Just picked up an immaculate Minolta XK w/1.4 MC Rokkor - PG. Put batteries in and shutter fires. Problem: the match needle on the right side of the viewfinder is so dim I can barely see it. It looks like the needle moves as it should just cann't read the corresponding settings. I cleaned the contacts on the body and the viewfinder once the assembly was lifted off the camera but still no dice. Is there a problem with alignment of the mirror somewhere???
The scale on the right side of the viewfinder receives it's illumination from the small clear plastic window on the top right of the AE finder (as viewed from the front), if that is blocked or dirty it will reduce your illumination. Take your prism off and look at it carefully, using a penlight.
The light pipe feeds light to a reflective "mirror". Mine fell off due to glue failure. The original mirror might still be in the finder, however anything highly reflective will work. I used a foil (like gift wrap) and glue (silicone) and restored +90% of function. contact: [email protected]
