Problem with meter on Minolta X-570

[elegantboar]

I am experiencing issues with the meter on my Minolta X-570. It seems to be metering at an aperture between f/11 and f/16 and is locked onto that setting. Adjusting the aperture does not change the suggested shutter speed shown in the viewfinder. However, once the depth of field preview button is pressed down the meter appears to take into account the current aperture setting and the suggested shutter speed changes.

I am using a 2nd generation MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 lens (without the aperture lock). This happened out of the blue - I'm not sure if there's a setting I missed or if it is an issue with the capacitor. The camera was recently purchased but I previously shot two rolls and didn't remember encountering such an issue.

Any ideas on what is causing the problem? Many thanks!

 

[dynachrome]

I think I have two X570s and many more of the similar X700s. When they are working they are very pleasant to use. I found out earlier this year that John Titterington no longer repairs the electronic manual focus Minoltas. The X 370/570/700 models mostly needed new capacitors. The earlier X series cameras were not as well made and also had problems with plastic gears. The final ring of XG-M cameras was supposed to be the best made of that series.

The X570 is easier to use in manual mode than the X370 or X700. If that is not so important to you, you can find a used X700, which may or may not work because of the capacitor issue, and send it to Michael Zacks at Zacks Camera Repair in Providence, RI. You could also probably send him the X570 but there are a lot more spare parts available for the X700. It was made for almost 20 years.

 

[mklw1954]

Garryscamera.com is good and very reasonably priced for Minolta manual focus camera repair.

 

[ronnies]

Is the aperture ring follower on the body following the aperture ring as you move it? Maybe it's stuck in the f/11-f/16 range. Stopping down on the X570 disengages this so that may be why stop down metering is OK.

Ronnie

 

[elegantboar]

Is the aperture ring follower on the body following the aperture ring as you move it? Maybe it's stuck in the f/11-f/16 range. Stopping down on the X570 disengages this so that may be why stop down metering is OK.

Ronnie

Thanks for the advice! I noticed that the aperture ring tab had been disengaged initially but wasn't sure of its purpose. There appeared to be an issue with the ring getting stuck on the right and not returning to its original position on the left. I ended up swapping the coupling ring with the functional one in a faulty body I had on hand, and the meter (and aperture ring) seems to be working fine now.

Thanks again!