Minolta XD7 shutter issue

[Minolta-repair]

I bought a Minolta XD7 some years ago, but unfortunately I managed to jam the self release lever so the shutter became stuck in the depressed position. I eventually just gave up on it.

Yesterday I decided to give it another go, and after loosening the screws on the front plate and turning the self release lever with pinchers, it finally gave a satisfying click and the shutter button now seems to be operating again, no longer permanently depressed. However! It still won't shoot. While the wind-up lever operates and changes the photo counter, I can keep turning it indefinitely and the shutter button doesn't seem to connect to the release mechanism.

I hope I've explained the problem somewhat clearly. Can anyone offer any suggestions as what to do next?

 

[cmacd123]

CLA

 

[Andreas Thaler]

CLA

For what reason?

I think it needs repair, not service.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I bought a Minolta XD7 some years ago, but unfortunately I managed to jam the self release lever so the shutter became stuck in the depressed position. I eventually just gave up on it.

Yesterday I decided to give it another go, and after loosening the screws on the front plate and turning the self release lever with pinchers, it finally gave a satisfying click and the shutter button now seems to be operating again, no longer permanently depressed. However! It still won't shoot. While the wind-up lever operates and changes the photo counter, I can keep turning it indefinitely and the shutter button doesn't seem to connect to the release mechanism.

I hope I've explained the problem somewhat clearly. Can anyone offer any suggestions as what to do next?

Without having any experience with this problem, I would remove the base plate and study the mechanism; perhaps you can spot a malfunction. It's not much effort and nothing can break.

The XD-7 has a mechanically generated shutter speed - that's the white ring on the shutter speed dial. If the shutter releases with this, there's an electronic problem; if it doesn't release, it's probably the mechanics.

The next step could be to check the shutter release under the top cover. See my article on an identical Minolta XD, where I described how to remove the top cover:

Minolta XD: Dent in top cover removed, Aperture Direct Readout (ADR) adjusted, fixed LED issues, switches S3, S5 and S7 checked

I just purchased a mint XD whose top cover is dented. I am informed by the seller (who kindly provided me with these photos) that it was caused by transport damage. The following questions arise for me, which I hope to be able to answer as soon as the camera is with me: Are parts under...

www.photrio.com

If that doesn't work, the third step would be to dismantle the mirror box and study the mechanism there. But that's not easy, and when reassembling, all the mechanical parts have to engage perfectly.

Troubleshooting would require someone who has experience with the XD-7.