replacement of prism on Minolta XG-1

[David Lyga]

Sometimes one buys a working camera with flaws. I have a Minolta XG1 which works well in all regards except the prism had at one time been damp and, as a result, fungus has invaded it, allowing a very bad, obstructed VF image.

I am experienced with cleaning the bottom of the prism on this type of camera, as from the mount area you can lower the Fresnel to access this area. I can also remove the top cover to access the rear of the prism to clean any haze. However, with this problem doing these things does not help, as the fungus has permeated the actual prism and needs to be replaced.

Normally, that would not be hard to do, as I have several extra prisms. However, the wiring on this electronic Minolta is so profound that the prism is simply irremovable without damaging that molded wiring. Likewise on the Canon AE-1.

Has anyone ever successfully removed the prism on a Minolta electronic SLR? - David Lyga

 

[shutterfinger]

Can you post a picture or two of the prism and wiring?

 

[David Lyga]

Sorry, I don't have one open now, but the prism is literally covered with a tan, flexible plastic that has wiring molded into it. I tried to figure out how to remove it but it is so intensely integrated with the body, and there are wires protruding all over it, into the body, that there was no clean way of removing this 'blanket or molded wires' to lift off the prism. - David Lyga

 

[BrianVS]

Are the spare prisms from another Minolta XG series camera? Sometimes you get lucky, and the prism from one camera will fit a different one. The only luck I had was taking the prism out of an XG-1 and transplanting it into a Kodak Retina Reflex-S. Perfect fit. I don;t think I could have put it back into the Minolta.

 

[naeroscatu]

David, I have a Minolta XG1 in good cosmetic condition but shutter not working. I'm not going to fix it, if you need I can send you mine. Pay the shipping.
I can send you a picture once I get home this evening.