Flash not firing on Minolta X-570.

[xkaes]

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.

 

[AgX]

the Trouble shooting chart referenced above, does metion this posiblity on the TTL equiped X series. (X500 or X570 or X 700) it seems like the flash itself is the one that commands the second curtain, when the Camera detects that it is talking to a dedicated Minolta Flash. A bit weird, BUT I can see that that would allow for a future model to do things like second curtain sync. (wait some time after curtain open, and then fire and close second curtain)
X500 sold in Europe, and x570 sold in North america, otherwise almost identical although I am not sure if both the chrome and black versions were in all Markets) )

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?

 

[Minolta93]

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.

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.

 

[xkaes]

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.

 

[Minolta93]

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.

 

[Helge]

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.

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.

 

[Minolta93]

Seems to me you are using too much time and mental energy on this.

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.

Alternatively, if you have a modern multimeter, measure the shoe for continuity.

Do you know of any resources that give the specifications so I know what to look for?

 

[Helge]

Do you know of any resources that give the specifications so I know what to look for?

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