Basic Black—The Lure of Black SR and SR-T Cameras

It seems everyone has written about Minolta SR and SR-T cameras, which only makes sense. They are the first and second generation of Minolta SLR cameras and are praised for their sturdiness and performance. These classic cameras, built like tanks, work great and produce excellent images. An SR-T 101 was my first real camera, so I have an abiding affection for these cameras. 

But there is another side to these cameras that doesn’t spill over to other Minolta SLR models—the black models have an air of elegance and intrigue that makes them special. Minolta has many other black cameras–the XE-7, XK, and X-700 are black. I like them, but the color confers no specialness. But when I look at my SR-T 101, light glinting off one corner, the rest in a soft shadow, MC Rokkor 55mm 1.7 lens attached, it conveys an attitude. It makes me feel underdressed—as if I should be wearing a bow tie and cummerbund.   

I happily sought bargain-priced silver SR and SR-Ts for my collection and rarely paid more than 30.00 for one of them. All work perfectly, and I am a satisfied owner. I was doing fine until I saw a chance to buy a set of lenses that included an AR 55mm f1.8, MC Rokkor PF 58mm f1.4, and MD Rokkor 45mm f2— all in pristine condition and for a ridiculously low price. Although I was attracted to the set by the lenses, I noticed it contained two cameras, a black SR-T 101 and an SR-T SC-II. The starting auction price was so low that I assumed the cameras did not work or were in bad shape (the images of the cameras were not that good). I wrote to the seller, who said he did not know if the meters worked, but the cameras seemed to. Since those three lenses often sell for much more than the starting auction price, I offered the seller a little less than double the starting auction price, and he accepted.  

When the set arrived, the SR-T 101 looked like it had never been used, and the meter worked perfectly. At first, I put it in the box with my other SR-Ts. But soon, I had this nagging feeling that it did not belong there. The black SR-T 101 cost about the same as the silver ones (when considering the total number of items in the auction lot), yet it seemed out of place among them. I moved it to a box with my XK and 58mm f1.2. After that, the nagging feeling disappeared, and I was at peace–for a while.  

My peace lasted until I saw a black Ritz Camera, Special Edition SR-T 201 with waffle-pattern leatherette. Before seeing this Ritz Camera model, I had decided never to buy an SR-T 201 because it was not much of a technical improvement over the 101. But it looked so good, how could I leave it? Again, I thought I was done. 

Black SR-T 102 and 202 cameras show up for sale infrequently. But, of course, a black SR-T 102 showed up on cue, and naturally, I bought it. A few months later, a black SR-T 202 showed up (at the time, a model I had only seen in a camera review on Casual Photophile). I bought it within minutes of the listing going live.  

Now, I had all four major SR-T models, and they had their own storage space. Looking over them admiringly, I checked each one, then put them away for safekeeping. Soon, the silver models, which I had prided myself on finding, especially the 202, seemed less worthy.  

Whenever I pick up the silver cameras, there is no change in attitude. I check or use them and put them away—no big deal. When I take out the black cameras, I wonder why I never learned Baccarat. Looking over them almost demands I have a snifter of Courvoisier at hand to make up for my inadequate attire. Wait, it gets worse.

A few months ago, I came across a black SR-1 and a black SR-7, neither of which I knew existed! These are very rare cameras. I didn’t even care whether they worked—both do. Yes, I realize this is out of hand. Fortunately, I cannot go any further with this. The only black SR-2 I’ve seen cost over 2000.00, and I have never even seen a picture of a black SR-3 that I can recall.  

Meanwhile, my silver SR and SR-Ts are getting little love. They get more work, though, because, for some reason, the thought of dropping one doesn’t bother me. The good news is, I do own a tux (doubt it still fits), and I have Courvoisier within easy reach. No doubt, YouTube has Baccarat tutorials. Before you laugh at me, buy a black SR-T or SR and see if you can stop at just one. See what I mean?…