Problem wiath a Minolta Dynax 700si - Screen erracticlly switches "on & off"

[Jean Poitiers]

Bonjour,

I just came across a Dynax 700si in nice shape, but the LCD screen/camera will not stay engaged (will switch to a blank screen after a half second and then come back on in "P" mode and then recycle again likewise) and the AF will hunt to infinity and click stop about there at/after each interval ... I have never had a AF Minolta like this, so really kind of lost here ... I would really like to shoot some B&W film with this body. I like its feel, etc. I do have a lot of other older Minolta manual SLR gear ... but this is my first A mount gear.

I have put a new battery in, pressed many a combination of buttons, but no resolution.

The camera came with a AF 28-105 f3.5/4.5 and a AF 70-200 f4.5/5.6 plus other goodies like a Portrait card, card case, a nice OEM Minolta bag, etc., so it's a nice kit that I would like to keep.

My question: is there an easy fix to my problem and if not, who could be recommended for a possible repair?

Thanks a lot for any input/advice ... J

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[Ricardo Miranda]

Have you read the manual? http://www.vikenk.com/minolta_manual.htm
I'll suggest you engage the Eye Start and learn how to use it. The shutter button might have a fault. I have one like that: the button doesn't engage the "half-press" switch, it goes straight to take a photo.

 

[Jean Poitiers]

"Bonjour" Ricardo,

Thanks for your post and "yes", I read the manual quickly (it's in French, the one I have) ... and thanks for your link. Quite helpful and easier to read in English for me. Switching "on or off" Eye Start did nothing to change my problem, but thanks for the suggestion.

I think that I may have a circuit board problem and the camera shows signs of maybe being "dropped" once ... the plastic housing about the front portion of the battery door is broken/cracked ... this one may not be salvageable, unfortunately. Any other advice/input is still welcome ...

"Salut", J

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Good evening Jean!

Oh well, you can always use that body for parts. Dynax 700SI are quite cheap these days, at least in the UK.

Good luck!
Ricardo

 

[Jean Poitiers]

"Merci" Ricardo ...

I have already scouted out a couple in the UK that are not that expensive at all ... and a parts body always is a good to have. I have one for my Minolta X-700 and a SR-T 101 parts body as well ...

Do you know anyone in the UK that could CLA/repair a nice black SR-T 101 that I just picked up at a thrift store? The shutter release is stuck and I cannot get it to free up. If not, I may send it to the States to an outfit given to me on Pentax Forums. Over 80% of gear is Pentax (K mount plus M42) so I post/participate there a lot, as "Jean Poitiers".

Cheers, J

 

[Jaf-Photo]

I have the same camera. I bought unused as new old stock for next to nothing.

It is the best 35mm camera I have. The meter and shutter are very accurate. AF is accurate and readonably fast. Operation very simple. Excellent lenses.

My copy is extremely solid and has never played up on me.

So I would second the advise to buy a new one and keep this one for parts.

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Jean,

On this thread you'll see some recommendations and comments about UK repairers. Mind that some might refer to repairers that no longer operate.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Jaf-Photo]

It costs more to have the camera serviced than to buy one, just a suggestion.

If it's a trusty companion, have it serviced. If not, buy another one.

 

[Jean Poitiers]

Many thanks again, Ricardo ... Mille merci et salut, J

 

[Jean Poitiers]

Salut Jaf-Photo ... Thanks ... I think that I will hunt up and buy another 700si body since they are not expensive. If I like the kit overall, I will keep it; if not, I will pass it along ... Cheers, J

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

It costs more to have the camera serviced than to buy one, just a suggestion.

If it's a trusty companion, have it serviced. If not, buy another one.

Unfortunately, that is true even though these cameras are no longer made.

Jean,
You're welcome!