Minolta X-700 Odd Shutter Malfunction

[scagjmboy45]

Hey all,
I recently found my dad's old X-700 and shot my first roll of film. After developing the images in a black bag in my bathroom, I noticed that something very odd had happened to the images I was shooting at higher shutter speeds. The glitch you can see in the linked images occurred in varying severity for about half of my higher-speed shots. It looks like the gap in the shutter is closing mid-shot. My first thought is that this is because the batteries probably haven't been replaced for 20 years, but the light meter doesn't seem to indicate that they're low.
For now, new batteries are on the way, but does anyone have ideas as to what else it could be?
Thanks for your time, and my apologies if this is in the wrong sub-forum.

 

[chriscrawfordphoto]

To add to what APUGuser19 said, it is repairable, but you might be better off buying another camera because having a tech adjust the shutter will cost you more than the camera is worth.

 

[Vonder]

I bought a Minolta X-570 in 1985-86 and in 1999 it started doing the same thing. Sadly, because it didn't happen very often, I took it on my honeymoon in Germany. Disaster. I sent 12 rolls of film to the lab and was horrified when I got back around 100 prints. Total. I bought an X-700 new in 2000 and as of its last use last year, it still functions correctly. Knock on wood.

I'm not sure what causes it, age or use. I don't know how many rolls I shot with the 570 but the 700 has seen maybe 50 total. Year 2000 was probably the last year these could be bought new so the camera, and ALL X-700's are at least 15 years old now. Any one you buy is as likely to develop the problem. So, getting another might be cheaper, but you'd be better off getting that one repaired. I'd rather take a chance on a repaired camera than one that works right now but likely hasn't ever even had its light seals replaced.

 

[Hilo]

I'd rather take a chance on a repaired camera than one that works right now but likely hasn't ever even had its light seals replaced.

Yes, that's sound advise

John Titterington ( JTCamera@aol.com ) repairs Minolta - he will know the problem and likely also what it will cost to repair

 

[scagjmboy45]

Thanks for the replies! Given that I'm on a college-student's budget, I think I'll buy a cheap new body for the time being. Maybe by the time something goes wrong with that one I'll be able to afford a repair...

 

[Les Sarile]

Maybe your next Minolta will be a Nikkormat. Far better, and they're practically free these days. Nickels and dimes.

To be sure, there really are no far better differences just personal preferences. Also, you are likely to find a Nikkormat with the same problems as you do Minoltas and as in this case likely only needing a simple CLA (clean, lube, adjust).

The X-700 was a great seller for Minolta and awarded the first European Camera of the Year for 1982-83

Unlike the much older Nikkormats, the X-700 is a very sophisticated camera with considerable photographic options not available for any Nikkormats such as motor drive, full intervalometer, TTL flash, various exposure modes, etc. Also, it's Acute Matte full info viewfinder is very bright.

And when it comes to glass, Minoltas are as good as any and usually at better prices.

Even with all this sophistication I am not claiming that the X-700 is far better than any Nikkormat/Nikkomat, but it does offer a few things that can be helpful if needed.

 

[pbromaghin]

Check the classifieds. Darinwc is selling an X-370 with a 75-150 zoom for $20. It has a few less features than the X-700, but is not missing any that you really need. Plus you will get to keep using all your lenses. I have both, along with an X-570 and enjoy them all about equally. You won't really feel any difference in handling. It really is a honey of a camera. Shoot, now that you got me thinking about it, GAS is starting to set in.

 

[Chan Tran]

The gap is closing mid-shot. It's called capping, and is quite common among old cameras.

It's possible to open the base plate and readjust the shutter curtain tension. Either increase tension on the first curtain or reduce tension on the second curtain.

 

[edinator]

Well get the new batteries before taking any other actions. The Minolta X### series were notorious for having bad capacitors that would die and leave the camera bricked. It's a simple fix if you know how to resolder a new capacitor.

The issue in your photo may or may not be related to the capacitor but its something to keep in mind. Just get new batteries and cross your fingers!