Stuck Minolta lens question

BobD

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I have a very nice Minolta XG7 with MD 45mm/2 lens. Both are fully working except the lens release button does not work, so I can't remove the lens.

Since the lens latching mechanism is at the top of the lens mount, I removed the camera's top cover in hopes of accessing the latch but no joy there. It looks like I'd have to remove the prism as well (at least) which would mean removing all the flex circuit boards which I dare not do. Even if I did, I still don't know if I would have access to the lens mount lock anyway.

Going at this from the rear of the lens (with shutter held open on B) doesn't seem to be an option either as I can't access enough screws on the back of the lens to do any good.

I am at a loss. Any suggestions?
 

Andreas Thaler

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I don't have the XG-7 in front of me now, but on the related X-700 the bayonet cover can be removed.

The button for unlocking the lens is located there, which can then be removed. There is a small lever underneath that locks the lens.



Press this lever down to release the lock and the lens can be removed.

Minolta X-700: A renovation project

When the time in the descaling bath is up, the brush is used to rework it. Rinse with clean water. The greenish coating has disappeared, the place where it changed the surface remains visible. This doesn't matter here because it's the inside of the top cover. Then it goes into...
www.photrio.com
 
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BobD

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Thank you for the reply.

The bayonet cover can be removed when there is a lens mounted? It doesn't look like it can because the diameter of the lens is such that the cover won't fit over it.
 

xkaes

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You said the lens release button does not work. Please explain. Does that mean the button is stuck pushed in, or does not push in, or pushes in but does not release the lens, or something else?

Is the lens on all the way? Does it move/wiggle at all? Some lens simply are very tight, but not stuck on.
 

Andreas Thaler

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BobD said:
Thank you for the reply.

The bayonet cover can be removed when there is a lens mounted? It doesn't look like it can because the diameter of the lens is such that the cover won't fit over it.
Click to expand...


The parts of the leatherette on the fronthousing.


The screws (red) should be able to be loosened even with the lens attached. The lens release button (green).
 
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BobD

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The release button moves only slightly -- not as far as it normally would. I have pressed it as far as it will go while twisting the lens with far more than normal force but it doesn't budge at all.

The lens had a filter on it that must have been screwed in by a gorilla because I couldn't budge that either. I had to remove the glass and bend the filter rim like a pretzel to get it off.

I suspect that the gorilla attached the filter while the lens was on the body and applied so much force that the lens locking mechanism was bent so it is now jammed.
 

Kino

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Try twisting it the opposite direction as you push in the release button. Sounds like the lever might be partially retracted and jammed against the lens lock cut-out.
 

xkaes

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OK, so you didn't put the lens on. Your theory sound plausible. Maybe that's why it's now in your lap. In that case, I don't see how these diagrams will help.

With the camera locked open on B, you might be able to push the catch UP, but I doubt it.
 

xkaes

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Kino said:
Try twisting it the opposite direction as you push in the release button. Sounds like the lever might be partially retracted and jammed against the lens lock cut-out.
Click to expand...

Good idea.
 
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BobD

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Andreas Thaler said:
The parts of the leatherette on the fronthousing.


The screws (red) should be able to be loosened even with the lens attached. The lens release button (green).
Click to expand...

Yes, I have that manual too and I know which screws to remove, etc but the diagram doesn't include a lens mounted on the camera blocking the removal of the bayonet cover.
 

Andreas Thaler

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If the locking mechanism under the button is bent due to force, it will need to be corrected anyway. This can only be done by dismantling it.
 

Andreas Thaler

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BobD said:
Yes, I have that manual too and I know which screws to remove, etc but the diagram doesn't include a lens mounted on the camera blocking the removal of the bayonet cover.
Click to expand...

Again: The bayonet cover should be able to be folded away to the side.

The screws are outside the lens.
 

Andreas Thaler

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It's best to see for yourself what it looks like under the leatherette and whether the bayonet cover can be removed as described.

It's probably the only chance of getting ahead if the unlocking mechanism fails.
 
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BobD

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Maybe I can move the bayonet cover enough to access that lever.

I have replaced the top cover so I will have to dive in again because two of its screws are under it.

I would like to save this camera because it is a somewhat rare black example and otherwise in fine condition, and so is the lens.

I got it from a thrift store, BTW.
 

Andreas Thaler

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I suspect the bayonet cover is plastic and hooked together at the top. You could damage it by bending it away.

Anyway, good luck
 

xkaes

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BobD said:
I got it from a thrift store, BTW.
Click to expand...

Probably why it was donated.

Before surgery, give it one last try -- twist the lens to the left (away from the release button) firmly, and press the release button as hard as you can. Then try to remove it.
 

Andreas Thaler

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xkaes said:
Probably why it was donated.

Before surgery, give it one last try -- twist the lens to the left (away from the release button) firmly, and press the release button as hard as you can. Then try to remove it.
Click to expand...

I definitely wouldn't use force, it could only make the problem worse. If a mechanism does not work as it should, the cause must be addressed.
 

xkaes

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I'm not suggesting brute force, but if something is already bent out of shape, not much more damage can be done. It has to be taken apart anyway.
 
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BobD

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I think I'll just leave it as it is. It works fine. Just can't change lenses.
 

xkaes

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Damned if I haven't run into the same problem. What a laugh.

I just picked up a Kalimar KX 7000 (a nice variant of the Minolta X-370 with multi-exposure capability) with a very nice 50mm Kalimar lens and case for $5. Unfortunately, the lens release button appears to have the same problem detailed above. It's basically stuck in the "pushed in" position, and the lens will not twist off. I don't see any signs of damage, water, corrosion, rust, melted cheese, sand, etc. I also don't see any screws to remove to access the interior.

When I get a chance, I'll start removing the front leatherette and see what I turn up. Any suggestions (such as those above) are welcome. I'll also put in some batteries to see if the puppy turns ON.
 

xkaes

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I put batteries in the Kalimar KX 7000, and everything works like new -- the camera AND the lens. That's the good news.

So I did a little "digging" to figure out if I can get the lens released.

I removed the Kalimar name plate, and can see nothing that might give me access to the lens release mechanism. What's showing in the photo is the mirror box for displaying the set f-stop in the viewfinder (a feature the Minolta X-370 lacks).



The second photo shows what is under the rubberized "leatherette" body covering. I see no way to access anything that way either.



Any suggestions as to what to try next. As I said, I can use the camera as is -- it works like new -- but swapping lenses is the goal.
 
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