Minolta XG-M Issue: No Aperture Readout--Help!

[FilmOnly]

Hello, all,

I just received a Minolta XG-M I purchased. The camera appears to be in nice shape, but, when I look through the viewfinder, I do no see an aperture readout at the bottom of the display. The manual (and everything else I have read) states that the selected aperture is displayed in the viewfinder. I am using an MD Rokkor-X 50/1.7 lens. Hence, I ask: What is going on here?

Thanks,
Glen

 

[CGross]

On the front (exterior) of the XG-M viewfinder there is a little window and in that window is supposed to be a tiny mirror that looks down on the aperture ring of the lens and then reflects the f-stop you have selected into the viewfinder. If you are not seeing anything then that little piece of mirror has probably slipped down or is missing.

I may have a repair manual in pdf form that I could round up if you up to fixing it yourself, or you may reach out to a reputable repair shop that could fix it.

 

[FilmOnly]

I thank you for the response. After looking over the prism, I had figured it would have something to do with that little window. I am considering sending the camera to my usual repairman. I am a little concerned, though, about the availability of parts. Is there any way I can tell if the mirror is there at all? Would I be able to see into that part of the prism (perhaps with the camera turned upside down)?

Thanks,
Glen

 

[CGross]

I think it may be a little difficult to see if it is there without removing the top of the camera. The thing is very tiny and very thin. The first time I took the one of these apart, this little mirror fell off and I darn near couldn't find it because it was so small.

The X-700 has the exact same thing so I am sure there are places that still have a parts camera they could rob one from.

 

[elekm]

In most cases, it's not a mirror -- it's a prism that is bonded to the primary prism. If that's not there, then you will need to replace the entire prism.

It's always possible that 1) something is blocking the prism (piece of degraded foam, a wire, something else, 2) the prism has become decemented from the main prism or 3) someone has swapped out the original prism with a prism from a different camera that doesn't offer this feature.

In any case, you'll probably have to remove the top deck to further investigate.

 

[John Koehrer]

Remove the lens & look through the eyepiece. If the mirror is there You will be able to see light through the aperture window. If it's dark or dim the mirror may be loose, dirty or missing.

 

[Chaplain Jeff]

Hello,

This is a common problem in the Minolta XK AE finder, but I've not had it happen with the XG-M before. Take it and show it to a reputable repair person at your local camera store (oh wait, it's not 1983...) and let them take a look. A CLA should cover getting this fixed - and as old as the XG-M is it probably could use a CLA anyway. If they charge extra, they shouldn't charge much. Great camera!

BTW, I send all my Minolta cameras to Mark Hama for repair. A quick phone call to him could probably diagnose exactly what is wrong and what he would charge to fix it.

Keep us informed.

Jeff M