Stuck Minolta lens question

[xkaes]

I haven't figured out anyway around this situation, so what I'm thinking of doing is drilling through the top of the lens release button (it's the part circled in GREEN in the diagram in Post #6 above). The top is thin metal and I'm hoping that I can then put & push a small screwdriver through the opening to release the lens. Perhaps the back end of the release button is broken or bent.

I have nothing to lose at this point. Any thoughts before I jump in???

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I have nothing to lose at this point. Any thoughts before I jump in???

When you make decisions like this, you're always the loneliest person in the world.

Good luck!

 

[Kino]

I have been looking at the release mechanism on my X-700, which appears to be the same configuration.

You might try cutting this portion out with a dremel saw and then gluing it back after you get the situation sorted out...

If you cut just enough to pry out the face of the cover, you might be able to access the release lever end and push on it.

 

[Kino]

 

[xkaes]

Thanks for the suggestion. If my drilling out the release button itself proves worthless, I might try that, but cutting into that cramped area appears difficult.

 

[Kino]

My second suggestion is to only cut along the green line; sorry I didn't make that clear.

I figure if you can pry the section toward the lens outward enough to push down on the lever, you might have less to mend.

A little heat might help to soften the plastic to bend easier.

Anyway, I am out of ideas! Good luck.

 

[BobD]

I just got an idea for my situation that might work on yours. I haven't tried it yet though, as I am still working on other cameras.

My idea:
Drill a hole just above where that release lever is. insert a small screwdriver and trip the lever that way.

 

[John Koehrer]

I've seen that once before, sent it to a shop years ago & was told "no way"
to get to the linkage.
I'm surprised the lens even stops down. is it more or less accurate?

 

[xkaes]

I'm surprised the lens even stops down. is it more or less accurate?

The lens works fine in all respects. The catch/release lever is completely separate from all other lens functions. It's simply a tab that fits into a slot on the rear of the lens mount -- and is supposed to move up and out of the way when the release button is pressed. The lens is correctly attached to the camera, and the whole setup works correctly, as is. Too bad a no-guarantee surgery appears to be the only option.