Perfect gift for a loved one! This is one of the cameras in my personal collection. Body: Minolta SR-7 Released in 1962, the SR-7 stands as one of Minolta’s most refined mechanical SLRs - the first 35mm SLR to feature a built-in CdS light meter integrated into its body. It was an engineering breakthrough that marked Minolta’s transition from fully mechanical SLRs to semi-electronic sophistication, setting the foundation for modern TTL metering systems that would dominate the decades to come. The SR-7 is powered by precision mechanical engineering, featuring a horizontal-travel cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, plus Bulb mode. Entirely mechanical, it operates flawlessly even without batteries — the light meter circuit being the only powered component. Shutter Speeds: 1s – 1/1000s + Bulb Metering: CdS light cell (external, coupled via match-needle system) Mount: Minolta SR bayonet mount (compatible with later MC and MD Rokkor lenses) Flash Sync: 1/60s via PC terminal Weight: ~780g — reassuringly solid, all-metal construction The body is a solid brass chassis wrapped in a high-grade chrome plating. The controls are machined with remarkable precision: the film advance is smooth and short-throw, the shutter release crisp, and the mirror mechanism damped with impressive finesse for its era. Even today, it’s admired for its smooth operation and mechanical reliability — a tactile reminder of when cameras were engineered like fine instruments rather than mass-market devices. The SR-7 was built at a time when Minolta was chasing Leica-level mechanical refinement but wanted to make it accessible to the serious amateur. Lens:MC ROKKOR PF 55mm f/1.7 Lens This lens is tuned for microcontrast and color tonality. Focal Length: 55mm Maximum Aperture: f/1.7 Optical Formula: 6 elements in 5 groups Aperture Blades: 6 Minimum Focus Distance: ~0.5 meters Filter Thread: 55mm (Minolta’s classic standard at the time) Mount Type: Minolta SR (MC/MD compatible) bayonet mount This lens is a gem of Minolta’s optical engineering, known for its microcontrast, tonal subtlety, and gentle bokeh. The 55mm focal length offers a slightly tighter perspective than a standard 50mm, giving portraits and close shots a natural compression and pleasing background separation. Wide open at f/1.7, it delivers a delicate glow with soft transitions and just enough spherical aberration to give that film-era character. Stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, it becomes remarkably sharp, with excellent contrast and clean color rendering — the signature “Minolta warmth.” The multi-coating (MC) enhances contrast and minimizes flare, while maintaining the signature Rokkor color balance — rich, dimensional, and beautifully analog. Mechanically, the focusing ring moves with smooth precision, offering perfect tactile control for manual focus work. The 55mm f/1.7 is often overlooked because of its faster siblings — the 58mm f/1.4 and f/1.2 — but real enthusiasts know it’s the sweet spot - lighter, optically purer, and focuses closer - the rendering is never forced. The lens is clear, providing perfectly balanced optics and is free from mold. The body fires without problems at all speeds and is in perfect shape, without dents. What I love about this particular model is its ease of operability and high maintenance potential, the camera being able to even reset itself if it jams! I took the pictures in sunlight so you could notice the presence of some dust particles on the body, mirror and on the back of the lens. The viewfinder which is foggy and has some staining due to dust migration and age. Generally these haven't affected my shooting performance, but the camera can use a viewfinder cleaning, internal cleaning and foam replacement. It sat for a few years and I feel it's time to find her a new home with someone that can take care of her and put her to good use by capturing the beautiful world we live in :) The shipping will be done by courier, with the best protective packaging, insurance and a tracking code, as I would do for myself. Thank you for your time and happy treasure hunting!