kevin_provost Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Gammill Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 It's a common problem with older cameras, but a CLA should take care of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c_watson1 Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 <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> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbon_dragon Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 <p>I purchased one of these new in 1978 or so. As said above might be time for a service.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2 Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 <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> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin_provost Posted December 28, 2016 Author Share Posted December 28, 2016 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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