Minolta XD11 corrosion

pamphoto · Jul 19, 2025

I was gifted a Minolta XD11 and three lenses. It was for the lenses but he gave me the camera as well. The battery cover was corroded, but I was able to unscrew it and clean off the corrosion. But I think it took off some if the coating with it. I'm not a battery person, so I thought I'd ask here if is okay to try new batteries or not, or if it's trash and not worth my time.

Here is the cover after a soak in vinegar and scrub.

And the battery compartment, I haven't clean it yet.

Thank you.

dynachrome · Jul 19, 2025

What may be more of a problem is that the wires leading from the battery compartment to the meter are probably corroded too. Most XD-11 cameras found today are not working. I would look for a parts camera to replace the bottom plate and battery cover. You might then contact John Titterington to see if he can still service an XD-11.
The XD-11 is a very pleasant camera to use when it is working but it is not the sturdiest camera Minolta made. I have found the X700 to be much more reliable. The X700 is known to have capacitor issues but those are easily remedied.

pamphoto · Jul 19, 2025

Thank you @dynachrome. I really don't need another body, so I likely will not try to get it repaired if needed.
The shutter does work in bulb and O settings, so I was hopeful to see if removing the corrosion would allow me to use the camera for casual use.
I have the XD5 that I enjoy using. I'll be cleaning up the lenses I received and trying them out on that body soon.

koraks · Jul 19, 2025

It's OK to try batteries in it, but as @dynachrome says, where there's some, there's fire and if the bottom plate was this badly corroded, the question is what the moisture has done to the camera's internals. I expect there will be additional problem areas. But trying it out costs you $2 in batteries and $6 in film which you only have to commit if the thing comes alive to begin with.

pamphoto · Jul 19, 2025

Thank you koraks. I might just do that.

Don_ih · Jul 20, 2025

Get a bit of sandpaper and try to get the inside of the cover to bare metal. While the corrosion extended out into the bottom cover, it didn't seem to reach the contact in the bottom of the camera.

Still shiny.

So, the camera may work. You might also need to remove some corrosion from the bottom of the camera.

pamphoto · Jul 22, 2025

I had a friend who knows a bit about cameras take a look at it today. The light meter comes on with batteries, but the shutter still doesn't fire other than B & O. He thinks a local camera repair man can fix it for about $60 or so (based on his experience with his camera's issues he had fixed). I'm not sure it's worth it.

Don_ih · Jul 22, 2025

pamphoto said:
I'm not sure it's worth it.

From what you've said, it's not worth it.

I doubt the fix will be $60. If the meter is operating with a battery in the camera, then fixing the shutter problem is likely something rather involved.

joelbolden · Jul 24, 2025

I had Garry's Camera work on mine. Did a great job and the price was reasonable. He offers a set price package deal. https://www.garryscamera.com/minolta.htm. The XD-11 was one of the finest cameras Minolta ever made and, considering it cost you nothing to begin with, might be worth it.

pamphoto · Jul 24, 2025

joelbolden said:
I had Garry's Camera work on mine. Did a great job and the price was reasonable. He offers a set price package deal. https://www.garryscamera.com/minolta.htm. The XD-11 was one of the finest cameras Minolta ever made and, considering it cost you nothing to begin with, might be worth it.

Thanks Joel. I'll look into it.
I already have a XD5 so I really don't want to drop a lot on this one.
I have read many reviews about the 11 and how great it is, so it is something to consider.

Minolta XD11 corrosion

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