Minoltaflex

[Pompiere]

I just bought an early model Minoltaflex (Minolta Flex?) at a junk shop. It is really dirty, but everything moves, and the shutter speeds sound right. It looks like it was stored with the viewfinder shade open, since there is a thick layer of dust on the ground glass.

Does anyone know if there must be film in the camera for the counter to advance? Also, I'm not sure about the two buttons on the right side, above and below the winding knob. If one must be depressed to wind the film, someone may have forced it and broken the counter/double exposure prevention.

 

[Rick A]

I'm not familiar with the Minolta. However, if the film advance drives the take up spool like my Yashica, then the answer is no. the counter will advance the exposure count without film.
Rick

 

[Pumal]

Interesting reading:
http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Minoltaflex_wartime_prototype

 

[Paul Sorensen]

This might be your answer, from another page on the above site:

http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Minoltaflex_(I)

"The exposure counter mechanism is engaged by simultaneously pressing both the advance unlock button and another specific button placed under the advance knob."

So, it does sound to me like both buttons need to be functioning.