Minolta srt 101

Hi, I just got a Minolta SRT101, I thought

everything was working properly but then

after loading a roll of film I realized that

when I advance the film, the viewfinder is

black. After hitting the shutter and taking a

picture it goes back to being able to see.

 

So basically I guess the mirror is getting

stuck after advancing the film, but then goes

back down after I hit the shutter.

 

Can anyone tell me if I'm doing something

wrong? It's not the mirror lock up lever, I've

played with that a bunch

 

Thanks

It's a common problem with older cameras, but a CLA should take care of it.

<p>When empty, open the camera's back and remove the lens. Cock and fire to see what's going on with the mirror. If a return/refund is possible, I'd look for another camera. Common models like the early Minoltas are pushing 50 and usually suffer from some sort of age-related issues--some easily fixed, others not. CLAs are getting harder to find and pricier if done by competent techs. Romance aside, I buy the newest film gear I can afford to avoid the usual headaches associated with older cameras. With 35mm SLRs so cheap, it's often cheaper and less stressful simply to buy another working camera rather than nurse a busted one back to health. YMMV, as usual.</p>

<p>I purchased one of these new in 1978 or so. As said above might be time for a service.</p>

<p>Interesting... I believe it's more common to have the mirror stick in the up position AFTER you fire the shutter, and have it drop back into place when you wind the shutter again. I recently got hold of one that did this, and the following link was helpful for me: http://www.willegal.net/photo/srt/srt-repairs.htm<br>

Since your problem is the opposite, it may not help. Still I can't help but wonder if it might point you in the right direction and give you something to try - assuming you are interested in tinkering with it yourself.</p>

Thanks guys, I'll look at that link and

see if it's something I can fix.

 

I've looked at it with the lens off, and

when it gets stuck, it's really stuck but

then easily free after firing the shutter.

That made me think it wasn't stuck

because of some old gunk or

something like that, but more likely that

I was doing something mechanically

wrong.

 

Anyway, thanks for the ideas