Minolta XE-5 Shutter not firing

[enzo padilla]

Hello everyone,
I have a Minolta XE-5 that just won't fire in any of the electronically controlled shutter speeds (all of them except Bulb and X). When I press the shutter release the mirror just locks up and the shutter doesn't fire as if the camera had no batteries,.but I put fresh batteries in and the light meter and battery check LED both work, its only the shutter that won't fire.
I'm relatively capable when it comes to repairing stuff, including electronic devices, I'm just not familiar with cameras. I downloaded the service manual for the XE series and it has been helpful to disassemble the camera, but not so much to determine what's wrong or how to fix it.

Anybody has any idea how to fix this, or at least point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

 

[shutterfinger]

First thing I would look at is the shutter switch. Some electronically controlled cameras will not operate if the aperture is in a set position or the meter is not working.

 

[werdan]

Hi Enzo. Did you have any luck with your XE-5 electronic shutter? I have the exact same problem with a newly acquired XE-1. The sync and bulb settings fire fine, everything else, nope.

 

[Bikerider]

These electronic shutters are as far as I know governed by magnets that control the speed/operation. In the past the particular camera s so afflicted were restored to working order by having the magnets cleaned. This usually is done anyway with a general service (CLA to you). Depending on the labour/time the cost is not prohibitive. When I had both my XK1 and XE1 done together which included shutter speed re-calibration it cost me just over £100 - about $130-140 in todays money