Minolta XG-1...

<p>Hoping to get some help with this camera body. I'm totally unfamiliar with this model, but received it for next to nothing along with a 50mm lens. The body looks great and appears to have had very little use, though I'm fairly sure it was stored for awhile in a less than ideal environment. I've tried fresh batteries, but it seems dead; tried cleaning both of the contacts even though they appeared clean, and still nothing. <br /><br />In searching here before posting, it seems that this model has its share of problems, including something coming loose with the on/off/battery test switch, which is just my totally uninformed first area of suspicion. Fwiw, this one seems tight and working properly, just nothing happening...<br /><br />Any chance anyone is familiar with this kind of problem on this model? Also, is this a body worth repairing? I know it was an inexpensive type camera when new, but I like the small size and have heard that they have a quiet shutter. Any experienced input is appreciated.</p>

<p>Replace the capacitor in the base near the winder/MD contacts.<br>

<strong>Check out:</strong><br>

http://www.twid.de/x700/x300_einbau.JPG<br>

&<br>

<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHUTTER-REPAIR-FIX-X-700-X370-X-9-X-370n-X-370s-X-300s-X-7-X7-A-XG-M-XG-A-XG-1n-/310841631147?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item485f9ae1ab">Ebay kit</a> <<< Click<br>

<a href="http://www.micro-tools.com/store/P-9531-1575-61/Capacitor-For-Minolta-X700-C9-And-C10.aspx">Micro Tools</a> <<< Click</p>

<p>The above links just reinforce the fact this was a baked-in problem. I went through three otherwise mint X-700 bodies several years ago that died after a few months' use. Unless you're keen to try a DIY fix, they're not worth repairing. I simply gave up and use my old Minolta glass on MILCs with an adapter.</p>

<p>If you really like the XG-1 but are not interested in DIY repair used XG series are usually quite cheap. However you may encounter the same problem again. If you want to use Minolta lenses, but stick with film the SRT series are great since all operations except light meter are mechanical. If you want some automation the XE series is older than XG, but the electronics seem to have withstood the years better (but no guarantee either).</p>

 

<p>"... If you want to use Minolta lenses, but stick with film the SRT series are great since all operations except light meter are mechanical..."<br>

^^^ What he said. ^^^</p>

<p>Sorry for not being able to get back here sooner! <br /><br />Thanks very much, Gus, I greatly appreciate it! I hope I can return the favor at some point.<br /><br />C Watson, Mike and Bob, Greatly appreciate your experienced input, too! It makes sense... Depending on further advice, I might try to fix this, though, as I'm thinking it might suit a musician friend well due to it's size/weight- her universe of photo equipment has only included cell phones. I've photographed several concerts with fast lenses and she seemed impressed with the pics and she's interested in doing some music photography on the road. Do you think that once fixed, it should last a good while? I thought this might be a good set-up for her to casually use and learn with, and that it wouldn't be a huge loss if something happened to it...<br /><br />This XG-1 also has a fair amount of debris (fungus and/or mold, is my guess) in the viewfinder. Cosmetically, though, it could be cleaned up to look like new and inside the film door it looks almost pristine; the pressure plate like it was never used. But might fixing the viewfinder issue on top of the electronic issue make a diy repair too impractical/difficult for a newbie like me? But if you think I could do it, can anyone recommend a beginning tool set that would be adequate (it would be great if it were not made in China- just my personal beliefs about democracy, human rights, relatively fair trade and environoment...)<br /><br />I hear you about the SRT series! An SRT 101 has been my only previous experience with Minolta and I really liked it! I would give that to her, but for the slightly additional size/weight and mostly, I guess, for it's lack of automation- I think the more automated XG-1 would suit her more. But for me, I'd choose the SRT-101!</p>

 

<p>Another compact Minolta to look at is the XD series. About as compact as XG's but a different shutter and multimode automation. Copal-Leitz shutter with x-sync at 1/100 second rather than 1/60 and will function mechanically if battery dies at B and 1/100. Offers shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure. Like the XG's, though it does have its own set of problems, but not capacitor related AFAIK. Also, it can do properly registered multiple exposures.</p>

<p>Thanks Mike! I think all the features I could ever need were in the cameras of this era. Minolta is really interesting, and I like the little touches on the SRT, like the textured surfaces on the battery compartment and on/off control, not to mention what seems to be a very nice metering system, "CLC". Time to explore the more automated mind of XD :)</p>

<p>Jeff,<br>

Given current prices what you have might be worth a self repair attempt, but getting a replacement might be cheaper. However, in Minolta line up of the era you have the SRT, XE and XD that are superior to XG line. But the XG is just as capable for picture taking.</p>

<p>Thanks Witold and sorry for the late response! That makes sense. So far, I've procrastinated on this, and been busy with other photo things. I agree and think only a possible self-repair would be the way to go for this camera.</p>