR camera if you want to learn film photography the slow, manual way.

• Pass if you want lightweight, auto exposure, or fast operation.

• Pass if you prefer consolidating around Nikon F or Canon EF lenses.