A mid-level model designed for a wide range of users from beginners to high amateurs
This is the highest-end model in the X3-digit series.
The only Minolta manual focus SLR camera with Program AE.
First generation X-700, improved and commonly known as New X-700
It can be distinguished by the presence or absence of the ▲ST▼AEL on the left side of the mount.
The solid used in this article is the first generation X-700 because it does not have the ▲ST▼AEL on the left side of the mount.
＊Incidentally, AEL stands for AE lock, a convenient feature that is also available on current cameras.
Now let me show you the disassembly procedure.
Disassembling the top cover.
Film Advance lever
Turn the cover of the Film Advance lever with a rubber plate or similar.
When turning, do so while holding the lever in place.
Remove the spring while checking how it is attached to the lever.
When putting the spring back in, do not mistake up and down.
Remove the brass-colored ring with pliers.
Film Rewind Crank
Remove the screw under the lever.
＊Be careful not to turn it forcibly without loosening the screws.
Using a jig, turn the silver disk and remove it.
Take the spacer.
Remove the ISO dial.
Shutter Speed dial
Remove the silver ring.
Turn with machined pliers.
＊If the tips of the teeth are wide, they scratch the surrounding area and cause damage.
Once loose, turn it using a bamboo skewer or other scratch-resistant object.
Be careful not to pop out as there is a spring inside.
It is a silver ring.
Shutter Release Button.
Pull the Shutter Speed dial up.
Nameplate
Remove two screws and pull them out diagonally upward.
A mirror is attached below the name plate to read the lens aperture.
＊The adhesion is very weak, and if you blow vigorously with a blower to blow off dust, etc., the entire mirror will be blown off.
Two screws at the rear.
There is one screw on the side.
Having removed all parts necessary for disassembly, pull the top cover upward.
Pull it out carefully so as not to cut the wiring that connects it to the circuit board.
When the cover is pulled off, the square button near the shutter speed dial comes off and is pulled down to retrieve it.
When reassembling, note the orientation and return to the original position.
Cover the top cover while pushing the button that pops up on top to the side with your index finger so that it will not fall off.
＊Please try to be creative, such as covering it while it is lying down.
View Finder
Remove the two screws next to the viewfinder.
＊There is also a different version that has a cover over the screw part so that the screw cannot be seen.
Pull out in the order of cover => lens => spacer.
＊Since each part is not fixed, be careful not to damage the lens surface by dropping it, especially the lens surface.
That’s all for disassembling the X-700.
