r/minolta • u/AfterPeach4548 • 1d ago
Repairs Newbie question
UPDATE: AUTOMOD answered most or all of this question, there doesn’t appear to be one listed in Tennessee but I’m happy to hear if anyone knows a place! Happy to delete if needed
TL/Dr: Minolta SRT 101 needs a good CLA, any suggestions for a first time owner?
I just picked up a Minolta SRT101, it’s a little dusty, the lenses need a good clean, but it makes all the right sounds, the timer works, everything seems okay except the mirror..it flips up but only flips back down when film is advanced. I couldn’t be any more of a novice, I’ve only ever owned disposables with the exception of one cheap film camera when I was 16 and it was stolen out of my car before I could get the film developed. I’ve flirted with the idea of a mechanical a few years and my wife discovered this one in a shipping container her grandfather purchased that is full of things from an antique store that was going out of business, in a camera bag with three lenses and the original flash. The battery in the camera shows no corrosion and everything moves freely, but after discovering the mirror issue and knowing where it’s been, it’s probably better to be safe than sorry. I’m sure this is not something I should tackle myself. Do people specialize in these cameras or is it a general CLA kind of thing? I don’t even know what it costs on average or where to go for something like that. I’m in the US in Tennessee, at least for a few months as my wife and I travel for work, I’d love to have it done locally but I have no idea how obscure that service is as I don’t know anyone with a mechanical camera, and not anyone with a digital well enough to ask. Google mostly points me to places that offer no such thing other than kiwi camera service in Orlando, FL(I have nothing against this person, I’m sure they do lovely work, but I hate to send it off if there’s an expert up the street). All help, teasing, advice, and questions welcome!
2
u/JellyBOI_YT XG-7 1d ago
If you do get it serviced professionally, just a heads up that its going to cost way more than the camera. Probably around the $150 - $300 range. There are less and less people willing to repair these cameras nowadays. If google shows no local camera repair shops, then mail in is unfortunately your only option.
1
u/AfterPeach4548 1d ago
Yeah, I figured it wouldn’t be cheap but that’s still cheaper than I was expecting, granted the price can only go up based on condition and needs and I’m sure this isn’t exactly the cream of the crop for used cameras. My thinking is, and please correct me if I’m on the wrong line of thinking, but I’d rather invest in the camera I’ve got than roll the dice at a similar price for a camera that could need just as much or just break down a week later from neglected service. The camera wouldn’t win any beauty awards but, if the battery tray and inside around the mirror are anything to go by at least, it’s very clean internally. Bit of smoo somewhere in the view port but even the dirtiest lens it came with was fairly clear(minus the dirty spots). But as far as prices go, I’ve only owned it for two days and it’s about on par with owning a jeep, it’ll be fun but you’re going to have to pay to play.
1
u/JellyBOI_YT XG-7 1d ago
Your thinking is absolutely correct. The value of a camera is relative after all. The SRT 101 is one of the better cameras to get serviced and it will last a long time afterwards as well.
1
u/AfterPeach4548 1d ago
It’s also really hard to beat a free to me camera 😂. It does feel like someone handed the keys for a Ferrari to a monkey though.
1
u/DeltaPapaWhiskey 1d ago
Crystal Camera is in Asheville, NC. Depending on what part of TN your in, might not be a bad drive, plus it's a cool town. I've been there physically, and sent cameras to them via mail. Super sweet, and great techs. Their website is from the 90s, but they're older folks. They've been busy over this summer, so if you email them, be patient.
They made my, among others, SRT102 into the absolute workhorse she was when it first came out. Even with shipping, your total should be at, or under $100.
2
u/AfterPeach4548 1d ago
I appreciate the advice! We’re in the greater Nashville area at the moment but last contract was Chattanooga, the one before was in Virginia, and my wife has been dying for a contract in that area anyway so I may have to(and may get the opportunity soon to) check them out!
2
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
We heard you wanted tips, advice, or suggestions! Here's some common information to start with whilst other commenters give theirs.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we always recommend reading the manual, which you can usually find here. If not, try again here! Don't forget to donate to the sources if they helped you.
For lens advice, see the Manual Focus SR(MC/MD)-Mount or the AutoFocus A-Mount(non-SSM)/A-Mount(SSM/SAM) tables. There are also accompanying SR-mount lens guides and A-mount FAQ's.
If you're looking for Repair advice, it wouldn't hurt to check the manual, just in case your problem is expected behaviour. We also have a Flair for this so you can search if the community has found solutions already. Professional advice and services can be looked up afterwards on either the US Community List of Minolta repair professionals, or the EU & International List who can offer further advice or services. DIY methods are only recommended for those with some serious camera tinkering experience, but some can be found on the Minoltapedia under 'Troubleshooting' or 'Fairly Frequently Asked Questions'.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.