Minolta SRT 201 mirror locking up when advancing film

[jpcreel]

I recently purchased a used Minolta SRT 201 off of eBay, and it has a problem with the mirror locking up. Whenever a use the lever to advance the film, the mirror raises up so that I cannot see anything through the viewfinder. It resets after a press the shutter button but will get stuck again after advancing the film. Has anyone else had this issue and know of a potential fix? I know that I may need to send it off for repair but wanted to see if there was something obvious that I was missing before I do that.

 

[4season]

This is one of those rare instances where a quick band-aid type DIY fix is possible:

You may be tempted to increase spring tension, but don't do it! When all is properly cleaned and lubricated, the old original springs provide all the tension needed.

 

[jpcreel]

Interesting! It seems as though I am having the opposite problem to the person in the video as the mirror is stuck up after advancing the film but before pressing the shutter button. Still seems like worth trying out, so I may do that to see if I can avoid sending it off. Thank you!

 

[dynachrome]

If you do decide to send it out, I can recommend John Titterington. He has brought many SRT cameras back to life for me.

 

[xkaes]

I've seen that before, but I don't know how to resolve it. I suspect that it is an easy fix. You'll probably need to remove the bottom cover and reset a lever or gear or tab -- or something. I'm sure a Minolta expert will chime in soon, so don't ship it off YET!!!