douglas_green1 Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 The prices of quality mechanical manual focus gear are now at ridiculous levels. I recently grabbed a nice looking "AS IS untested" Minolta SRT-202 on the bay for $26 plus $10 shipping. This included a 50mm f1.7 MD Rokkor-X. When it arrived, I was genuinely surprised to find that it was in TRUE MINT- condition (as distinguished from ebay "Mint" condition). Other than some bright marks around the tripod socket, there is literally not a cosmetic blemish on it, and it's functionally flawless. The lens is in similar shape. I had originally bought this to give to a young photo student as a gift, but it's in too nice condition, so I'm keeping it and giving them one of my older SRT-102s instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miguel_rodriguez5 Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 It is amazing to me how cheap these cameras get in the US. The other day I found an ad in a local shop here (southern Mexico). They wanted $2,000.00 US for a kit with a Canon FD an a few lenses. I have no idea about the Canon system but I have seen similar prices for Minolta manual equipment. Sometimes they are even more expensive than those point and shoot digital cameras. Perhaps the fact that technology does not penetrate the market as quick as in industrialized countries make people value their old stuff. It reminds me of those old cars still running in Habana as taxis. Sometimes I'd like to buy from ebay US but sellers mostly ship to US only. Those low prices are ridiculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_thorlin Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 You old meanie you - go on give them a really nice present ! Seriously though it is not just manual stuff that is a "steal" - perhaps we should be thankful for the digital revolution after all (now that is a thought). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luiz Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Hi Douglas, Congratulations for doing such bussiness. A friend of mine is using the same SRT 101b since the beggining of 1979 and it is working perfectly. No repair in 26 years!!! Good lucky and great pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglas_green1 Posted June 23, 2005 Author Share Posted June 23, 2005 No Bill, I'm keeping the 202. Besides, the 102 I'm giving them is every bit as functional (maybe more, since it has MLU, which the 202 lacks), just not quite as pristine. I just decided to be a twassock (note the use of my new word) and keep the prettier one. I also have another, uglier 102 that's got a couple of serious dings and paint wear on it, but also works fine, which I'm keeping as well. I don't think I need multiple SRT bodies that have MLU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_thorlin Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Luiz - I still use my SRT101 bought in 1969 in Nairobi which has never been repaired or serviced - that's Minolta for you. Douglas - the choice always rests with the giver. The wider the vocabulary the better - my turn to learn from you I think ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob_gentile Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 <em>"... I just decided to be a twassock ..."</em><p> <p>Verbal extrubication aside, a 102 is a <em>very</em> nice gift -- especially with MLU, which mine lacks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenny allyn Posted June 25, 2005 Share Posted June 25, 2005 Hot and Cold with ebay ... for a while I was buying lots of older minoltas ... I have been sent cameras and lens that not only didn't work but looked like they had been drug behind a 49 Ford ... On the flip side I got an "as is" XD-5 with two minolta lens for $25.00 that is mint! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesdak Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Sounds familiar, I bought a SRT 101b off Ebay to give to my son. When I got it it was much too nice to give to him and I kept it. He's now got a fairly beat-up but fully functional x-700 to learn on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_thorlin Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Sounds like we have a new sub-group on this forum - the 3Ms - Mechanical Minolta Meanies. Sorry could not resist being a big "T" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_stevens1 Posted July 3, 2005 Share Posted July 3, 2005 I recently bought an SRT102 for $22, it says "meter not working". Other than that, it looks mint in the photos. (I haven't seen the camera yet, it shipped to the office and I've been on vacation.) I'm hoping the meter just needs a battery conversion and calibration, since those are easy and well-documented. It'll be an inexpensive backup for my X700, or maybe become my #1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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