Fix Old Cameras: Minolta X 700 Top Cover Removal

How to remove the top cover of the Minolta X700. This tutorial video is a step by step demonstration of how to remove the top cover of a Minolta X700. It also covers a common failure of the counter function of this camera.
classic camera repair - www.phototronic...
A few tools and books - www.amazon.com...

[@ralphirwin8202]

I’m happy to see there are still craftsmen fixing the older gear, I had given up hope but now I have this channel

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your nice comment and interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@merlinmarquardt]

Very nice demonstration. Tend to agree with some of the other comments about the music being distracting and too loud. These presentations are better without music, in my opinion.

[@FixOldCameras]

Your long support for Fix Old Cameras is much appreciated. Fortunately for those that find the FOC harmonica lick bothersome it rarely appears... but here it is and a little too loud for the balance of volume to the narration. Thank you for your patient indulgence and great comments.

[@CorbinGoodwin]

Love these videos but I love them more without the music, they're really relaxing and great to watch with just the voice!

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your comment and interest in FOC. Fortunately for those that find the music annoying that particular harmonica lick only makes a rare appearance when the narration lags. (and LOL it is too loud for the volume of the narration...oops)

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Yea, please tell the Blues Brothers to stop rehearsing the same song over and over when you're recording a video.

[@FixOldCameras]

Too much fun... the hits just keep coming. Next up... maybe some lame vocals. Then again... maybe not.

[@raymondfuson8818]

CNN

[@AS-ll5nd]

I have an X-700 which seems to have a non-functioning wonder. It stops after about a 45 degrees with a satisfying click or stop, then doesn’t go any further. Is there anything I can do to fix it? Thanks

[@H.E.J.S.A.N]

You have a "golden voice" and your knowledge goes hand in hand with the cameras you repair. I started to collect cameras after I could sell them on Ebay. Today I already have a small collection and not all are in working order. Your videos help talented DIY enthusiasts to fix them. Thanks for every movie. I will all watch.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your kind comments and for your enthusiastic interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@_zzpza]

I don't have a Minolta, but since you helped me fix my OM-1n, I've watched all your videos. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise so freely, it is very much appreciated. P.S. I don't mind the music.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your comments and interest in Fix Old Cameras. And thank you for your patience in indulging the FOC harmonica lick.

[@ausgeknipst]

As always, thanks for sharing. Encountered a Minolta X-700 with a malfunctioning counter and repaired it with the help of this video. The plastic pin on the counter broke. I fixed it by inserting a hot solder iron tip into the remaining plastic foundation to form a new fence. P.S.: I like the music. It ads some personality to the video :-)

[@FixOldCameras]

Very good to hear of your successful repair. Keep'em going.

[@annhirro3908]

just got an x700 from ebay, same problem, hopefully i will be able to do it myself also :P (also I hope its just the plastic thingy that needs to be replaced and is not some bigger problem)

[@kidicaruz]

Great tutorial! Helped me a lot to repair the filmcounter. Now everything works fine again :)

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful repair.

[@mystupidfacebook]

thank you i just fixed my lovely Minolta 🎉🥳 i had to glue a something to stop the counter from going out of place.

[@samantameneses]

First if all, congratulations on a really well made and pleasant channel to watch, I would like to see fixed another very common failure on the Minolta X-700, in witch the camera makes sounds but doesn't fire and from what i've read may need one or both capacitors replaced. Thank you so much

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your interest in Fix Old Cameras and for your suggestion of additional videos featuring the X-700. If you hear the click of the release magnet than it might be a mechanical issue that is preventing the shutter cycle.

[@samantameneses]

​@@FixOldCameras Thank you for the reply, the sound i was talking about is a "beep" when i touch the shutter release button

[@ausgeknipst]

I recommend setting the ISO to 200 before disassembly. At this setting both notches of the ISO Dial lineup (like shown in the video at 5:33).

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for the comment and for your interest and support of FOC.

[@mongilobinlobo6200]

Thank so much for share your acknowledge. But how I fix my x700? I turn it on then when push the trigger the camera die , then turn it off and on again , some times work but after many times try to turn it on...

[@Spade182]

Question, I recently got an X700 off of OfferUp and it functions mechanically with a new set a batteries installed but, I’ve noticed I’m not getting any readings with my light meter. I’ve opened and closed the aperture on different lenses and set on A and P modes but nothing. The arrow on the bottom constantly blinks and doesn’t give readings when I point the camera at a light source. Any idea on what’s going on?

[@Marcuscaravan]

I'm having the exact same problem! I think it might be a busted light meter. Have you had any luck?

