Photographic equipment of the 1980s: Projects and topics

[Andreas Thaler]

That I am -- for 30 years. I contacted you about permanently having your work added to it.

I know, I just wanted to do some PR here

Excellent work!

 

[4season]

Nikon F3: I've had an LCD fade on me

May be caused by LCD polarizing filter which has faded. Easy to verify by viewing LCD through another polarizing filter, including polarized sunglasses (may need to rotate to find correct orientation). Said filter seems to be delaminating from my F3's display but suppose I could replace the filter if I were so inclined. Replacement doesn't actually need to be bonded to the glass, though this makes handling the part easier.

 

[xkaes]

I know, I just wanted to do some PR here

That's fine. Posting your work here -- and other places -- is great. I was pointing out that for Minolta material there are a lot of people that visit MINMAN -- my website. And, of course, I'm only interested in hosting Minolta-related material. Another option is to create your own website for your work.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

That's fine. Posting your work here -- and other places -- is great. I was pointing out that for Minolta material there are a lot of people that visit MINMAN -- my website. And, of course, I'm only interested in hosting Minolta-related material. Another option is to create your own website for your work.

I'm very honored, thank you!

As long as I don't get on your nerves with hyperactivity, I would like to present further projects here. But at larger intervals so as not to overdo it.

If you are interested, we could see how we integrate the Minolta topics with your site? I will come back to you via PM.

Thank you again for your interest and kind offer which I really appreciate!

 

[xkaes]

I look forward to discussing this at your convenience. There are lots of people that use MINMAN (and the SUBCLUB -- one of my other sites) as a host. It's just an easy way to post their work without going to the trouble of setting up and paying for a separate website. Other people use a different website -- or have their own. In either case, I provide a link to those websites on MINMAN or the SUBCLUB -- or my other websites.
Just trying to get your helpful info out to the world.

 

[Flighter]

As long as I don't get on your nerves with hyperactivity, I would like to present further projects here. But at larger intervals so as not to overdo it.

No worries here, the more the merrier. Whilst I'm trying to learn to CLA the S-series Asahi Pentaxes (S1, S1a, S2, S3 and Sv - chosen so I don’t need to worry about electronics!) I enjoy reading anything about camera maintenance and repair, so no question of overdoing it from my point of view.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

No worries here, the more the merrier. Whilst I'm trying to learn to CLA the S-series Asahi Pentaxes (S1, S1a, S2, S3 and Sv - chosen so I don’t need to worry about electronics!) I enjoy reading anything about camera maintenance and repair, so no question of overdoing it from my point of view.

Is that also Philbert's opinion, have you agreed?

Thank you!

I am driven by passion but sometimes I forget when enough is enough. On the other hand, I come up with new topics with every project and writing is not that much work for me. At least in German

Of course, many of the projects here that I have presented in the last few weeks are not current and I had already written the articles before and just had to translate them.

I definitely try to make it meaningful, even if it's hard for me

 

[Flighter]

Is that also Philbert's opinion, have you agreed?

I think Philbert would prefer newer cameras, lots of plastic parts he can chew on and wires to play with. Having 3 (inquisitive) cats wandering around is an added complication for me when working on cameras.

You project write-ups are very impressive, especially considering that you are having to translate them into English. I couldn't do the reverse and wrote posts in German.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I think Philbert would prefer newer cameras, lots of plastic parts he can chew on and wires to play with. Having 3 (inquisitive) cats wandering around is an added complication for me when working on cameras.

You project write-ups are very impressive, especially considering that you are having to translate them into English. I couldn't do the reverse and wrote posts in German.

Thanks!

Most of them are reports that I had already written and published in German. I hope they are also useful for the English-speaking world.

The translation from German into English is now done by Google Translate, I allow myself to make improvements here and there and my wife corrects us both

As far as I can tell, Google Translate prefers American English. However, it should be noted that a German native speaker is writing here. Therefore, I am happy to receive feedback if something is unclear or if I simply chose the wrong word for a technical term.

I'm also in the fortunate position of being able to work on projects longer again. A few years ago, a severe burnout threw me out of my working life as a PR specialist in an international company, but now I have recovered sufficiently and can use the day for my repair projects and electronics

Anyway old habits are stubborn, so I try to moderate my work

But my experience is that burnout not only requires overwork, but also other factors. Anyway, now an interesting topic for me that I like to talk about as it affects many people.

