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Flash not firing on Minolta X-570.

The EASY test is to cover up the two SMALL contacts on the camera's hot shoe. Then the camera will not know that it has a TTL flash attached.
 


Now I see.
(I admit I did not understand the terminology of that chart and did not read up to #4 ....)

It is #4 at that chart.




Good idea in the use of a 2nd curtain signal.
However why should a camera that does not offer 2nd curtain flash triggering act as doing so?
 
xkaes said:
The EASY test is to cover up the two SMALL contacts on the camera's hot shoe. Then the camera will not know that it has a TTL flash attached.
Click to expand...

I've covered the small contacts, leaving the large circular one uncovered. The camera fires normally now, without seeming to wait for the flash. But the flash doesn't fire.
 
Your only option now is to try the flash on another camera and see if it fires when the shutter release is pressed. The flash can be used on any hot shoe camera, Minolta or otherwise.

My guess is that it will not fire. If it does fire that that suggests that the main contacts (the LARGE one on the bottom of the flash, and the SIDE contact(s) on the flash shoe -- hard to see) between your X-570 and the flash are not connecting. Which is having the problem? Camera or flash? Try a different flash on the camera.
 

Alright, unfortunately the flash I'd ordered went missing in the mail, but I should be able to find another camera to try my own flash on. Thanks.
 
Minolta93 said:
Alright, unfortunately the flash I'd ordered went missing in the mail, but I should be able to find another camera to try my own flash on. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Seems to me you are using too much time and mental energy on this.
The 360PX is valuable and should be cared for.
But your time is valuable too.

Take a paperclip or wire and short the side and mid contacts of the foot and establish firmly if the connection is there or not.

Find someone, anyone, with a newish working flash with a single center contact, any size will do, and test the shoe of the camera.
Flashes can’t be that rare in California. They are literally being given away because people don’t know how to use them.
Alternatively, if you have a modern multimeter, measure the shoe for continuity.

If both is working (as I suspect). Then it means that your contact on either/or foot or shoe needs further cleaning.
Don’t scrub or scratch!
Use toothpicks or soft pencils at worst to scrape the surface. And then of course finish off with contact cleaner.
 
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Helge said:
Seems to me you are using too much time and mental energy on this.
Click to expand...
Yes, maybe! Although in my defense I haven't given much thought to this lately, I just happened to get a bit of extra free time. I did take the camera out to an air show to shoot a couple rolls although of course, I didn't use the flash.

Helge said:
Alternatively, if you have a modern multimeter, measure the shoe for continuity.
Click to expand...
Do you know of any resources that give the specifications so I know what to look for?
 
Minolta93 said:
Do you know of any resources that give the specifications so I know what to look for?
Click to expand...

Just a blip of continuity. Most multimeters will be able to detect even a very short connection.
 
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