[@Spade182]

Marcus Laughton Mine still functions I just have to use an external light meter

[@FixOldCameras]

This video might help as it applies to the X-700 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIW1o3SwoLV5gdE

[@user-gh1bt2iu7w]

Hello, Firstly, thanks for this great video. That was all I wanted. However, when i removed the top, two wires accidently teared and I am lost, there are too many welding points. Do you have any idea how I can fix it ? Thanks

[@ShaunDobbie]

I have a Chinon CX camera where the exposure meter is stuck at shutter speeds 1000, 500 and 250 and it only works when I shake the camera.

[@FixOldCameras]

Make sure the needle of the galvanometer is not dragging against the prism or viewfinder screen. If it has proper clearance then the galvanometer will probably have to be replaced. On occasion, gently flushing a small amount of isopropyl alcohol through it might get it working again.

[@borderlands6606]

I kept waiting for a stripper to appear, not a strip down. Seriously, although I'm unlikely to ever own a Minolta X700, I watch all these fixes with great pleasure.

[@FixOldCameras]

Yes well, it has been fun and worth a smile and a nod. Thank you so much for your support and interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@augustusczar7375]

I have a minolta xd11 with a stuck iso button and exposure counter (photo counter) would these repairs be similar to this process?

[@mickicycki007]

Great video. I have another problem with X-700. The shutter curtain will open only 1/3 of the lenght at any shutter speed. Is it a mechanical or rather electronic issue and what can I do to fix that? One site suggested it was a matter of gear alignment, should I follow that trace?

[@FixOldCameras]

The second curtain is probably not latching and following the first curtain. With the bottom cover removed and the wind lever side on the right, there is a large blue gear (on most X series cameras) that meshes with a smaller white gear with a silver center hub... above the white gear is a screw. Loosen the screw and the white idler gear will swing away from the larger blue shutter wind gear and allow you to adjust the timing a tooth or two. Before loosening the mention screw (for a point of reference) put a drop of finger nail polish on the teeth of where the two gears meet.This subject would make a good feature for a FOC video.

[@allan473]

great camera. I just got one thats working nicely but just one issue thats annoying. the film speed dial/exposure compensation dial is very loose and just the slightest touch makes it move. is there anyway to tighten it? or what could I do?

[@FixOldCameras]

Check to see if the dial retainer as worked loose.

[@priscillamoura8771]

Mine is the same! Do you know how to fix it?

[@Ardavan47]

Hello, thank you for your amazing videos, im a newbie analogue photographer and got a X370 minolta. the problem is that the ISO Ring is not just rotating 360 and not setting at all and is Loose, any tips on how to fix it? thank you

[@priscillamoura8771]

Mine is the same... Did you fix yours?

[@AceP40]

where can i get one of those adjustable spanners?

[@FixOldCameras]

The set featured in the FOC videos has been in service for several decades and might be difficult to locate. There are some others available... www.amazon.com/shop/fixoldcameras?ref=ac_inf_hm_vp

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

I have an issue with the film-winder, in that it became loose and doesn't grab into anything anymore, which apparently is common. But what caused that? Is it the spring under the lever or is it deeper down? - I had the same issue with the GX2, it actually happened one after the other when trying to load a new film. - But somehow the lever on the GX2 simply "re-set" itself again. I was just messing with it without a film inside, I tried to use the spanner and it just "caught" again without doing really anything to it. The X-700 didn't magically start working again, however, so I need to do something. And good tip about the counter-issue, because mine's stopped working as soon as I put film into it for the first time (after years, because I got these from someone else who owned them originally).

[@FixOldCameras]

First make sure the wind lever was moved to the complete end of its cycle. If not that, then take the bottom cover off and see if the lower wind mechanism gear reset completely. Sometimes a gentle nudge will put it back into the proper position. If not that, then possible a stripped wind gear.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Fix Old Cameras - You're right. I ran into another video of someone showing the same issue but no fix. But the comments all said "push the lever a little more", and that indeed "fixed" it. -_- So stupid. But it's all because of the warning to "not force the lever", so I didn't dare. haha One other thing, however; I first checked the inside by screwing off the lever, though I couldn't really find anything obvious. - But I did notice that the spring, rather than having two hooks at the ends, had just one and the other end was straight. I don't know if this is OK, but I used some pliers to make the other end "hooking" as well, hoping it would latch onto something, but I didn't really seem to do anything. Actually, it literally doesn't seem to do anything, because I ended up leaving it out and it still works as normally. Unless that spring is supposed to advance the counter (which I haven't fixed yet). - Does this sound right?... Or what should that spring be attached to and do? Thanks for the reply!