 

[Alan Johnson]

If ever you find the time, Cosina made a lot of cameras for other brands:

COSINA COPIES! | The Camera Collector

Recently Bob (vintageslrs) and I were going through all the different cameras made for other companies by camera makers COSINA and CHINON. After some research with my own camera and on the web, I'd

cameracollector.proboards.com

Often ones I have seen at car boot sales [K mount] are fully working except for the light meter.
It would be interesting if there is a fix for this.
But good luck with your project anyhow.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

If ever you find the time, Cosina made a lot of cameras for other brands:

COSINA COPIES! | The Camera Collector

Recently Bob (vintageslrs) and I were going through all the different cameras made for other companies by camera makers COSINA and CHINON. After some research with my own camera and on the web, I'd

cameracollector.proboards.com

Often ones I have seen at car boot sales [K mount] are fully working except for the light meter.
It would be interesting if there is a fix for this.
But good luck with your project anyhow.

Thank you, Alan, for pointing out on Cosina!

 

[88E30M50]

Thank you for putting this info out there. I can't wait to see the write up on the Canon AE-1.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Thank you for putting this info out there. I can't wait to see the write up on the Canon AE-1.

This will be a challenge that I'm looking forward to.

Since the release of the Canon AE-1, the first SLR with a microprocessor on board, nothing was easy in camera technology anymore

 

[Laurent]

No worries here, the more the merrier. Whilst I'm trying to learn to CLA the S-series Asahi Pentaxes (S1, S1a, S2, S3 and Sv - chosen so I don’t need to worry about electronics!) I enjoy reading anything about camera maintenance and repair, so no question of overdoing it from my point of view.

A tutorial on the CLA for a SV would be great , I have a friend's well worn camera he gave me some years ago, which more or less works but needs a good cleanup to unleash the shutter (speeds are all over the place, sometimes the second curtain does not close fully)

 

[Flighter]

A tutorial on the CLA for a SV would be great , I have a friend's well worn camera he gave me some years ago, which more or less works but needs a good cleanup to unleash the shutter (speeds are all over the place, sometimes the second curtain does not close fully)

I've been distracted by an ME Super with the continuous wind issue that is common to the ME Super so 'Project S' hasn't advanced beyond collecting references, there are two good articles on Gene Pate's Learning Camera Repair site:

• His tutorial on a CLA for the S1a https://learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=778
• Tne National Camera guide on the H3v https://learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=441

Both the above are a bargain at $1 apiece.

I've also found three articles on Japanese sites (for which Google Translate has been very useful:

• Repair of the Sv https://mglss.rakugan.com/AsahiPentax_SV/repair/
• Repair of the early model S2 http://tomshome.sakura.ne.jp/others/pentax/S2F.html
• Repair of the late model S2 http://tomshome.sakura.ne.jp/others/pentax/S2A.html

So I'm all ready to go, just need the time!

 

[Laurent]

Thanks,I'll have a look.
At the moment I'm waiting for the spare F-1 body to fix my main F-1's frame counter, then I may dare opening the SV

 

[Flighter]

I've still got the ME Super in bits, as ever it's taking longer than expected and after that I want to take a break as to make a simple active antenna to try and receive the Christmas Eve transmission from the UNESCO World Heritage Grimeton radio station in Sweden, callsign SAQ, which transmits a low frequency signal at 17,2kHz using a 1924 Alexanderson Alternator, no tubes or semi-conductors. Grimeton broadcasts 2 to 3 times a year and there is a transmission scheduled for 07:25 GMT on December 24th.

Thereafter I hope to begin making some progress on my stockpile of 7 broken S-series Pentaxes some of which probably just need a good CLA but others which need curtains replaced and some missing parts (rewind knobs) replaced. There are also a couple of Spotmatic SP1000s in the queue.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I look forward to discussing this at your convenience. There are lots of people that use MINMAN (and the SUBCLUB -- one of my other sites) as a host. It's just an easy way to post their work without going to the trouble of setting up and paying for a separate website. Other people use a different website -- or have their own. In either case, I provide a link to those websites on MINMAN or the SUBCLUB -- or my other websites.
Just trying to get your helpful info out to the world.

I have now translated and uploaded all of my previous repair reports, including those for Minolta, to PHOTRIO. New projects and reports will follow next year.

It should not be a problem to link to these reports on PHOTRIO from your website since everything is public. In any case, I'm happy about your interest

@koraks

I don't think any agreement is necessary for this.

 

[koraks]

I don't think any agreement is necessary for this.

Certainly not; go ahead as intended/you see fit!
Keep up the good work; very interesting stuff and I'm sure it'll prove to be incredibly useful.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Certainly not; go ahead as intended/you see fit!
Keep up the good work; very interesting stuff and I'm sure it'll prove to be incredibly useful.

