Minolta a-7 (Maxxum/Dynax 7) Malfunction

I feel certain that my α-7 is malfunctioning.

When turned on, the blacked out LCD panel shown in the attached picture is displayed and it won't autofocus. Turning it off and on again, allows the normal display, but still no autofocus. Doing so a third time, allows it to function normally. Occasionally, it functions normally the second time, without the need to repeat the steps a third time.

Once I get it to a normal state, it either goes to the blacked out display after a few pictures and stops shooting or the display is blank and there's a sorta prolonged buzz/beep sound.

Helpful guidance is greatly appreciated.

I'm sharing the information for anyone else who may encounter the same issue.

PDX700 said:

I'm sharing the information for anyone else who may encounter the same issue.

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The video mentions an aperture lever problem being the cause of this behavior. That doesn't seem the same as the issue you're having.

The first thing that comes to mind in your case is a power supply problem. I'd try a fresh set of batteries first, but it's also possible there's an issue with e.g. a decaying/leaky electrolytic capacitor going on. The reason why I suspect something along these lines is that repeatedly turning the camera on seems to temporarily resolve the issue.

koraks said:

The video mentions an aperture lever problem being the cause of this behavior. That doesn't seem the same as the issue you're having.

The first thing that comes to mind in your case is a power supply problem. I'd try a fresh set of batteries first, but it's also possible there's an issue with e.g. a decaying/leaky electrolytic capacitor going on. The reason why I suspect something along these lines is that repeatedly turning the camera on seems to temporarily resolve the issue.

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I truly appreciate your insight. I don't know if that makes it better or worse, but I suspect the cost of repair may significantly exceed the value of the camera.

Well, replacement of an electrolytic capacitor is in some cases something one can DIY.

koraks said:

Well, replacement of an electrolytic capacitor is in some cases something one can DIY.

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While there are things at which I'm good, such as my profession, I'm unfortunately not mechanically inclined and haven't successfully soldered.

PDX700 said:

While there are things at which I'm good, such as my profession, I'm unfortunately not mechanically inclined and haven't successfully soldered.

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Soldering has a reputation for not being easy, but you can successfully ruin that reputation

• The soldering tip must be clean and at the right temperature.
• Take a little solder and use this small drop on the tip to heat the soldering point and add solder.
• Wait a second or two and remove the soldering tip.
• The key point is the heat transfer from the soldering tip to the soldering point, and the small drop of solder is the transfer bridge that is essential.

Maybe it will work better if that was the problem.

As always:

+++

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