Minolta XG-7 focus screen

[bobmc]

I've just recieved a Minolta XG-7 in functioning condition, but there is a fuzzy black band running horizontally across the viewfinder. When I move my eye up and down the band moves slightly in relation to the focus screen, I think a strip of light seal is on the prism.
The focus screen appears to be removeable, it has the little clip in front, like my XG-M.
I can't get the screen to drop out, it's a simple process on my XG-M, I think I've loosened it sometimes, it will click up slightly with finger pressure.
The camera is clean for it's age, I believe it will be a good one but I just can't budge the screen.
Any advice will be more than welcome and appreciated.

 

[fstop]

There is nothing in the XG-9 manual about it.

 

[fstop]

Oops XG-7 be right back.

 

[fstop]

Removeable screen is mentioned in the Rokkor Files, but no mention in the manual.

 

[bobmc]

Thanks!
It finally came out, just as my fingernails were giving way. Unfortunately the problem is on the wrong side of the prism, all the circuit boards would need to be unsoldered and moved to get to it. That's a job above my pay grade! I'll put it away in the parts drawer

 

[fstop]

Bummer, I always liked the XG series compact size.Unfortuantely the repair cost would probably be more than a KEH ex condition.Or you can roll the dice on ebay.

or purposely buy the worst clunker on ebay or KEH and practice on it until you feel you can tackle your camera.The hardest part in my opinion is finding the face spanner you need to remove the shutter speed dial and the tool to remove the wind lever.