Minolta Maxxum 7 problem

Chan Tran · Jul 8, 2018

My Maxxum 7 was working a few months ago when I put it away. Yesterday I put in 2 new CR123 batteries in it and as soon as I put the batteries in, it made a noise but when I turn it on nothing. Everytime I turn it from off to on it made a noise. Pushing the shutter release light up the viewfinder display but dim and all LCD segments are on. The back LCD and top LCD never on.
Anyone has any idea?

WilmarcoImaging · Jul 8, 2018

Try another set of fresh batteries from a newly purchased package? Can you try the old batteries? Why did you replace the batteries?

Also try posting on Dyxum. It has alot of Minolta and Sony alpha users.

hoffy · Jul 8, 2018

Do you have the battery grip?

Chan Tran · Jul 8, 2018

I put in new batteries because I removed the batteries last time and I couldn't find them. I do not have a battery grip.

hoffy · Jul 8, 2018

Chan Tran said:
I put in new batteries because I removed the batteries last time and I couldn't find them. I do not have a battery grip.

OK, that is a shame. I had battery issues with mine and found they went away when using the grip and AA batteries.

As others have suggested, see if you can source another set of batteries to try. The other thing is to ensure that the battery chamber is clean, no corrosion and the terminals are not tarnished.

Chan Tran · Jul 8, 2018

Battery compartment is clean. The camera appears to draw significant battery power at startup then quit.

shutterfinger · Jul 8, 2018

Download the factory service manual here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1117291/Minolta-Dynax-7.html
Do you have a Volt Ohm meter?

Chan Tran · Jul 9, 2018

shutterfinger said:
Download the factory service manual here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1117291/Minolta-Dynax-7.html
Do you have a Volt Ohm meter?

Thanks for the link. I couldn't find a troubleshooting list in the manual though. Yes I do have good DMM as well as VOM. At power up the camera pulls about 300mA for about 2 seconds then nothing. Makes a little noise like trying to advance the film or cocking the shutter. Nothing moved though.

shutterfinger · Jul 9, 2018

nusproizvodjac said:
I did however read that inserting the batteries the other way around and turning the camera on for a second ''resets'' the electronics

On some cameras it will kill the electronics, on others there is a blocking diode that prevents reverse polarity from damaging/operating the electronics. Removing the battery, jumping the battery terminals, turning the switch on and pressing the shutter button part way should drail any stored power and return the electronics to a neutral state.

Chan Tran said:
At power up the camera pulls about 300mA for about 2 seconds then nothing.

I would follow the manual for disconnecting the flash, clean the switches, then give it another try with the flash disconnected. The circuits and test software are likely exclusive to Minolta.
For others reading this thread, the manual says the camera uses C Mos technology and describes static discharge practices. Wear non static producing clothing (cotton, not cotton blend) and rubber sole shoes.

Theo Sulphate · Jul 9, 2018

When I power mine on, it cycles the lens from close range to infinity.

Is a lens attached? If so, remove the lens and see if the camera powers up ok without the lens.

Chan Tran · Jul 10, 2018

Theo Sulphate said:
When I power mine on, it cycles the lens from close range to infinity.

Is a lens attached? If so, remove the lens and see if the camera powers up ok without the lens.

I tried with and without the lens also the on manual focus.Try your with the AF switch off I don't think it cycle the lens. The sound appear to come from either shutter cocking or film advance.

Theo Sulphate · Jul 10, 2018

This sounds like the dreaded "aperture base plate issue". Web searches don't describe it well, but mention no spare parts are available. Looks like yet another opportunity for those with 3D printers.

Anyway, last year, June 2017, from some web site, I saved a photo of an invoice someone posted who had their Maxxum 7 base plate problem fixed. The name of the shop on the invoice is:

Camera Repair Service, Inc.
433 Market St.
Pittsburgh, PA. 15222
1-412-261-5225

EDIT: here's the photo, edited to remove the person's name and address:

Chan Tran · Jul 10, 2018

I don't have that much love for the Maxxum although the Maxxum 7 a good one among the bunch. I think the only better one is the Maxxum 9. The one before the Maxxum 9 which was the 9xi I really hate it.

Minolta Maxxum 7 problem

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