Dynax 7 aperture error?

I had planned to take the Dynax 7 LE out on the dog walk today to shoot my first roll for 2021 but despite replacing new batteries for new batteries it makes a one second whine (with no lens movement) and then nothing! Totally dead.

It isn’t worn out as it has only had a couple of rolls through it from new. I have had it for several years, unopened.

So I’m guessing it has succumbed to the 7 aperture error fault? Comments or suggestions welcome.

BTW, I’ll take the Dynax 9 - if that will start up

Well it did have, I had put a new film in last time I put it away but I couldn’t open the door to remove it without using the ISO/AEL button emergency turn on which did give me access to open the door. Odd thing is the film was virtually completely exposed as when I did release the door I had to pull the film out of the camera spool. (If there was anything on it, there isn’t now!)

Either way with the film removed and the door shut I turned it on again with the same result, one second whine and then nothing. The screen remains blank throughout.

I’ve tried changing lenses, no lens (the mirror is down as it should be) and replacing batteries for a third brand new set. Same old same old I’m afraid.

On a more positive note, I have just returned from a very long dog walk around Twyford Woods with the Dynax 9 on a diagonal Peak Design sling. Weight was no problem, came up easily into shooting position and was an absolute joy to use. I had advertised it for sale in favour of keeping the 7 but I’m having second thoughts. I plan to develop the film this afternoon and hope to post a few images in the film thread later. Of course, none of the frames will be very good as there is little to capture other than a lot of bare trees and overgrown runways (although if you, Pieter and a few other Dyxum stalwarts were there I’d be very surprised if you don’t “see” good images )

Edit: I originally said the film rewound when I opened the door but of course it did not. I had to pull it out.



Edited by bonneville - 17 January 2021 at 13:34

addy landzaat wrote: Is there an error message?

No message at all, but when I invoked the emergency film door open combination the screen did show "the door can now be opened" (or WTTE) so the screen itself isn't dead.

addy landzaat wrote: Did you try a different lens? Without lens, is there the same sound.

Yes, I did try different lenses and without a lens but the start up whine (as if it is trying to zoom, as does the Dynax 9) is the same.

When it worked okay whenever I switched it on the lens would "spring in to life" and it seems the fault is that it is unable to do that, if that makes sense.

Maffe wrote: Have you tried different lenses? Ssm/Sam and screwdrive?

I don't have any A-mount SSM/SAM lenses now. My only lenses are all Minolta screwdrive lenses.

Searching Dyxum there are a couple of threads that seem to cover the same fault, although they seem to allude to cogs and things wearing out or splitting. This copy is virtually brand new as far as use is concerned.

https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/minolta-dynax-maxxum-7-aperture-error-analyzed_topic123997.html

https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/maxxum-7-aperture-down-problem_topic128579.html

https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/minolta-maxxum-dynax-7-aperture-problem-common_topic133461.html

The main difference as far as I can tell is that I am not getting an error message. It simple won't start up after making an initial whining noise (much as I am starting to do about this blinking camera )

Okay, I have an update, but it is not good news. With the body cap off and the camera turned off I had a peer into the lens opening and with a plastic toothpick (from my swiss army knife) I moved the aperture ring on the left side (right side as I look at it). There is a small 90 degree lug that would connect with the spring loaded aperture lever on the lens. Very slight resistance but it then moved freely in both directions.

(*) Turned on camera and bingo, started up normally. Turned off, fitted lens (70-200 beercan), turned on and all was normal. No film loaded but focussed a couple of times, operated shutter okay, changed zoom, okay, changed aperture okay for one shutter actuation and then ERROR appeared on the screen. Turned off, turned on and ERROR still showing. Turned off, removed lens, moved metal aperture ring and...... go to (*)!

Same performance and it does seem the the aperture mechanism has failed. Ho hum. Well it looks mint and being the LE version has the gold edging and trim so it will make a nice ornament .

I'll have to write this one off it seems and bring the Dynax 9 into film challenges service. (although there is a mint Leica M6 on eBay right now )

Many thanks for all the comments and suggestions all. Not the end of the world.

addy landzaat wrote: Not the end of the world, a bummer none the less!

Thanks Pal