Minolta SR-3

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The Minolta SR-3 was launched in 1960 as the third 35mm SLR camera model from Chiyoda Kogaku. It replaced the SR-2, and was in turn replaced, in 1962, by the venerable Minolta SR-7 which was the first 35mm SLR camera with a built-in CdS-exposure meter. One of the standard lenses soon available would be the impressive Auto Rokkor-PF 1:1.4 f=58mm with depth-of-field pre-view stop-down lever. Chiyoda Kogaku, Minolta since 1962, was one of the very few Japanese camera makers who melted its own optical glass from raw materials like sand and rare elements for use in their optical production.

Improvements made on the SR-3 as compared to the SR-2:

  • Prepared for the Minolta clip-on selenium light meter by introducing a bracket on the camera body front and a shutter-speed dial coupling pin.
  • The bayonet mount surrounding the viewfinder was introduced.
  • Split image focusing screen.

As with its predecessors, the SR-3 was subject to improvements in the course the production run. The early version of SR-3 still featured the semi automatic diaphragm as the SR-2 (stops down at shutter release, opens up when winding the camera on). The late version, introduced in 1961, featured the new fully automatic diaphragm, opening the lens instantly after the exposure. This late camera version was also available in black.


Links

Minolta Classic Cameras
Vest (or Best) | V2 | SR-2 | SRT 101 | XE | XD | CLE | 7000 | 9000 | 800 si