Minolta XD7 shutter issue

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?

CLA

cmacd123 said:

CLA

Click to expand...

For what reason?

I think it needs repair, not service.

Minolta-repair said:

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?

Click to expand...

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:


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.