Dynax / Maxxum 7 service manual

[jeroen_b1]

hello group,

 

 

Have been lurking the forum for a long time now. My Dynax 7 developed a problem with the aperture lever, problem

is getting realy annoying now (jammed camera, error messages, wasted shots). I have got an other Dynax 7 as a

replacement (I just love the 7!).

 

I want to "fix" the broken 7 by myself, if it is something mechanical maybe I can glue it together (like a broken

plastic wheel or axis).

 

Does anyone here has a service manual for the Dynax/Maxxum 7 he/she wants to share??

 

Found one here, but it's $20.

 

https://www.manualsparadise.com/ShowProductsForModel.do?model=M43165949#1

 

I guess it could be handy to find out how to open before I start, and to see the schematics of the aperture lever

to see if I have any chance to fix it.

 

 

 

bye,

 

Jeroen

[ricardovaste]

Hi Jeroen,<p>

 

Sorry to hear the trouble you are having with your camera. I must agree, it is wonderful to hold and use, even though I don't particularly like film with an AF camera, I still pick it up every now and then and do some candids. Its just a joy to use.

<p>

My dads 7D had an aperture base pin problem, or something to that tune, not so long ago. He had it repaired, along with an entire replacement of the shutter assembly for 180GBP. Now, this was the 7D(!), not teh 135mm Dynax 7, but I can assume they are similar in that area.

<P>

I wouldnt think it would cost that much to repair. If its just your back up camera now, there is no reason why you cant just save a little back and then have it repaired professionally, right? If you are semi pro, well you need a reliable camera, why risk doing a less than perfect repair yourself?

 

<p><a href=http://www.camerarepairworkshop.co.uk/>www.camerarepairworkshop.co.uk</a> - This site is well regarded. Well, the repair people are. Just drop them an email for a quote. I sent my dads 7D there and they got it fixed very quickly. I know of many other people who have had their stuff repaired there successfully too.

 

<p>Best of luck with this.<br>Rich

[jeroen_b1]

Brought it to a local repair shop this week, they told me the repair would be 150-160 euro, 3 month warranty for

the repair only. And it would take a long time to get the spare parts. Now I have a (mint looking) second hand

Dynax 7 with 3 months warranty for 175 euro from a camera store. That's a better deal in my opinion.

 

I checked the current value of the Dynax 7 is about 150-200 euro on the second hand market, so for me repair is

not a real option. My broken Dynax was already beat up a little bit, two times a roll of film rewinded in the

middle, and one of the focus lights in the viewfinder was weak (left corner). And I am not really sure the error

messages (and camera jams) come because of the broken aperture lever. I have a feeling I could end up with a

repaired camera with other problems too.

 

The lever moves normally, but sometimes there is not enough power to bring it back to start position, and then

the camera makes a awful (high pitch) noise and locks up. Then you have to remove the lens and pull the lever

back by hand. But sometimes the camera gives error messages without the lever problem (turn off and on again to

get rid of it).

 

Thought only for a short moment about getting an Sony A200 instead, but I still love film too much to make the

switch. Shot a few rolls of film laterly on a birthday (Dynax 7, 5400HS flash with omnibounce and 50mm f/1.7 and

135mm f/2.8), results were just perfect.

[ricardovaste]

First off, that repair cost sounds rediculous. The camera repair workshop have a massive range of stock of all Minolta equipment, they specialise in it. Just send them an email and see what they think, no harm in doing so. & They won't repair anything you don't want repairing.

 

Yeah, the second hand value of the 7 has dropped a bit of the last couple of years, but it will never be worth selling mine I dont think. I get too much joy out of it, as infrequent as its use may be.

 

The A200 is down to 299GBP with the kit lens here in the UK - oustanding value! My advise would be to NOT get it though. I got my first DSLR, the A100, in Oct. 07 after shooting with the 7 for well over a year. It is a big step down in both ergonomics and AF performance. If you dont print massive, love film and dont take many action shots, take a look at the 7D. The sensor produces wonderful colours, you will forget all about film! It of course has the same ergonomics of the 7 film too. 6MP is more than enough for most people, regardless of how many MP's Sony seem to be throwing at us. If you need more MP's, or an AF performance on par (roughly) with your current 7 definately wait for a second hand A700 to come down in price. I got mine for 400GBP+shipping from Greenland, with a kit lens (that I will probably sell). It hasnt arrived yet, but thats great value for a UK buyer. I can imagine them being much cheaper 6months from now.

 

Rich

[jeroen_b1]

Will send them a message about the repair, I am curious about the possibilites. I rather have a working camere than one for spare parts lying in the closet. If it is still expensive maybe I can remove the broken aperture unit by myself and replace it with a new parts from the repair shop you mentioned.

 

I fixed a SRT-101 by myself (changed the light meter, and new strings), so how difficult would a Dynax 7 be... just kidding :-)

 

7D is a no-go for me, infamous black frame problem. I have a feeling a lot of 7D's will die the sooner or later. An A200 would be enough for me at the moment, but I don't need it really. I do believe the A700 is a great performer, enjoy your new camera!

 

side-note: for me film is still ideal, most simple and fastest work flow: bring my rolls to the shop, pick them up a few days later, and enjoy looking at the photo's sitting at the couch. And maybe get an enlargement from time to time. If a picture is printed not very well (difficult lightning or contrast), then I can always scan it to get more out of it. With film you don't shoot like a maniac to caputure everything you see or take 5-6 shots of the same composition and end up with a hard disk full with files. But please no discussion about my opinion... I only need a service manual for a 7.... ;-)

[drjedsmith]

Hi Jeroen,

I just don't hang around here much anymore, but glad to see you're still with the 7. Mine is still helping me create beautiful slides. I'm trying some of Kodak's E100GX at the moment.

 

Wish I could help on the service manual. Have you tried to contact Runtime in Germany? They are the most comprehensive Minolta repair/service shop left in the world. I am positive they have one. Probably worth a try. They may even be able to just email you a couple of pages from a PDF or something.

 

All the best,

Jed

[jos_roost]

Jeroen,<br>

A PDF version of the service manual as a 3-part rar archive is available for download from <br>

<a href="http://www.eserviceinfo.com/">http://www.eserviceinfo.com/</a><br>

Search for "dynax" and you will find it (as well as for the 5 and 9). You will need an "unrar" utility to extract

the PDF file.<br>

In case of difficulties I can also send you the PDF file directly via email (6 MB !!)<br>

Good luck,<br>

Jos

[jeroen_b1]

hello Jed, thanks, I will send Runtime an e-mail to ask for their opinion about the repair.

 

Jos, thanks too! Great website. I have downloaded the service manual and will make a print. The inside looks pretty

complicated on paper, lot of small and tiny objects.I hope there is some logic in getting it all back together. And it is

always difficult to open electronics without damaging the outside too much when you don't have specialised tools.

 

Before I open it, I will ask the two repair shops for a price.

[joe_fields]

<p>You can also find the manual at <a href="https://www.manualuniverse.com">https://www.manualuniverse.com</a> but the price is $16</p>