Fix Old Cameras: Minolta XG-7 Jumpy LED Readout

The LED readout on a Minolta XG-7 that jumps all over its range and will not hold steady. This tutorial video shows the main cause and one way to repair the LED exposure indicator of a Minolta X-series 35mm classic film camera camera that has issue of flashing over the entire meter readout range.
classic camera repair - phototronic.biz/
A few tools and books - www.amazon.com...

[@ERoossien]

I just messed up my Minolta xd-7 aka xd-11. Stretched out the diaphragm spring because I have no idea how to retach it. Looking how you placed the ring with the spring makes a lot more sense. Should receive the other spring soon so I can try and fix it.

[@weisserth]

My Minolta CLE shows the same problem. Would this be a related issue?

[@w.smialy934]

Hey, I have issue with power in general in my XG-9, fresh batteries but even battery check is not giving any red light inside. Shutter can't fire but its loaded so I guess its problem with capacitor as even the B.C. is not working. Any ideas? :(

[@loststranger5398]

Maybe the switch contacts are dirty or rusty? Just a guess

[@guywolek]

Thank you for the video. I watched and followed . Hoping it would fix my issue. The problem I have is the LED read out is stuck on the up arrow. Anyone know how to fix this? Much appreciated.

[@ollyyung2859]

this fixed my XG7, thank you so much!! My light meter led read outs were fading in and out and not letting the camera fucntion in A mode. I took the front apart like the video said, cleaned the contacts (which were very dirty) reassembled and the camera works perfectly now

[@borntobesone4587]

Thank you for the tutorial, I did this with my new x-700, the prongs that you reshaped was all frayed and messed up and I can't get it to look like your, is this a serious issue? What can I do to fix it? The spring on the bottom was also really loose and does not want to stay in place making it extra hard to put the ring back. Thanks again!

[@misterguenther]

Thank you for this. I have this exact issue with this exact model.

[@Sushii666]

Hey FOC, I have a general metering problem with my X-700. The aperture sensor ring runs smoothly and affects the reading of the light meter, but with a lens on i won't get a proper reading (blinking downward arrow in the viewfinder). With the lens off it shows me 1/500s when i point directly into a light bulb. The ISO is set to 400. Do you have any idea how to fix this? Greetings from Germany

[@FixOldCameras]

Possibly issues with the CDS cells. Is the exposure readout changing smoothly with light level changes?

[@_zzpza]

Don't have a Minolta, watched anyway. Thanks for sharing your skill with us.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@Jonazzzz88]

I have a X-700 that stopped working and locked. Now it doesnt have any signs of life. From what I read it should be a capacitor problem. I changed the bottom one and nothing. The onde on the top is difficult to reach...if you stumble upon one of these with the need of replacement of the top capacitor please post it ahah. Anyway thank you for the great videos and an incredible channel.

[@FixOldCameras]

It sounds elementary, but go ahead and recheck the battery lid for a nearly invisible layer of corrosion. Burnish the inside of the battery lid if you suspect an issue.

[@FreezerKing]

These are so relaxing, and they make camera repair seem not so scary. So, I have this Mamiya 127mm K/L f3.5 that has a hazy back element. My local place can't fix it, and 99% of the lenses on eBay have the same issue. Is such a thing even possible to fix, or do I just hold out for one of the few copies without haze?

[@FixOldCameras]

Well it depends on what is causing the haze. Sometimes it is residual oil from evaporation and is completely removal. Other times it could be a compromised lens surface and is than problematic. It can also be between elements in a lens group and is more difficult to get to.

[@tubecorr]

I have this problem with my CLE. I assume it would be more complicated to fix on the CLE though.

[@FixOldCameras]

The CLE does not have this particular aperture linkage set up to the meter. It will depend on the cause of the meter malfunction as to the complexity of the repair.

[@benclark1423]

I have this exact problem with this very camera. Your video is very timely. Thank you!

[@FixOldCameras]

Very good. Hope this little procedure gets it working properly again.

[@dimabezverhiy633]

OMG, thanks a lot, I have exactly the same problem time to time on my XG-7 Also I have Minolta XE-7 with same type of problem. Sometimes needle in viewfinder show correct shutter speed sometimes it stuck on some shutter speed and not move (or moves slightly) while I change diaphragm all the way (e.g. f1.7 to f22). I noticed that after some “play” (push several times on DOF preview button) the exposure meter starts work correct. If not - turning On/Off switch is my plan B. Maybe this is some contacts problem too? I will be glad to any advice. English is not my native language, so sorry for the mistakes

[@FixOldCameras]

Your English is good and anyone that is versed in two or more languages is to be admired. The XE meter system is different than the X and XG systems. The aperture resistor is linked to the aperture linkage via a cord pulley system. The aperture resistor in the XE is located under the rewind knob assembly and must be accessed by removing the top cover. Check the aperture linkage by the lens mount if is loose with no return tension or binding than the link cordage will have to be addressed.

[@UwePeche]

@@FixOldCameras Nice to know, if my XE shows the same Problem. Fortunately not by now.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Good to know! My XD is one of my all time favourite cameras. That shutter sound is pure asmr for a geek like myself.

[@FixOldCameras]

Right on. Great camera line. Thank you for the comments.

[@0coolx]

I'm really excited to find this channel it's so satisfying to get old film cameras shooting again. I have a have a Minolta XG-A that I would love to shoot but I have no idea how to deal with the black smudge (I assume foam) across my viewfinder. Any ideas or possibly a future video?

[@0coolx]

Correction, it appears to be de-silvering of the prizm.. while it's bad news its learning nonetheless at least. I suppose I should attempt to find a good prism?

[@FixOldCameras]

If you see it in the view finder but not on the focus screen, then you are probably correct.

[@1stMrSceptical]

Thanks for shareing your knowledge :0)

[@FixOldCameras]

You are welcome and thank you for your interest in FOC.

[@luissilva5609]

Great videos Man! I would like to know if this method that you use could resolve the problem readings with my light meter. The arrow on the bottom constantly blinks and doesn’t give readings when I point the camera at a light source.

[@FixOldCameras]

If it is an Minolta X -series... it is a possibility.

[@Senor-Equis]

Hey Luis. I have the same issue. Did you ever see if this repair worked for your camera

[@luissilva5609]

​@@Senor-Equis Hi, unfortunately didn't solve my problem but you can give a try! it is easy to do it

[@ivanbester9879]

@@FixOldCameras i have the same problem with my x700 and tried this method in the video, with no luck. Is there any solution to this problem?