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Tinkerer
Username: Garyrents
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 09:35 am: | 
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Just found your great site.
I have 2 Hi-Matic 7 Minolta's with the same problem. The film advance lever does not return by itself which slows you down. If I take the top of the camera off, can I get to it to lube or something? I bought these both new in 1963 and they work great except for the above problem. Thanks for any help you might offer. |
Harryrag
Tinkerer
Username: Harryrag
Post Number: 24
Registered: 05-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 11:34 am: |
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I have one of those early models (the light-sensitive cell in these look like a small glass vacuum tube and appear somewhat bluish) and found the ratchet of the transport mechanism to be completely stuck inside the serrated cogwheel down on the main shaft, that is the one you turn when you operate the winding lever. It turned out to be irreparable. If you replace it with parts from later models like the 7s or 9 you will have to swap the complete array (incl. the plastic film wind-up spool), those spares look a bit different, but they fit in perfectly.
But maybe the problem is only caused by a retracting spring that has come loose. One end of the coilspring is hooked on a pivot on the body, the other end is screwed to the shaft which goes right through to the bottom of the camera and may need a tiny (!) bit of watchmaker's oil where it is pivoted at the frame counter and, less probable, also at its lower end. Also if the winding lever is no longer straight it won't move easily. Rebending should be done carefully, cast aluminium is brittle metal! |
