Help with Minolta XE-1 wind lever not returning

AnselAdamsX · Jun 1, 2011

Hi,

I just got a Minolta XE-1 with a nice f1.4 lens on it. After I put new batteries in it the meter started working and I could advance the film (no film in camera) and fire the shutter. I did this several times and then I tried the self timer without advancing the film. Now the film advance lever does not return and I cannot fire the shutter and the self timer does not go back to its original position. Is there a simple fix to this I am missing or will I need to disassemble it?

Thanks
Chris

fstop · Jun 1, 2011

Is the mirror up or down?

AnselAdamsX · Jun 1, 2011

The mirror is down.

fstop · Jun 1, 2011

is the shutter cocked all the way? IE move advance lever all the way to the end of its stroke, if the shutter is cocked the lever should lock and only be able to swing out from the body about 30-40 degrees.

AnselAdamsX · Jun 1, 2011

I don't think the shutter is cocking. The lever moves freely through the whole range.

fstop · Jun 1, 2011

Sounds like it.Bottom probably needs to come off to reset it.I have a parts XE-7 I can pull the bottom off and study if you want some input, should only be a matter off over riding a lock.

See now this is where digital cameras are useful, I can take pics of my XE-7 guts and put in photo shop, draw circles and arrows on them and post on the net in a few minutes.

Bearman · Jun 2, 2011

Awesome

fstop, you are one helpful dude. Nice job!

Les Sarile · Jun 2, 2011

If you advance the self timer to the first white mark (6 second point) without cocking the shutter or if you cocked the shutter but tripped it yourself before the self timer actuates the shutter, the self timer will pause with the self timer lever at about the 10 o'clock position. I can then cock the shutter one time but cannot trip it with the self timer lever at that position. Instead, you have to reset the self timer past the first white mark again, push it's small release button and have it trip the shutter this time. At least this is how my XE-7 operates which should be the same as the XE-1 if all is functional.

fstop · Jun 2, 2011

Yes thats true, I have 4 XE-7s

But something is not working correctly in this case.But its an easy fix,most likely the lube dried out and is gummy holding that lever/lock away from the cam that lever holds the other lever in a position that won't let shutter fire.

Thanks Bearman, I try to help.Some of these problems with older cameras are simply dried up lube.Loosening with a little naptha or lighter fluid can restore normal operation.

Les Sarile · Jun 2, 2011

fstop said:
Yes thats true, I have 4 XE-7s

I'm from Missouri and you have to show me before I believe that

fstop · Jun 2, 2011

I'm not going through all the trouble of dragging all that stuff out, theres 20 SLR bodies in the cabinet to sort through.:eek:

I'll see what I can do, one is a parts camera thats missing parts.(the one in the pictures above) They are used, not mint condition museum peices so they have some "patina" but that can be a plus: I'm not afraid to take them out and shoot them.

btw I had a g/f from Missouri, I know about the show me thing.:devil:

upnorthcyclist · Jun 2, 2011

Another vote for "Awesome". Thanks for taking the time to do this, fstop.

Mike

AnselAdamsX · Jun 2, 2011

I'm not sure if that was the problem. I read on another site that you sometimes have to give it a good hard flick to free it up. I tried that and it started working again. I still took the bottom off and oiled the various linkages you point out. I also noticed some loose floating bits that look like pieces of film. Maybe they jammed the mechanism. Thanks for all the help fstop.

Chris

fstop · Jun 2, 2011

Your welcome.

Could have been the film pieces, the only way I could duplicate the problem was by holding that lever off the cam.Its working again and thats all that matters.

Steve Smith · Nov 22, 2012

Just reviving this thread to say that my XE-1 (European version of XE-7) also had a film wind lever which would not always return by itself. It would also sometimes jam up if I tried to advance quickly after pressing the shutter, although it was always o.k. after releasing pressure and trying again.

I removed the screw (top bit with two tiny holes) and took off the lever mechanism (remember the order in which the parts came off!) and sprayed on a very tiny amount of Servisol contact cleaner. This is sold as a switch cleaning lubricant so I assume I will not need to add any lubricant later (although if I do, it's not a problem).

The wind on lever is now as silky smooth as it was when I bought the camera.

Steve.

Help with Minolta XE-1 wind lever not returning

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