The worst happened today, My Minolta SRT 101 got dropped, Help!How to replace lever?

[Vsanzbajo]

Anyone here can help me out? How can you replace the plastic film lever, or the whole film lever.
I have another body for part, so can somebody let me know how can I do it. Maybe with pictures?
And everything else seems to be working ok. Could the drop have the metering messed up? It seem like is working, would it need a recalibration?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Worker 11811]

http://acuravigorclub.com/Minolta/ServiceManual.htm

 

[upnorthcyclist]

It is very common for the plastic part of the lever to fall off an SRT - replacements are available on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MINOLTA-SRT-101...igital_Camera_Accessories&hash=item4a9821d197

The lever itself is pretty easy to remove but you have to figure out how to get ahold of the bezel around the shutter release button - there's no grooves or flats on it to use a tool on. I've used one of those thin rubber sheets used to open jar lids. It is standard - not reverse - thread.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

you have to figure out how to get ahold of the bezel around the shutter release button

Dead Link Removed

"Ohio Camera Repair" (on Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH) thought that vice-grips were the proper tool for removing the bezel on my Leica M3. I was young and foolish and thought going with the low-quote was the wise thing to do. This outfit is still in business, but then the supply of fools is unlimited.

 

[fstop]

The bezel comes off easy, I just grabbed my 101 parts camera and with my bare finger twisted it right off.Silicone sheets as mentioned above work good, I've also used a balloon to get some traction.

 

[Vsanzbajo]

I tried with my hands, and no way is coming off. Any other suggestions? And how about just the plastic end? How can i do that?

 

[upnorthcyclist]

The plastic end is glued or pressed into place - the problem, usually, is keeping them on. You may damage it (or your spare) trying to seperate it from the metal lever.

Try this: Find a rubber band about a quarter inch wide. Loop it around the bezel. Carefully use a pair of pliers to break the bezel loose, with the rubber band protecting the bezel from scratches from the plier jaws. Make sure you have a good grip before you start turning the pliers - righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. Unless there is damage to the bezel from dropping the camera, it should take only a slight movement before it breaks loose and can be unscrewed the rest of the way by hand. This isn't fool-proof, of course - that's why they make those expensive copper clamp-wrenches Nicholas linked you to. Good luck!