Minolta X-7A Troubleshooting

[LRWINDY]

Perhaps I'm on a fool's errand with this question, but here goes. I have a Minolta X-7A that I bought at the end of the last century, passed along to my daughter in 2000, and then took possession of it again when she returned the camera to me last week. It looks to be in fine shape but (presumably) had a dead battery. However, when I replaced the battery, nothing happened when I flipped the ON switch. I doubt it's the battery -- I bought two of them (1/3N 3V), and neither of them works. Is there anyone anymore who repairs these cameras? And is it worth it to do so?

Thanks.

 

[Wallendo]

The later MD mount Minoltas are prone to failure of capacitors. These are replacable. These cameras can be repaired, but the cost of repair will be about the same and getting a new one (although the new one may have the same issue).

I have used Gayry's Camera repair http://garryscamera.com and had good results for similar repairs. If he can't fix it, he doesn't charge for the repair.

I think the real issue for you is, "Does the camera have significant sentimental value?"

 

[LRWINDY]

Thanks for the reference to Garry's Camera repair, and good point with regard to the "sentimental value" thing. Oddly enough, after posting my question, I removed the bottom plate on the camera (I'm a bit of a tinkerer), saw what's there and replaced it. Now the thing works! Weird. Thanks again.

 

[summicron1]

one presumes you rubbed the battery contacts with an eraser to make sure you were getting good contact?

 

[shutterfinger]

The bottom plate acts as a battery contact to the body, light corrosion in the screws that hold the plate on will cause problems. The manual says its microprocessor controlled, microprocessor is current controlled, corrosion increases resistance which decreases current.
No mystery, not weird.

 

[LRWINDY]

Thanks for the responses. The problem appears to have been solved. I did clean the battery contacts, although they looked fine, but hadn't known about the role that the bottom plate and its screws played in the workings of this camera. Good to know, and much appreciated.

 

[summicron1]

Thanks for the responses. The problem appears to have been solved. I did clean the battery contacts, although they looked fine, but hadn't known about the role that the bottom plate and its screws played in the workings of this camera. Good to know, and much appreciated.

hey, we just saved you $100--where's our cut?

 

[shutterfinger]

Electrical contacts in a camera: bright and shinny=good; matte or satin needs cleaning.