SRT202

(1975) In 1975, Minolta "upgraded" the original SRT100 series to the SRT200 series.  Actually, there was very little difference between the two series of cameras.  Perhaps Minolta felt that the SRT100 series name was getting too old and that the public wanted something "new".  After all, the early 1970's saw dramatic competition in the camera market, and other camera companies were producing "new" cameras with new names -- some with very minor changes.  For example, Nikon added a hot shoe to it's Nikkormat FTN in 1975, and called it the Nikkormat FT2.  In the same vein, Minolta made some minor changes to all of the Minolta SRT100 series cameras -- and the SRT200 series was born.  

The SRT202 was a modified version of the SRT102.  The problem was that since the SRT102 was such a perfect camera, how could you update or improve it?  All Minolta could do was add a couple of convenience features.  Unfortunately, they removed some at the same time. One step forward, one step back. There were actually several versions of the SRT202, depending on the market, with slight variations over time.  The model numbers are not inscribed on the cameras.

• SRT202 (model a) -- (1975)
  
  The first model of the SRT202 was almost the same as its predecessor, the SRT102 (model b), but it had the addition of a film tab holder on the back  (the new film memo holder retains the ASA/DIN converter, but you can't see it if you have a film tab inserted) and a film advance window.  Nice touches, but Minolta dropped the mirror lock-up feature. Two steps forward, one step back. The viewfinder and focusing screen remained the same:
  
  But there were sublte differences as well. The previous model had "MINOLTA CAMERA CO.,LTD." imprinted on the top between the pentaprism and the rewind crank. On this model, the imprint is gone. In addition, the film plane indicator, which had been behind the shutter speed dial (on the right), is now placed between the pentaprism and the rewind crank (on the left). This was a smart move and makes measurements a little easier for those few people who use it. Last, the hot shot on this model is marked with a red "X", hopefully to remind users that the "hot" part of the shoe is only usable with X-synch, not bulbs. The SRT202 (model a) was available in black or chrome.

• SR505 -- (1975)
  
  Japanese version of the SRT202 (model a).

• SRT303b (model a) -- (1975)
  
  European version of the SRT202 (model a).

• SRT202 (model b) -- (1977)
  
  In 1977, a few changes were made to the SRT202 (model a).  This was the same year that Minolta introduced the first of the XD and XG cameras, and several of these features were copied directly from the XD and XG line.  Perhaps it was an attempt to make the older-styled cameras look as similar as possible to the newer cameras, but it is just as likely that the newer parts were available -- and useable -- on the older cameras.  First, there was a switch on the SRT202 (model b) to a black, plastic aperture ring around the lens mount -- replacing an aluminum ring.  
  
  In addition, the locking DOF button of the earlier SRT cameras was replaced with a non-locking DOF button. On the surface, this sounds like a minor cosmetic change. But the change is more than skin deep. At the same time, Minolta dropped the "meter off" switch which, in all previous SRT models, would automatically turn the meter off when the DOF button was pressed (when an MC lens was attached to the camera). The purpose of this early feature was to allow metering in "stop-down" mode with early non-MC lenses. That's why the DOF button on Minolta SLR cameras was originally called the "stop-down-metering" button. So with this switch, Minolta was cutting out a few cents in manufacturing costs -- and casting aside users of earlier lenses.
  
  Also, the SRT202 (model b) only had X synchronization for flash use -- the FP option of the SRT202 (model a) was dropped.  The SRT202 (model b) was available in black or chrome.  Look for the black, plastic aperture ring around the lens mount to identify the SRT202 (model b).

• SR505s -- (1977)
  
  Japanese version of the SRT202 (model b).   

• SRT303b (model b) -- (1977)
  
  European version of the SRT202 (model b).   

Sad to say, in 1978, Minolta dropped the SRT202 from it's line of cameras.  The SRT202 was it's most expensive manual-exposure camera, and they felt that most people who would spend that much money would want the added features of an automatic-exposure camera, like the XD-11 and XG-7.  In addition, they had just upgraded the SRT201, so that there were few advantages in the SRT202.  

Since the shutter will operate without a battery, it is built like a tank, has complete viewfinder information, and many other features, many consider the SRT202 to be the best manual-exposure camera ever made -- by any manufacturer!  It's only competition is the SRT102.  Which should you choose? For a comparative look at the major features of the SRT202 models, check out MINMAN's SLR table -- the world's most complete!

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