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Post by dennis0311 on Dec 30, 2014 16:09:32 GMT -5
I recently bought a Minolta SRT 101 with the black knob for 12 dollars. I really like this camera but has an issue with the mirror. The mirror stays up when the shutter button is pushed. When I advance the shutter it comes down. Sometimes it work correctly. It does needs new foam. What other issues can I check and can I lube a gear to fix this? What kind of lube oil is best to buy? Can I take photos in its current state or does the mirror issue need to be fixed now? Its been a while but I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you , Dennis
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Post by philbirch on Dec 30, 2014 16:29:11 GMT -5
I wouldnt recommend lubricating it, it may be the foam is sticky and holding up. Look at the mirror and see if there is any gunk on it where it touches. To remove the foam you need to scrape it off carefully with a sharp wooden stick. Do this with the camera upside down and with the lens mount facing downwards as much as possible so the gunk can fall out - not on the screen. Use a cotton bud soaked in paint brush cleaner and dab it where the gunk was. This will soften the glue. Carefully scrape it off. You can use light seal foam to replace it. Another member here uses 'funky foam' from craft shops. The light seals will need doing too. Use the same method to remove the old stuff and use 'funky foam' to replace them. Google 'replacing light seals' and indeed anything written in bold.
Of course it may not be the foam but you can still use the camera anyway, so its worth replacing it. The SRT101 is a great camera and built to last. Mine produces great results and its worth getting it working. You cant buy batteries any more but there are substitutes for the PX625 I use the alkaline version, the PX625A, taken out when the camera isn't in use they will last a couple of years. But if the meter's not working you can always use sunny16 or a light meter app on your smartphone.
Someone else will be along in a while with more advice. Welcome to the forum, I hope you stay. Phil
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Dec 30, 2014 17:17:37 GMT -5
Someone else will be along in a while with more advice. Welcome to the forum, I hope you stay. Phil Yes, indeed, it is the mirror foam, after it goes up the mirror rises a bit more than usual, and the mirror release catch is not engaged. The pressure of the foam pushes the mirror down on the catch, and normally it releases as the second shutter has done its run. As always it might be something else.........but unlikely....... Lovely camera, great optics, the Minolta is a classic workhorse picture taker. Stephen.
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Post by hannes on Dec 31, 2014 3:28:32 GMT -5
Thank you for the hint with the mirror foam. My SRT 303 has the same problem. 1 out of 10 times the mirror stays up after a shot. I observed that this happens more often at slow shutter speeds. I like the SRTs, built like a tank.
Hannes
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Post by dennis0311 on Jan 11, 2015 20:57:53 GMT -5
I got the mirror working correctly on my Minolta SRT 101. The foam is bad but was not the main issue. I am not a camera expert and I do not recommend this. I put a couple drops of gun oil on the gear that controls the mirror. Test fired several times at all shutter speeds and the mirror returned every time. The camera was 12 dollars so I took a risk. If this camera had cost 50 dollars I would have sent it to a professional. So now I'm ready to hear glad you fixed it. Also comments that I did the wrong thing are also welcome. Thank you(-:
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jan 12, 2015 12:52:24 GMT -5
Glad to hear it was the lube, keep any lube to a minimum in cameras generally, it attracts dirt. As long as the problem has gone, then the rest of the camera should not need attention. Stephen.
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Post by rickoleson on Jan 13, 2015 18:28:27 GMT -5
Congratulations on your success! Chances are the spots that you oiled were dirty with old, dried oil from decades ago, and your new oil softened it up. It could come back, particularly in cold weather, so you might want to use it indoors for now until the weather warms up a little. I do have some SRT notes, if you'd like a copy in case you have to go back inside at some time.
rick
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Post by dennis0311 on Jan 13, 2015 20:25:10 GMT -5
Thank you all for your responses and help. The self timer does not work on the SRT 101. I can live with that. Rick you have a great camera collection. I have a very small collection. 1977 Minolta SRT SC-II , 1968 Minolta SRT 101 with the black shutter speed knob ,1963 Minolta SR-1. 1961 Agfa Ambi Silette. Also a Pentax K1000 on the way. When I get the Pentax I will post some photos of my collection.
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Post by rickoleson on Jan 14, 2015 17:30:52 GMT -5
I expect the self timer is also an issue of dirt in the gears. If you feel inclined to dig into it, I think a few drops of cigarette lighter fluid will get it back into like-new condition.
rick
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Post by dennis0311 on Jan 14, 2015 18:25:19 GMT -5
Rick
I have a Minolta SR-1. The timer on it I can set it push the button. It is not strong enough to pull down the shutter button. On my Minolta SRT 101. The timer lever was pulled down when I bought it. Push the little button to start the timer. I does nothing.
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