Inherited a new camera.. Questions

[dana44]

So, I wake up this morning to find a new toy sitting on my breakfast table.. Minolta XG-1, but it has some serious issues, first off, the lense, it'll turn, but only slight before it stops and gets tough to turn ( the focus/zoom) upon inspection, I notice the lense part isn't straight, and that when it comes back inot the main body, it's rubbing against the side.


next question, I can't see out of the view finder, there is no lense cap, and the lense isn't blocked, i tried it on my SRT200.


also, the film wind button, it won't move at all. it'll move abit, and then it won't move any farther.

XG-1's, are they good? is it worth fixing? It only was 28mm lense, if it's not wort fixing, maybe I could sell it for parts?


thanks

 

[DBP]

Try fresh batteries. Most of the battery dependent Minoltas lock in the mirror up position, if memory serves. The lens sounds like impact damage, if I am understanding you correctly that the barrel of the lens is crooked. Not worth repairing at current MD prices.

 

[reellis67]

Try removing the lens and seeing if the mirror drops. I had a couple XG-1s at one point and I don't recall ever having the mirror lock up - but I'm no expert on this camera so take it for what it's worth. I would also second the idea of fresh batteries - this is never a bad idea with any camera. The lens, as previously stated, is likely no longer usable and could become an interesting project.

As for the winder, I would open the back and see if you can rotate the film takeup spool by hand. There should be a grey plastic clip - to hold the film - on the larger black spool. This should turn regardless of having power, although if the rewind button is depressed (on the bottom) it *might* be the cause of the problems. I seem to remember that the rewind button will return to it's normal position when you wind the film so that might not be of any help.

If you can get the camera working, lenses should not be a problem to find -- cheap and plentiful! Minolta made some nice cameras that went generaly under-noticed. You should be able to get a nice lens and make some great photographs with this camera if it has not been too damaged by it's previous owner.

- Randy

 

[dana44]

Try removing the lens and seeing if the mirror drops. I had a couple XG-1s at one point and I don't recall ever having the mirror lock up - but I'm no expert on this camera so take it for what it's worth. I would also second the idea of fresh batteries - this is never a bad idea with any camera. The lens, as previously stated, is likely no longer usable and could become an interesting project.

As for the winder, I would open the back and see if you can rotate the film takeup spool by hand. There should be a grey plastic clip - to hold the film - on the larger black spool. This should turn regardless of having power, although if the rewind button is depressed (on the bottom) it *might* be the cause of the problems. I seem to remember that the rewind button will return to it's normal position when you wind the film so that might not be of any help.

If you can get the camera working, lenses should not be a problem to find -- cheap and plentiful! Minolta made some nice cameras that went generaly under-noticed. You should be able to get a nice lens and make some great photographs with this camera if it has not been too damaged by it's previous owner.

- Randy

The lense is toast, we took it apart and now it won't go back together. so, luckily my 45MM lense from my SRT200 works

were can I find lenses? eBay isn't helping

 

[reellis67]

Look for lenses like these - ebay item #140046766106 or #170046231917

- Randy

 

[DBP]

were can I find lenses? eBay isn't helping

Try www.keh.com, an APUG sponsor, I believe.

 

[unohuu]

The lense is toast, we took it apart and now it won't go back together. so, luckily my 45MM lense from my SRT200 works

were can I find lenses? eBay isn't helping[/QUOTE

i have some XG-1 compatible lenses. what are you looking for? see my ad here and make a reasonable offer. some are on eBay right now, but I know the 200mm did not sell there. I have a 135mm not yet posted there, a 50mm f/1.4 that needs cleaning because of an expired spider near the rear element, and a 135 /f2.8.

Luke

 

[Christopher Walrath]

I hope you can save it, but probably not without some major work. If you do, however, decide to sell for parts, I would be interested for $5 plus s&h. Please keep me in mind. Thank you. And welcome (kinda) to the Minolta family.

 

[dana44]

I hope you can save it, but probably not without some major work. If you do, however, decide to sell for parts, I would be interested for $5 plus s&h. Please keep me in mind. Thank you. And welcome (kinda) to the Minolta family.

I plan on keeping the camera, the lense is shot. I already own a Minolta, I actually own 2 now.. SRT200 and a XG-1