Minolta X-370 Troubleshooting

When you flip the power switch on, the camera does nothing

Verify that you have slid the power switch all the way to the "ON" marking when you tried to turn it on. Often, the switch is not slid all the way and that is why the camera will not turn on.

If the batteries are dead or not in the camera, then you are going to have to replace them. The Minolta X-370 can run on three different types of batteries:

1) Two 1.55v silver-oxide (SR-44: Eveready S-76, EPX-76 or equiv.)

2) Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese (LR44 Eveready A-76 or equiv.)

3) One 3v lithium (CR-1/3N)

After taking a photo, the camera will not advance the roll to the next negative so that you can take another picture

The lever will not move if the shutter is already cocked. If the shutter is cocked, and will not release with new batteries INSERTED CORRECTLY. The camera will not work without power.

Verify that the rewind button is not stuck down. Open the back door and rotate the advance sprocket back and forth to release the button. If this does not work, take the bottom cover off and verify the white plastic gear near the take up shaft. If the gear is broken it will need to be replaced. You may also opt for removing and replacing the film winding lever if you'd like.

The camera will not take a picture after pressing the "shoot" button.

Verify the on/off switch has been fully slid into the "ON" position.

The X-370 will not take a picture unless the camera lens is inserted completely. To attach a lens, align the red mounting index on the lens barrel with the red index on the camera's lens mount. Insert the lens into the mount, and turn the lens clockwise until you hear a "click". This noise confirms that the lens has been mounted properly.

The X-370 has a built in battery tester. After the camera has been turned on, press the "shoot" button half-way while looking through the viewfinder. On the right side of the viewfinder, there is a shutter speed scale and mode selection ("M" for manual, "A" for auto). If either an "A" or "M" show up, the battery is okay. If the "A" or "M" is flashing or does not show up, the battery is almost dead or already dead and will need to be replaced.

When I look through the viewfinder, I see dirt spots.

Wipe the viewfinder lens with cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. If there are spots directly on the viewfinder lens that cannot be removed, they will not affect the pictures.

Remove the lens and wipe the outer and inner glass with a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution. If there are scratches on the lens, they will be evident in your photos.

Remove the camera lens and wipe the mirror with cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. If you'd like to make the mirror more accessible, you may remove the lens holder.

When I look through the viewfinder and push the shutter button half-way down, nothing lights up.

Verify that the switch is fully in the "ON" position.

The X-370 has a built-in battery tester. After the camera has been turned on, press the "shoot" button half-way while looking through the viewfinder. On the right side of the viewfinder, there is a shutter speed scale and mode selection ("M" for manual, "A" for auto). If either an "A" or "M" show up, the battery is okay. If the "A" or "M" is flashing or not showing, the battery is almost dead, or already dead and will need to be replaced.

There could have been some corrosion which can migrate to the battery box contact wire and cause a resistance so that it will not pass voltage. This would cause the power from the battery to not reach all of the parts in the camera body, causing the light meter to not show up.