Thanks!

I hope I get rid of the damn COVID soon, I want to get back to turning screws!

 

[88E30M50]

I can't wait to begin going throught your repair guides. Thanks for doing these to keep more cameras alive.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I can't wait to begin going throught your repair guides. Thanks for doing these to keep more cameras alive.

Good luck! Let us know how you get on!

 

[Andreas Thaler]

For everyone who also likes to turn screws, here is an overview of the topics that I would like to report on in the near future.

If there are any special requests to shed more light on this or that, I would be happy to respond

• Minolta X: Revival after electrolytic replacement - not every X makes it back. Causes and solutions. The Xs are sometimes vulnerable to problems with the shutter.
• Minolta Auto Winder D and G, Motor Drive MD-1: Make the gearbox work, repair corrosion damage, restore/replace the leatherette, analyze and resolve contact problems with the camera, explore the electronics.
• Minolta XG-M: Electrolytic capacitor check and replacement - probably every copy is affected by now.
• Minolta XD-7/XD-11: Investigation of the electronics/circuit, cleaning the pneumatic mirror shock absorber
• Minolta XE/XE-1/XE-7: Insights, investigating electronic issues.
• Canon AE-1 and AE-1 Program: The classics and their problems from A to Z. A model series where electronics and mechanics still work together in a balanced manner and, in particular, electronic processes can be understood because they are not that highly integrated.
• Canon T90: See previous reports. A solution for the non-functioning locking magnets (EEE, HELP) still needs to be found
• Canon EF (camera): The battery control LED should light up again at the push of a button.
• Canon Power Winder F for the F-1: Two examples with stiff gearboxes await cleaning and new lubrication. Insights into electronics in the 1970s.
• Nikon F3: Advance into mechanical depth, continue with the topic of LCD, insights into electronics.
• Nikon MD-4, the motor drive to the F3: Continuing the repair of battery acid damage - among other things. Replacing a corroded circuit board, maintenance work, fixing tired shutter buttons and mode dials. Possibly also revitalizing resinous gears (if I have a copy with this problem).
• Nikon F4: Expedition to the resinous aperture mechanism which prevents the small apertures from being formed.
• Nikon FG with MD-14: insights, function check, possibly service
• Nikon EM: A battered specimen awaits treatment.
• Nikon MD-E: The motor for the EM, here with corrosion in the battery compartment, probably more of it inside.
• Nikon MD-12: See report. A second specimen with an unknown defect is awaiting treatment.
• Tamron lenses: Service and repair. Tamron has always made great lenses.
• De-oiling of aperture blades, cleaning of cloudy lenses
• Miscellaneous: Whatever else comes from the contents of my repair box.

For all of this, I collected more or less devices with issues for over a year in order to practice.

I have already written some reports on these topics previously, which I would like to publish in the coming weeks.

Work purely private, exclusively on my own inventory, no orders, no commercial interest, independent, driven only by my interests

I am happy with the progress on our journey together through the repair world so far.

If there are any requests for prioritization of topics, I am happy to hear them. There are repair candidates available for everything, as well as sections for studying and practicing techniques.

GREEN: completed,
BLUE: still in progress,
BLACK: still to be done and
ORANGE: next main topic

Everything is and has been reported here, of course.

For my German-speaking readers, I now also publish my repair reports (identical content) on Netzwerk Fotografie (NF) in German.

 

[88E30M50]

That's really good progress Andreas. I need to go through my own progress and document it as well as you have. I've typically tried to document everything I do, but have been lazy lately. I've had a bunch of CLA's done for family members that are typically, just a lubrication, light seal replacement and a deep clean of a couple of decades of dust and grime. I just did the same thing to my very first camera last night. It is the A-1 that I bought sometime around 1979 while I was in high school.

I gave that camera to my son a couple of years back, so it was late to get a bit of maintenance done. While I have it for about a month, I'll run a few rolls of film through it just to enjoy that camera again. I've also done a CLA on a couple of Pentax SLRs.

With your focus on Minoltas, you would love digging through the broken camera bin at my local camera shop. Roberts Camera in Indianapolis has a bin with about 40 broken SLRs and rangefinders. $10 each and it seems about 1/3 of them are Minoltas. There are a couple Zenits, Practikas and a Nikkormat in there right now. I saw a Canon Q9 in there yesterday too.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

The Canon EF is a beauty. How well have these stood up to the decades? The batteries were supposed to be mercury, but that is manageable.