Minolta XG-1 Shutter/Film loading issue

[BS87]

Hi guys, I came here hoping someone would have ideas regarding an XG-1 I just picked up. I got it very cheap so no worries if it's broke. I've been trying to figure out what is wrong based on posts here and and reading the manual etc. The camera has fresh batteries that are working according to the battery check function. At first I was having trouble getting the film to load and crank correctly with the advance. However, after a bit of fiddling with the advance screw on the bottom (the adapter for the motorized advance add on part), I can now get it to load film and crank as it should. The red bar appears as it should above the shot counter, and the shot counter advances as it should. However, I cannot get the shutter to actually fire, using the shutter button. The only way the camera will do anything is with more fiddling with the advance screw on the bottom, which will let the shutter/mirror go. Sometimes the mirror gets stuck in lock up, and more fiddling is required. I noticed that when no film is in, I can see that the curtains don't go all the way across, and if nudged a bit (I know this is a no-no, but I only spent $20 for the body + 2 lenses...) will click and release. Everything that I can see works (LEDs in the viewfinder etc). Any ideas or is the body shot?

 

[micwag2]

Make sure that the battery contacts in the camera are clean and free of oxidation. Even with fresh batteries, oxidized contacts can cause issues. If the body sat for awhile it may need a CLA (Clean, Lube and Adjust). Not hard to do as most of what may need to be done for your issue should be behind the bottom plate. I did a quick Google search read this http://www.flickr.com/groups/ishootfilm/discuss/72157630025339017/ and this (there was a url link here which no longer exists) Here is a copy of the owners manual http://www.butkus.org/chinon/minolta/minolta_xg-1/minolta_xg-1.htm Hopefully these will help.

 

[BS87]

Thanks for the reply. I have actually read both those discussions, and I do have the manual. I'll continue to search and I may look into doing a CLA. If I break it.... again I only spent 20$..

 

[BS87]

So after some more fiddling, I have i now so that it cranks naturally, and the curtains move normally as they should. The shutter just won't go. Not sure where to go, batteries are good and everything else is ok.

 

[Xmas]

bottom plate off

cassette pot 1/4 full of Zippo

large darning needle drip Zippo from end to each item

spend time

 

[BS87]

I'm not quite sure if that's an actual fix using lighter fluid or if you are just saying give up and light it on fire :-D

 

[John Koehrer]

It's typical of a bad release capacitor on the XG-1 and a very common failing.
I no longer remember which one but want to think it's a small blue cap under the bottom cover. If not, it's not the first time my memory has failed.

Toxic fumes are present when burning this camera, an M-80 or two can be much more effective. Watch out for shrapnel.

 

[micwag2]

Also stumbled across this http://orders.ebay.in/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ImportHubViewItem&itemid=271084804741 The auction is closed but seems to have info on changing the capacitors and what value you would need. Capacitors are cheap to buy. If you're in the US you can pick them up at Radio Shack or just go online. I've used DigiKey for parts like that.

 

[BS87]

Thanks guys. I am heavily leaning towards the capacitor vs broken shutter button, as even the cable release doesn't work. Not sure if I want to go through the trouble of soldering even though I'm technically capable

 

[micwag2]

Where's your sense of adventure? For very little time and money it can be easily fixed. Do it! Do it ! Do it! Do it!