Camera repair question

[ulrichsd]

I'm working on a Minolta XL-400.

It worked fine when I bought it a year and a half ago, but a few months it started having problems.

I believe it may be that some of the gears need lubrication. You see, when I put in a fresh batteries, it runs fine for about 5-10 seconds and then dies. But the batteries are not dead. I opened the camera up and when I apply a little bit offorward pressure on the rod connected to the shutter, it will click forward electronically.

So anyway, my question is: what do you use to lubricate. I'm not sure and I don't want to use the wrong oil, I can just see oil splattering all over the inside lens elements.

Thanks for any information,
Scott

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[MovieStuff]

Do not use any oil of any kind!!!!

There are no external oil ports on cameras. They must be taken apart and lubed with something like lithium grease. Oil will travel and migrate and will end up on the film or the lens or other areas that you don't want them. The camera must be taken apart and the old grease cleaned off the gears. Then new lubrication can be put on. If you don't have lithium grease, then petroleum jelly will work in a pinch. But, what ever you do, don't use any liquid lubricant.

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

[ulrichsd]

Thanks Roger!

Where can you get lithium grease? At a photo and hobby shop?

Thanks,
Scott

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[MovieStuff]

Try electronics supply houses, particularly electronic parts surplus shops. Radio Shack sometimes has it.

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

[kbrady]

I suggest you call Nick at SML Camera Repair in Venice CA. His tech has done some excellent lube work in my Canon 1014. His phone is: 310-306-8511

Kirk Brady

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