Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 Flash not working

[st. paulitan]

Just picked up a Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 for 5 bucks. Had to clean out the battery compartment and afterward all worked well except that the flash will not charge or fire. Any ideas? Easy fix? Complicated fix?

Thanks!

B

 

[farlymac]

I've got one with the same problem. Most likely the charging capacitor has gone bad from non-use. It's a fairly common problem in P&S cameras. It involves a tear-down of the camera to get to the charging circuit, and then sourcing the proper capacitor. Not sure if it's something you want to do, and if not, it's really cost prohibitive getting a repair shop to fix it. You can always just use it in daylight, and make sure your subject is never back lighted. Or just look for a replacement, there are many more of this camera floating around. Just make sure the flash works first before buying one.

PF

 

[delible]

If the battery connections have been corroded, I don't have any suggestions. If not, I have had some luck with 1st generation AF cameras by putting in good, fresh batteries, turning on the flash and leaving it on; sometimes the light will come on after several minutes; I suppose that the capacitor gets reformed. Good luck.

Delible

 

[st. paulitan]

Thanks, guys!

PF - I'll just use it like my XA with no flash. Just nice to have a backup street shooter.

Delible - Tried the battery thing. Didn't work, although it has worked with other cameras in the past.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Have you tried leaving it on until the light comes on and then leaving it for about half an hour before firing it?

Also corrosion sometimes affects leads from the battery compartment. Enough to charge the flash may not make it through them.

Just a suggestion or two...

Regards, David