Gadgets

Minolta SRT 102

I started researching cameras when I saw how expensive those cute little polaroids were at Target. I learned about point and shoot, rangefinders, SLR vs. DSLR, aperture and ISO ratings, the price of film, etc. I decided I wanted an SLR, and I ended up hunting for old Minolta SRT cameras, with the help of the abundance of knowledge on the r/MINOLTA GANG reddit. It was the most organized, useful, informative reddit group I had ever seen. Film camera people; go figure.

Eventually, I purchased this Minolta SRT 102 (for 30 bucks!) from my new acquaintance, Dennis. I had some work ahead of me. I replaced the top plate with one that was in better condition - Dennis sourced the replacement piece and never got around to it, so he gave it to me in the sale. Then I tracked down some batteries (That is a whole thing; they originally built these with mercury batteries! ) in order to use the exposure meter. I made my own camera strap out of some rainbow canvas material I got at Field's Fabrics, and I ordered a lens cap that fit.

I have been using FujiFilm 400 color negative (35 mm) film almost exclusively. I love the way the greens turn out. I ended up getting my dad the same camera for father's day (back to Dennis!) because he had the same camera when he was a teen! He sold it to buy his first car, after taking a majority of the photos for his highschool's yearbook.

I'm looking forward to getting my film photos back from our trip to Scotland! I used 'Lomography Color Negative 800 ISO film', which is new to me. 800 ISO is good for low light situations, and I am jazzed to see how they turned out. My growth is slow with this hobby because I send film to be developed so seldomly, but the imperfections feel pretty authentic.

If anyone is interested, they can view my ameteur film photos on the photos page!