Looking for a Camera Repair Shop: Hi Members: This is my first post, though I have subscribed to the Digest back in 2014. I'm looking for a truly good repair shop for my Minolta XG7, a...

dseeu

Hi Members:
This is my first post, though I have subscribed to the Digest back in 2014. I'm looking for a truly good repair shop for my Minolta XG7, a film camera. Originally, the problem was that the camera acted as if the batteries were bad. So I checked the Yellow Pages for Minolta shops and found a shop in Little Rock, AR. (1993) The did not fix the problem but added to it. Now the camera won't power down when it turned off. Moved to Texas and got on dial up internet and found a shop that repair Minolta cameras in Houston, TX. (1998) They tried and did not repair the camera. I beginning to think that it might be a lost cause in 2019 to get parts and have that model of camera fixed. I'm still in Texas. Are there any recommendations?

Quixdraw Loc: x

These are plentiful and cheap ($13.99 + S&H, and up) at a variety of online sales sites. Retire this one as a paperweight and buy another.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Buying a new used model is the better approach.

dseeu

Yes, I think I agree with you guys. That camera was my first 35mm camera. At $13 +, for a good used sounds like a good deal. But it's not likely that I will use it much. My next good camera was a Nikon D40. I set it in its bag on my pickup bed cover and drove off. Never to see it again. About 4 years ago I purchased a D5300. I use it for family reunions and trips. Still learning.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Your camera is pretty old. Any repair will be more expensive than the actual price of the camera.

My advise if I were you I would try to get another used one. Prices are ridiculously low. Perhaps a more modern camera is the right answer.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

dseeu wrote:

Yes, I think I agree with you guys. That camera was my first 35mm camera. At $13 +, for a good used sounds like a good deal. But it's not likely that I will use it much. My next good camera was a Nikon D40. I set it in its bag on my pickup bed cover and drove off. Never to see it again. About 4 years ago I purchased a D5300. I use it for family reunions and trips. Still learning.

You might find a Nikon 'pro' film model is a better approach to keep you in film. Ideally, you can share lenses between the SLR and DSLR. However, your D5300 doesn't have an internal focus motor, so pay attention to the AF type of the Nikon lens to assure they can be shared and retain AF on both bodies.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

dseeu wrote:

Hi Members: br This is my first post, though I ha... (show quote)

I'm not sure how emotionally attached you might be, especially since that was your first camera. I repaired a Nikon D300 a couple of years ago, even though it made absolutely no financial sense. I was able to identify the problem and found a junker body that could supply the needed replacement part. After downloading the service manual, I decided that the disassembly was a little more than I wanted to tackle, so I asked Archenal Camera Repair in Richardson to do the detail work for me. That camera still works great.

Some of the older Minolta models are really easy to get into. And some of them were constructed with some designs that failed easily, but were easy to fix. If you would like to have your camera made operational, I'd suggest giving Archenal a call. Make sure he knows that you don't necessarily care if the repair is economically feasible or not.

dseeu

Yes sir, there is an attachment to that camera. I wished I could actually fix it myself. i would like for it to be a workable camera. Unless the 2 repair shops did a cleaning, it has never been cleaned before. I would likely need the seals replaced too. But as of today it will just sit in the display cabinet with my Polaroid One Step. The more I think about it, I might call that shop in Richardson.

Carnpo Loc: North Carolina

I had Garry's Camera Repair (just do a web search) replace light seals and mirror foam on my Nikkormat. Very reasonable and quick return. Don't know about the repair you need but can check. Or just buy a Nikkormat and go all manual.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

I’ve had several 35mm cameras, various makes, repaired and CLA’d by Zacks Camera Repair in Providence, RI. Work is always dependable and they will stand behind it.

For most any repair that requires opening the camera body, expect to pay $100 or more - that’s my experience. Unless you’ve backed your car over it, repairing a camera you’ve owned since new is a better proposition than buying another that you have no idea of its history. My two cents based on having 20 or more cameras repaired and refurbed. I wish I had taken that National Camera Repair School training when it available 😞

Stan

Novots Loc: Grand Forks, ND

Don't toss the old one if you upgrade, convert it to a light. Put an old fashioned Edison bulb in it and you'll have a great conversation piece! I realize this doesn't have anything to do with the OP.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Tempe Camera Repair is my first and only choice for my film cameras. They do excellent work. https://www.tempecamera.biz
--Bob

dseeu wrote:

Hi Members: br This is my first post, though I ha... (show quote)

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

dseeu wrote:

Hi Members: br This is my first post, though I ha... (show quote)

HOLY MOLY........Buy A NEW CAMERA.....and move-on. WOW !

I'd have used that sucker for target practice a long time ago and have gotten my revenge with it. Sorry,
but a good camera doesn't cost much these days compared to something made before 1993.

When you wrote (above)..."I beginning to think that it might be a lost cause in 2019 to get parts and have that model fixed." REALLY? YES...I agree.

At least you are faithful to your camera , though, I must say in your defense , but please try a new one.
You'll actually get to take pictures again.......what a novel-concept that will be.
Good Luck with your new acquisition.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

CHG_CANON wrote:

Buying a new used model is the better approach.

Old Dutch

dseeu wrote:

Yes sir, there is an attachment to that camera. I wished I could actually fix it myself. i would like for it to be a workable camera. Unless the 2 repair shops did a cleaning, it has never been cleaned before. I would likely need the seals replaced too. But as of today it will just sit in the display cabinet with my Polaroid One Step. The more I think about it, I might call that shop in Richardson.

Do not let the Phillistines dissuade you, fix the camera! I still pine for my first camera, a Fuji ST605N that I lent to a niece many years ago for her Photo class. Camera repair Service down in Atlanta is pretty good, as is Dave's Camera Repair up in Chelsea, MI, whom I have used for a Contessa folder CLA and repair.

If you elect to go ahead and pick up a more modern Film SLR, I am very partial to the Nikon F4, which may be had for cheap these days but is virtually indestructible. The F2A is also a good unit, and I own one too. I am partial to Minolta's, too, especially the XE-7, maybe their best. Good luck to you, and follow your heart. Money is just money, but memories stay forever.