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-101-102-103-ADVANCE-HANDLE-KNOB-COVER-CAP-/320379933079?pt=Digital_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

http://www.micro-tools.com/store/P-FLB1AB20/Flexiclamp--Set-Of-20-Bc.aspx

"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!