[@FixOldCameras]

If you are referring to the spring that is under the advance lever, it only keeps tension on the lever in the resting position and it also helps it return after advance. The essential functions of the camera will all work without it in place.

[@vladislavstanimirovic9650]

My X-300 developed a problem after light seal change, that the winding lever when the camera is empty needs to be let to snap back in order to cock the shutter. When the camera is loaded, i need to nudge the motor drive couplet at the bottom to complete the cycle. I suppose that some alcohol has gotten inside the counter reset pin and gunked the winding mechanism on top. What do you suggest I do?

[@kennuf1]

Hi, I truly appreciate all the videos you provide us. I’d love some tips on replacing the Mirror bumper on Minolta SLR’s… working behind that #@%&! thin plastic baffle is a real challenge. There’s probably not a simple way of doing it, but you have the gift of making complicated tasks look simple. Thanks again for all the videos you share.

[@FixOldCameras]

Inspiration. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZOmkKOYd5yenLs Thank you for the suggestion and for your continued interest in FOC.

[@midwinterphoto]

My frame counter didn't work, so I followed along to your video. all was going well, until I removed the frame counting wheel. Attached to it is a spring coil. I have no idea where to anchor the one side of that coil. One to the wheel, of course, but where on the body does it hook on to? Eagerly awaiting a reply to complete this repair.

[@FixOldCameras]

The other end of the spring attaches to the counter dial mount plate. But what typically causes the rewind dial looseness and failure is the tiny stop post, located at the #33 dot on the counter dial, shears off as shown near the end of this video.

[@lisalky4472]

Hi, thank you for this video it helped me fix one of my problems for my shutter counter (broken stopper). However, I’m noticing that the counter does not reset back to S when the door is opened and instead resets back to 24. I imagine this has something to do with the tension of the spring that is connected with the door. I was just wondering how I could go about fixing this.

[@FixOldCameras]

The top cover will need to be removed and you will probably find the little stop post on the counter dial is broken, by using the fine tip of a soldering iron or tool heated with a flame you can create another by melting and shaping a ridge of plastic at the appropriate spot. Otherwise a replacement counter dial will need to be acquired from a donor camera.

[@pauljpboers2497]

Thanks a lot for your clear information on this camera. I just acquired myself an X700. But the diaphragm is not visible in the viewfinder. I unscrewed the "Minolta"-named lid on the front, but cannot see if there is anything missing which causes the problem. There is a small piece of glass (?) sandwiched between a little metal clamp with a tiny hole that - I guess- serves as a lens to show the diaphragm in the finder. But everything seems firm and steady. What to do? Thanks in advance !

[@FixOldCameras]

Look through into the viewfinder and hold a piece of printed paper in front of the peep hole you should be able to see the print clearly when the paper is properly positioned. A non Minolta lens sometimes does not position the aperture dial correctly.

[@adambadada]

@@FixOldCameras I have the same issue, tried this and couldn't see anything. When I took off the 'Minolta' lid, I found a small mirror loose inside. Where should that mirror be attached?

[@danc2014]

Note the ball bearing and spring underneath the ASA dial falls out on some Minolta

[@FixOldCameras]

Thanks for the reminder and your interest in FOC.

[@jckmillxr8774]

if i have minolta xe to change , i have to stick with this clip or your minolta srt100 method's clip?

[@Natrlbrnkila]

Great video! The counter dial mount plate where the shutter count springs onto, do you know exactly where that is? I can't find the spot on the body? Cheers.

[@FixOldCameras]

On the edge of the plate.

[@pereraronshi]

Awesome! Just what I was looking for. Thank You.

[@pereraronshi]

Is it easy removing the eyepiece to clean after the top cover has been removed?

[@FixOldCameras]

Fairly easy... two screws will need to be removed that hold the eyepiece frame. Be careful of the circuit that surrounds the eyepiece frame.

[@FixOldCameras]

Right on.

[@richardschwartz6544]

Hi. I would need some information. I have a Minolta x7oo which I have not used for many years. The shutter button does not fire, and the wind lever does not cock. What can be wrong with the camera? New batteries were installed. Thanks a lot!

[@FixOldCameras]

Make sure that you have a good clean battery connection, for even a light film of corrosion will block current flow and prevent the electronic release from working. Also check this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqiun4pnmbJ4qqM

[@HereIsAnExample]

Hey! Quick question, i have a X 700 and the shutter speeds are really slow. They're off by about two stops. Do you have any idea how I could fix that?

