Minolta Hi-Matic 9 aperture problem

I met my wife while teaching an adult education program photography class. She brought a Minolta Hi-matic 9 to class that had belonged to her grandfather, but it didn't work. Fast forward 16 years and I still have her and the Minolta. It has been sitting on a shelf all those years because the shutter didn't work. We didn't bother to send it out for repair because the cost was more than buying a used one. Earlier tonight, I actually got the shutter working and was planning to go out tomorrow to shoot a roll of film. I discovered the aperture is stuck wide open no matter what the aperture ring is set at. The motivation for me to get it working was the sad news that her step-father has cancer, and since it was his fathers camera, I thought it would be nice to take family photos with it when we visit for Christmas. I'm kind of bummed about the aperture problem. Does anyone here have any tips on getting the aperture to work properly short of sending it for a CLA? I don't think I would have time to ship it out for service before we go visit her family.

If you can remove some of front lens elements a few drops of Ronsinol lighter fluid might free the aperture blades.

If you can remove some of front lens elements a few drops of Ronsinol lighter fluid might free the aperture blades.

I was able to get the shutter blades moving by using the lighter fluid, but the aperture blades were not affected. I have done some minor repairs on cameras and lenses, but getting deep into this lens is probably more than I am capable of.

I don't know the model and how it'S "supposed" to work. If it should have a regular aperture that should change etc, I say stick with it. I recall spending two days 2-3 hours wiping and firing a Contaflex shutter. and then suddenly when I thought I'd stop for the day the aperture came out of hiding. I used Q-tip wet and wipe ..probably used 100. the oil/dirts appears rainbow colored so wipe it and repeat ad nauseum. Don't flood the shutter completely as this will likely have undesirable consequences. Use dripping q-tips Ok. Wet the shutter blades, fire the shutter a few times wipe off the excess and repeat. Perseverance will pay off!

Minolta Himatic 9: Flood Cleaning Shutter and Cleaning Viewfinder, also applies to the 7, 7s, and 11.

 

I recently cleaned the finder and also unjammed the shutter/aperture of the HiMatic 9. I bought mine new in 1969, had it ever since, wanted the Box and original lens cap. $25 on Ebay for a non-working one, now working.

 

I discovered that I needed to let the camera thoroughly dry before reassembling. When I did not- the aperture blades stuck open. SO- unjammed the shutter, swabbed, and then let dry out over the AC vent. Reassembled- still works, just checked it.

Minolta Himatic 9: Flood Cleaning Shutter and Cleaning Viewfinder, also applies to the 7, 7s, and 11.

 

I recently cleaned the finder and also unjammed the shutter/aperture of the HiMatic 9. I bought mine new in 1969, had it ever since, wanted the Box and original lens cap. $25 on Ebay for a non-working one, now working.

 

I discovered that I needed to let the camera thoroughly dry before reassembling. When I did not- the aperture blades stuck open. SO- unjammed the shutter, swabbed, and then let dry out over the AC vent. Reassembled- still works, just checked it.

Thanks Brian. I think that may be part of the problem. i didn't let it dry out very long before re-assembling it. i think I will give it another try tomorrow. I hope it works.

Update on the Hi-Matic. I used the lighter fluid again and the aperture blades are finally adjusting as they should. The shutter and aperture blades still stick intermittently, but it is far better than it was over a week ago. If it is not working well by tomorrow, I am going to ask our local camera repair tech to take a shot at it. I would love to be able to use the camera during my family's visit at Christmas due to sentimental reasons.

I just got my Hi-Matic back from repair. The tech fixed the aperture and shutter issues, installed a new battery and calibrated the meter, and also calibrated the rangefinder. I am looking forward to using the camera.