Minolta HiMatic F repair

[IAmAnalog]

Hey all. I've been trying to get my new to me old Minolta fixed. The advance lever will crank forward and come back but then it will fire the shutter as I let it snap back. I think I've found the issue which is the lever I've indicated in the picture. It does not move to lock the shutter mechanism. I was able to push it with a screw driver while cocking the shutter and it locked in place and fired normally. So I'm wondering if it just needs to be oiled? Or if it's something else broken in there that is not moving that part when it needs to.

Note the image is from someone else on this site. I haven't gotten quite that deep into the camera yet.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I would try flood cleaning the mechanism with Lighter Fluid and swab off the gunk.

I've found that the Electronics in the Hi-Matic E and F can be a problem. I got a HiMatic E working mechanically, only to find the battery would drain in 24 hours. The same happened on the Olympus OM-2 Program.

 

[monopix]

That's one of my pictures. Been a long time since I worked on an F though. I remember they are a pain to get apart. If you think the lever is the problem, use some IPA in a syringe to get into the mechanism. If that get's it working, even temporarily, it will confirm the fault. You might get away with applying some IPA, working the mechanism and then blowing it out and not need to completely dismantle it. I wouldn't start applying oil anywhere until you know for sure what the problem is and where it might be needed.

 

[monopix]

Here's a better picture. As I remember, the lever marked with a red arrow moves in the direction of the arrow and is latched into position by the lever I think you're referring to moving in the direction of the green arrow. If it's that lever not latching, try using some IPA in the area I've circled. That might free it up.