Minolta Hi-Matic QR aka molested F

[B-9]

Winter is well on its way here in Michigan.

The colder it gets, the more in reminded of shooting in the snow, without gloves!
Those dang little pesky rewind levers! Impossible to use with aglove on.

For those who remember my Hi Matic Grip, this is an extension of my madness.
I love these little cameras, a very hack friendly camera, and a great shooter!

Im proposing a Quick Rewind model, with a semi-permanent motor attached to the bottom. Allowing quick, painless rewind in seconds via the flip of a switch.
Why stop there? I'm also including a external power connection with room for 3 AA batteries inside the QR to boost the recycle on your Minolta P flash!

Think I'm crazy?!
Comments and Opinions please!

I'm about 45% done with the initial prototype, most of my time has been spent working out the case and designing a handful of unique parts.
At this point No Minolta Hi Matics have been harmed, lol.

 

[rwintle]

Hey, if it turns your (rewind) crank, go for it! 😀

I have a Hi-Matic 7 with a shutter that refuses to fire and a hopelessly uncalibrated rangefinder (I may have had something to do with that latter problem... *ahem*). Perhaps I should pass it along to you so you can modify the heck out of it, or cannibalize it, or something.

 

[B-9]

Haha, must appreciated comment!

Always open to donations! I'm not familiar with the 7, never owned one.
I couldnt say that it would be much different inside!

The reason I chose the F, is simple, I have 3 of them and there are.no mechanics or electronics directly beneath the film cassette chamber. Allowing me a good amount of room to drill holes, without altering any of the cameras functions.

Care to remove the baseolate on your 7 and snap a photo of its guts?

 

[rwintle]

I'll try to remember to do that this weekend maybe. Feel free to PM me a reminder. 🙂

 

[B-9]

IMG_20131023_151050-1 by B-9, on Flickr


IMG_20131023_144754 by B-9, on Flickr


IMG_20131023_144736 by B-9, on Flickr

In case anyone thought I was joking, here's a few snaps of the start to my motor plate v3. This motor plate is about 30% done, a few more holes and a couple of custom parts left to install. Along with mounting the electric motor and drive assembly. The sprocket will be donated from one of my Zorki/Fed parts stashs.

Keep a watch out! This one will be operational by Halloween I hope!

 

[B-9]

IMG_20131023_191910 by B-9, on Flickr

Adding a dummy to the mix.

 

[B-9]

Time for an update, here's the battery/motor case blanks fresh off the table saw


IMG_20131101_195240 by B-9, on Flickr