Minolta XK Problems and Service Questions

[christopher_engeler]

I now have four Minolta XK AE finder cameras, and none of them appear

to work properly. The two nicest ones are almost completely as new but

have the following identical problems: 1. Shutter set at manual sounds

like speed varies, sometimes slower, sometimes appropriate for

selected speed. 2. Set on automatic, the shutter stays open for many

seconds, or may not close at all. 3. The viewfinder display on the

right, the scale with needle and shutter speeds, is very dark, as if

obscured by something. Diagnosis? Remedy? Recommended shop for CLA?

Any opinions on Mark Hama? I think I'll try to get at least two of

these back into shape to use with the as new/unused (with "Passed"

stickers) lenses I got: 18mm fisheye, 21mm, 24mm, 35mm/f1.8, 50mm and

58mm f1.4, 50mm macro, 100mm f2.5, 200mm f3.5, and 300mm f4.5.

[fmueller]

I haven't used him myself, but Mark Hama has a reputation of offering THE best repair service for vintage Minoltas. Best of luck with your finders!

 

BTW - nice set of lenses!

[User_502260]

The question here is whether you will need parts. I can certainly recommend Essex Camera Service in Carlstadt, NJ. Another excellent repair facility is Photography On Bald Mountain - Ken Ruth - in Davenport, CA. He can repair some things no one else will touch. The AE finder is an old swinging needle type. If you can find an AES finder in good condition it would be preferable to the AES finder.