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Minolta SRT-202 CLA Help

Started Apr 6, 2018 | Discussions thread
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Pando New Member • Posts: 12
Minolta SRT-202 CLA Help

So, I've picked up a few vintage (God, I hate that word) 35mm film cameras recently including the Minolta SRT-202 and have found the same issue with all, namely the seals needing replacement. No big deal, it's understood that's step #1 when picking up a used.

I've replaced the light seals and even the mirror damper on several of these. However, after cleaning everything spic n span I noticed "the goo" persisting in the viewfinder. Opened the camera up again and noticed the foam seal that surrounds the focusing screen is deteriorating. To the point it's really unusable. Really no point in cleaning up the spots only to close it back up and have the same problem.

This, however, seems to be a much harder things to fix. I'm assuming it would require removing the screen completely.

I didn't have much problem removing the top covers and prism and cleaning that way, but this seems like next level headache-inducing.

I guess the question is, is this as complicated a job as I'm thinking it is? I haven't been able to find tutorials on that. Plenty on light seals and prism cleaning, top plate removal etc and have used Jon Goodman's tuts many times. But I don't see anything on that particular replacement.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I hesitate sending out a $20 pickup for a $100 repair but I really do love the camera and it's pristine and working perfectly otherwise. Unfortunately, the only cameras I have that don't have the issue with are the ones without a mirror lol. Thank you, rangefinders for at least not that problem.

Sorry for the long-winded "question" but any help would be greatly appreciated.

*Edited to attach a picture of the area in question.

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