Minolta AL

[Galah]

I really should stop falling for cameras in non-working condition, but I couldn't help rescuing a Minolta AL rangefinder in excellent cosmetic condition with ever-ready case, lens-hood and UV filter.

unfortunately, for me, the shutter -which appeared to be fully operational in the junk-shop- ceased to work once I tried it at home. Ah well, caveat emptor. (I don't ever seem to learn:rolleyes

It seems the shutter release mechanism is capricious: it sometimes works apparently perfectly -at all speeds and apertures- for a few advances of the cocking lever, then seems to be stuck at the 1/1,000th sec for a variable number of advances of the lever, when it works again for a few more:confused:.

Does anyone know if this is fixable?

BTW, the selenium cell exposure-meter appears to work, and the camera and lens are in very clean/clear condition.

 

[Zuikopath]

I have a Minolta AL-S with a similar problem and I'm guessing the shutter blades need cleaning.

Has anyone opened one of these up...? It sounds like Galah and I have a similar problem and I would love to get mine fixed...!

How does the lens come apart to get access to the shutter blades...?

TIA

 

[tony lockerbie]

I have one which had the same problem, just sticky shutter blades, not uncommon for leaf shuttered cameras which haven't been used for a while. The old adage, use it or lose it!
I wouldn't be game to work on them, so I sent mine to Camera Checkpoint in Dubbo. It now works a treat, and I was surprised at just how good the lens is, mine is the F2 version.

 

[Galah]

I have one which had the same problem, just sticky shutter blades, not uncommon for leaf shuttered cameras which haven't been used for a while. The old adage, use it or lose it!
I wouldn't be game to work on them, so I sent mine to Camera Checkpoint in Dubbo. It now works a treat, and I was surprised at just how good the lens is, mine is the F2 version.

Hey, talk about coincidence: I just found "Camera Checkpoint" on the web and phoned them with a view to having the thing fixed by them (the rangefinder also needs servicing). It is really nice to have an endorsement of them on this forum: thanks!

Mine will be on its way there, as soon as I can get organized.

 

[BobD]

I'm a fan of the AL too. See that little round plate on top of the camera?
You can remove it by twisting it and then you'll have access to the RF
adjustment screws.

 

[Galah]

I'm a fan of the AL too. See that little round plate on top of the camera?
You can remove it by twisting it and then you'll have access to the RF
adjustment screws.

Thanks, Bob,

I have packaged up my AL and sent it to the Camera Check Point today to have the shutter, light meter and rangefinder all CLA'd, so -hopefully- all will be well in due course.

Watch this space!

 

[Galah]

Just got a note from Ben Vang (Camera Checkpoint) to say my AL is fixed up and on its way back to me (in the mail).

I have some film waiting for it.

 

[mikebarger]

Let us know how it turns out!

Mike

 

[tony lockerbie]

Great to see that you will be getting the AL going again, do post some results. Going for a drive down the GOR tomorrow, might pack the AL!

 

[Galah]

Thanks Mike and Tony (nice gallery BTW, Tony!),

well, the AL has landed and -in its original leather ever-ready case (polished up with "Nugget" shoe polish)- it both looks and feels as if it has come out mint from a "new shop".

I have already put a Fuji Superia ISO 200 24x film in it and taken a couple of exposures.

Although the little window for the needle of the exposure meter is quite small, it is very functional.

Well, we will see how we go.

BTW, BobD, the rangefinder now works just fine!