[@FixOldCameras]

If the shutter is slow in manual and auto than a mechanical problem could exist or the shutter holding magnet could be sticking.The white wire that runs to this magnet could be pinched or shorted to ground. If the magnet is sticking it will usually improve with use only to revert back to its old malfunctioning ways after resting a bit. The shutter timing switch malfunction can also cause such an issue described. Shutter issues isolated to manual or auto speeds only can indicate and issue with a control IC or a support circuit.

[@saonjesworld3228]

how do i repair my minolta x-700, the shitter dial thingy won’t turn as if it’s ‘locked’?, i tried replacing the capacitor, replacing and dusting battery area. Any more tips? I hope you reply i’d appreciate it 🥺

[@klaraminify]

Hey. I have the same problem with my camera. Did you fix it?

[@lanchanoinguyen2914]

thank God you're here

[@FixOldCameras]

Well at least for awhile. Keep'em going.

[@rochcity7917]

my advance lever is loose. how do i reseat the spring and lever?

[@FixOldCameras]

If your question is refer to the advance lever of the X-700. You should be able to follow the procedure outlined in the FOC video Minolta X-700 Top Cover Removal.

[@kyle8952]

I wish that the hillbilly music wasn't so loud as to drown out the guy talking, and also that he told us what an "adjustable spanner wrench" is. Spanner and Wrench are different words meaning the same thing. It's like saying "sheet like blanket". Both Spanner and Wrench mean the thing that you use to turn ordinary bolts, and looks nothing like this strange metal pincer thing. The closest tool I've ever come across before is called a "pin spanner", but those are several times larger and used for removing bearings from italian bicycles.

[@A85videos]

Hello, I have a problem with my Minolta X700, the capacitor on top is probably dead. The problem is open the top, the ring, after the spring in the film avance, in very hard, impossible to unscrew.I.have use the same tools. There are others solutions to open or have access on top? Thanks

[@FixOldCameras]

Sometimes applying heat from the tip of a hot soldering iron will free up a stubborn retainer. Also try seeping alcohol around the ring. Be very careful not to come in contact with plastic parts with the hot soldering iron.

[@A85videos]

Fix Old Cameras really? Ok I try now!, but I don't know, the bug it's very spoiled , it's very sad lost a camera because I can't open it, I love my Minolta 😢. Thank a lot for the tip

[@A85videos]

Nothing, don't work. It's impossible to open. I tried the hot iron, the alcohol the WD40, It's totally stuck. I don't understand why. 😢

[@NeoM1k3]

@@A85videos I have the same problem with the Minolta x-700 and it's interesting that I already tried 2 different screw companies, same size which theoretically should be compatible with the Minolta screws and nothing. Tried with a hot soldering iron (couldn't avoid the deterioration of the plastic :( ) There are some bolts, however, which are not stuck. It's only for the ones you mentioned above. Anyways, did you solve your issue at all? Thanks!!

[@adampnewsome]

Same for me - very difficult to remove...

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Also; Do you know anything about the shutter-speed-indicator (the LEDs you see through the viewfinder) being twitchy? Particularly on the GX2 it often seems to "glitch out" kind of strobing many LEDs randomly. To a lesser extent with the X-700. But it seems to have to do with the contact of the shutter-button. When I wiggle it, sometimes it seems to find better contact and the LED-indicator will calm down and be more precise or just light up one or two LEDs as normal. But I don't know if it has to do with the electronics inside or maybe the detection of the electro-static button on the outside or whatever it is. I also have an old equalizer that has a "touch" panel with the same technology, and it kind of glitches as well. - So I don't know if it's just old and deteriorated, or if it can be improved.

[@FixOldCameras]

You could be on the right track, and an inspection and cleaning of the contacts that are located under the release button might offer success. Another more common cause of "twitchy" LED in a Minolta X-700 is the ceramic aperture linkage circuit , located under the lens mount bayonet front plate and the contact wipers located on the plastic ring with the tab that catches the aperture link of the lens.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Fix Old Cameras - I'll have to take a look under the button then. The X-700 seems to behave about 90% of the time, but the XG 2 sometimes just doesn't even show the right metering and goes all the way to one end, lighting up an "over" arrow when it clearly should be somewhere on on the spectrum. Occasionally it doesn't light up at all, even though the battery-check seems to light up solidly. (Besides, I have to more like "half press" the button for anything to light up, rather than it would light up on touch, which does happen but rarely now.) One thing I did notice recently is that it also acted up after I had changed the ISO. And when I kind of "re-seated" that control, it would have a chance of improving. - Of course that also affects the metering-system and since there are contacts under there as well, especially considering it's right around the shutter-button (unlike with the X-700, where it is on the other side with the EV-control), I suppose that could be affecting it? - Just, how does one clean those contacts? - Only check for dust or dirt, maybe use a blower, or also carefully rub some contact-spray onto the contacts perhaps? Thanks again!

