Found a weird fix for a sticky Minolta X-700 film advance lever

This camera came in with the lever feeling gritty and catching halfway. I tried the usual clean and lube on the gears under the top plate, but it didn't help. Out of ideas, I put a single tiny drop of lighter fluid on the pivot point of the lever itself, worked it back and forth maybe 20 times, and the gunk just flushed out. It's been smooth for a month now. Has anyone else had luck with a solvent flush on an external part like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly38513d ago

Oh man, that's a classic fix! I've used the exact same trick with Ronsonol on a few X-700 levers. The pivot point gets old grease that turns to glue. Just one drop is key, too much can seep where you don't want it. Let it work itself out by moving the lever, then wipe away the dirty runoff.

lisaf3813d ago

Yeah that old grease turning to glue is the worst lol. I've had the same thing happen on a couple cameras, feels so good when it finally breaks free.

nancybailey12d ago

My 1990s car window motor had the same glue problem. It's wild how many little things in life just need that one drop of patience.