Problem with Minolta x-700 shutter

Jay Stonefield · Sep 3, 2021

Hey guys, ive seen a million different posts about minolta x700 issues, but none of the solutions work for me so I think I have a different problem.

The shutter wont fire on my beloved slr. It was working in 2020, but I haven't touched it in a while and now it wont work. The advance arm is stuck, but I think thats due to the shutter.

Ive put in new batteries and the light meter works just fine, as well as the self timer blinks, however, it does not fire. Ive tried using the self timer and a shutter release cable and neither of them trigger the shutter.

The curtain is there and the arm wont move, so its just like it wont fire after being cocked.

I know its not the batteries, but Im not sure what else I can do, can anyone help?

shutterfinger · Sep 3, 2021

Download https://learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=222&category=2&secondary=7 and related items then have some fun.

BobD · Sep 3, 2021

Jay Stonefield said:
Hey guys, ive seen a million different posts about minolta x700 issues, but none of the solutions work for me so I think I have a different problem.

Was one of the solutions replacing dead capacitors?

pbromaghin · Sep 3, 2021

BobD said:
Was one of the solutions replacing dead capacitors?

That's what it sure sounds like.

Jay Stonefield · Sep 3, 2021

BobD said:
Was one of the solutions replacing dead capacitors?

Yeah, but I’m not sure if thats it since most things say that the light meter wont work if the capacitors were dead. Also, how much would that cost? Not sure if it would be worth it at that point

Jay Stonefield · Sep 4, 2021

pbromaghin said:
That's what it sure sounds like.

Yeah, but I’m not sure if thats it since most things say that the light meter wont work if the capacitors were dead. Also, how much would that cost? Not sure if it would be worth it at that point

Jay Stonefield · Sep 4, 2021

shutterfinger said:
Download https://learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=222&category=2&secondary=7 and related items then have some fun.

Do you think the “shutter release procedure” would help? I dont want to break it more haha and ive never taken apart a camera before

shutterfinger · Sep 4, 2021

The failure is likely electrical not mechanical.
Battery contacts should be bright and shinny not satin or dull.
The release has multiple contacts, some of them may be tarnished.
The "dead capacitor" may be a weak capacitor that does not hold enough charge to operate the shutter.
The mirror linkage may be jammed preventing the sequence of operation from unlocking the shutter.
Not being used for an extended period of time suggest electronic component failure or dried lubricant jamming mechanical linkage(s) .

4season · Sep 4, 2021

Jay Stonefield said:
Do you think the “shutter release procedure” would help? I dont want to break it more haha and ive never taken apart a camera before

If you're talking about the business of taking hold of the shutter curtain with your fingers in an attempt to complete the wind cycle, NO! I tried that and ended up with the shutter ribbons snarled in ways that made the camera about 10x more difficult to repair.

BobD · Sep 4, 2021

I'm told there is a way to manually trip the shutter on the X700 via manipulation of the levers accessible through the bottom plate. However, I was not able to do this when I tried. Maybe someone else has succeeded in doing this?

Jay Stonefield · Sep 4, 2021

BobD said:
I'm told there is a way to manually trip the shutter on the X700 via manipulation of the levers accessible through the bottom plate. However, I was not able to do this when I tried. Maybe someone else has succeeded in doing this?

I tried this as well and also had no luck for some reason

mklw1954 · Sep 5, 2021

Check the information on jtitterington.com. He is an excellent repair guy. Also, garryscamera.com is good with Minolta and quick and inexpensive.

Jay Stonefield · Sep 5, 2021

oh awesome!! thanks a ton

neilt3 · Sep 6, 2021

Jay Stonefield said:
Yeah, but I’m not sure if thats it since most things say that the light meter wont work if the capacitors were dead. Also, how much would that cost? Not sure if it would be worth it at that point

That's not necessarily right .

When the capacitor on mine failed , the light meter worked for a short time , but they didn't have the capacity to fire the shutter .

Regards the wind lever being jammed .
It won't be . The last time you handled it you'll have wound it on , untill the shutter is released you can't wind it on again .

There's two capacitors in the X700 , one under the baseplate and one under the top plate .
It's a simple job for a technician to replace if you can't use a soldering iron .

Rather than selling the camera as is , and buying a replacement , have it repaired and you'll have a camera that will be reliable for years to come .
Worth it in my mind .

pbromaghin · Sep 6, 2021

neilt3 said:
Rather than selling the camera as is , and buying a replacement , have it repaired and you'll have a camera that will be reliable for years to come .
Worth it in my mind .

And whatever camera you buy could die any minute and you'll be right back where you started. In my mind, any good 35mm camera intended for use is worth spending $100 to fix up.

neilt3 · Sep 6, 2021

pbromaghin said:
And whatever camera you buy could die any minute and you'll be right back where you started. In my mind, any good 35mm camera intended for use is worth spending $100 to fix up.

The price these cameras are selling at now , it might even be cheaper to get it repaired !
Either way , replacing it with another thirty year old camera that hasn't had its capacitors replaced is just putting off a repair bill .

pbromaghin · Sep 6, 2021

neilt3 said:
The price these cameras are selling at now , it might even be cheaper to get it repaired !
Either way , replacing it with another thirty year old camera that hasn't had its capacitors replaced is just putting off a repair bill .

I formed that $100 opinion a few years ago when people were almost throwing equipment at me and haven't yet adjusted to the new prices!

Problem with Minolta x-700 shutter

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