[@FixOldCameras]

You can clean the contacts with contact cleaner or alcohol on a cleaning swab. Clean the contact seat as well and make certain of positive contact. You can slightly bend the contact wipers to improve contact if needed.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Fix Old Cameras - Alright. I'll have a go soon. - So, just to make sure; That the meter does that can't have to do with anything else? Just like how in the newer X-700 a certain capacitor that is known to fail.

[@FabianTampasaurus]

@@michaelangeloh.5383 Hey there, did you end up figuring this out? I got an old X700 from a friend that's doing the same thing as your XG2 - it seems to spend most of its time with the 'over' arrow lit up. Keen to attempt a repair but don't have a solid idea of what the cause could be yet.

[@rochcity7917]

any experience removing top cover of an X570? Seems a little different?

[@FixOldCameras]

The shutter dial of the X-570 looks different than the X-700 but the removal is the same. The advance lever of the X-570 has a cover that will need to be removed unlike the X-700.

[@XXxRlightxXX]

I have a minolta xe with stuck shutter count and not working multiple exp function. When i turn multiple exposure on the motor wont go back and i will be stuck at lets call it infinite exposure with film not winding. I removed the bottom plate and turned mechanism manually and dont touch the mult exp. What can I do to fix these issues? also my film advance lever gets stuck sometimes before winding. Im thinking of removing top right cover on my own but i've never done that, i have only removed bottom covers. Maybe you could give me some advice? I wanted to contact you via email but its closed and i dont live un the US (im from Russia) and here repairing film cameras isnt a thing really or its more expensive than the camera itself... And yes i know there is a button that restarts the counter (mine is stuck at 36) but that doesnt work even if i push it by myself.

[@FixOldCameras]

The exposure counter dial can be accessed by removing the top cover.

[@josephalmazan4805]

Can someone give me a link to a snapper wrench? I don't know which one to buy

[@FixOldCameras]

www.amazon.com/shop/fixoldcameras?ref=ac_inf_hm_vp or make your a DIY one kzbin.info/www/bejne/i32maZ6LidOpa7s

[@WoahthereIan]

You skipped the advance wind spring

[@georgebarroso3102]

I have a X-700 with a broken frame counter, I have gotten a new frame counter to replace. But I have a question; where does the spring under the frame counter anchor? I know one side anchors to the hole in the frame counter, but the other end of the spring?? any thought on that?

[@FixOldCameras]

You will note the plate that the counter dial sets on has a cut out section next to the screw the attaches the counter plate to the out most corner of the camera body. The long end of the counter spring hooks into that notch created by the cut out and the short end of the spring hooks to the counter dial.

[@BRIGHTJUS]

I gotta buy these tool my lever won’t advance idky

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your interest in FOC.

[@paddynjames]

Hey guys I have a problem with my Pentax SP1000 The film winder doesnt work and when i try to it grinds a lot and doesnt move any parts inside the camera anyone know a fix? thanks

[@FixOldCameras]

That sounds like stripped wind gears. The most likely culprit is the wind ratchet gear. The top cover will need to be removed and then you will be able to see it under the counter plate. It the biggest gear in the wind mechanism.

[@paddynjames]

Thank you for replying Would you recommend trying to fix it yourself or at a shop?

[@FixOldCameras]

If the damage is isolated to the wind ratchet gear and you can find a reasonably priced replacement part or donor camera it would not be overly difficult if you have the proper tools and average fine mechanical aptitude. This FOC video kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2fImXiGl7SciMU on the K-1000 top cover might be helpful. If you are interested in repair you might go here www.phototronic.biz/services.html

[@paddynjames]

thank you i will have a look and see what i can do

[@parratt-world]

Turned off by that music, which has nothing to do with me and is excessively loud. Good bye

[@kennuf1]

Picky, picky, picky! Your loss!

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your support and interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@FixOldCameras]

Unfortunate that the music is a bit loud for the volume of the narration, but that particular harmonica lick appears in other FOC videos and will likely appear again when words can add little to the video shot. (LOL hopefully at a less annoying volume) Thank you for the time you spent with FOC.

[@Ineedahandle75]

A great video almost ruined by the unnecessary music

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your comment and for your interest in Fix Old Cameras. As you might have noticed, you are not the first to express such sentiment to the FOC harp. Maybe the mute button would help... as the narration is nearly as superfluous as the harmonica track.

[@akosmarton8339]

Get rid of that awful music.

[@FixOldCameras]

Probably not going to happen, but your opinion will be noted when its inclusion is considered for future FOC videos. Thanks for your comments and support of FOC.