Minolta X-570 problem

[pbromaghin]

Today I found a Minolta X-570 with a bad Vivitar lens at Goodwill for 25 bucks.
Figuring another X-570 would be a great addition to my existing Minolta stable, I was ready to walk out of the store with it when mywife said, "Why dont you try it out?"

At first I thought it didn't have a battery, but then I heard that little breeping noise of it finding an exposure and lights blinked in the viewfinder. It just wouldn't fire the shutter. I told the lady that I didn't know what was wrong with it but it was no good.

I didn't have the presence of mind to tell her I would give 5$ for it as a parts camera. But shit, it was in beautiful cosmetic condition and I'm afraid they are going to throw it in the trash.

Does anybody have any idea what is wrong with it? I don't think it is the usual capacitator problem because that doesn't usually stop the shutter from firing - it just produces a screwed up picture.

I love Minolta X-570's and really want to rescue this one. It's in perfect cosmetic shape, better than the one I own, but the shutter won't fire. I figure it will take a $100 to fix the body and it will then be worth $75. That's fine with me.

Any ideas?

[guitstik]

$45.00 Garry's camera in Il can fix it, it is the capacitor.

[mr rusty]

99% this is what you need.

http://www.micro-tools.de/en/Electro...00-C9-C10.html

Its under the base plate on a flexi circuit board - obvious when you remove the base with the spare part to compare - its the only capacitor. careful soldering with a small electronics iron and not too much heat and its an easy DIY. Watch the polarity.

[CGW]

The reason I avoid X-570/X-700 cameras. It's a baked-in defect that turns them into junk. Too many other cheap, functional 35mm SLRs available to bother with these dogs.

[sandermarijn]

Both my two X700's and the one X300s had that same (capacitor) problem. Annoying but easy to fix. This place is helpful:

http://www.twid.de/x700/#fixc

Sander

[pbromaghin]

I thought the capacitor would cause the freeze with the mirror halfway up, where if you lift it the shutter will release. A friend gave me an XG-1 with that problem. Are you guys sure about this?

CGW - If I could stockpile a 1/2 dozon capacitators for the x-570 I would. It is a fantastic camera. It's a pleasure to hold in the hands; with smooth, intuitive operation; an extremely accurate meter with almost ideal center waiting, and great glass to be found; a truly superior camera. I have become very attached to mine.

Speaking of which, I remember a website that talked about capacitators to meet this camera's specs today. Where and how would a guy find something like that that isn't old stock?

[mr rusty]

Where and how would a guy find something like that that isn't old stock

Microtools' supply (link above) isn't old stock and they ship worldwide. Note the price is for a packet of 5. Its a standard capacitor rating but in an unusual small size. You might find them elsewhere.

I've repaired my X300 - its a dead easy fix and takes 5 minutes.

[CGW]

Bought 2 X-700s a couple years ago. Both died within a year. Both in mint- shape. Glad they were cheap. Plasticky junk relative to the old heavy metal SRT series.

Funny but none of my stable of Nikon bodies ever dropped dead in their tracks like that.

[Fred Aspen]

I just bought a 570 that had the 'no fire' problem and it turned out to be the idler gear in the winding train was binding and wouldn't allow the winding ratchet to fully return when you released the cocking lever.

The screw, a phillips head next to the white gear, had loosened and the gear had no clearance and was binding the gear train. Simply moved the white gear away slightly from the blue gear and tightened the screw.

BTW, this is under the bottom plate. Four phillips screws and you're there.

[pbromaghin]

I'm really considering going back to get this camera if I can get it for $5-10 or so as a doorstop. Oh, it would be great if it was just that loose screw. Even if it is the capacitor it's a good price for a good body.