Will, you are an Old Soul and thank you for a very good instructions, and you are correct old cameras are worth fixing/cleaning/rebuilding. Recommend that you have a small plastic tray for the parts and take pictures with your phone as you remove parts.
It's so important to learn how to work on your old film cameras. Not many out there that will fix them for you and those that can charge for their services, in some cases more than the camera is worth. I just got a Mamiya-Sekor 80mm f/1.9 lens for cheap, but was in rough shape, so I opened it up, cleaned out the fungus, relubed it and now it works better than it had in decades. 👍🏾
You look younger without the Beanie!. I've had my Mamiya 7II for a couple of years now, so when I saw you taking the lens out it brought back the great feeling when I got mine! :D. looking forward to the video!.
The first camera I tried fixing was the film advance mechanism on my Pentax 67ii. It looked so complex with so many tiny parts, I just put it back together and sent it out for repair! Congratulations on your Mamiya 7. It’s a brilliant camera with incredible lenses😀
Two weeks ago I also found a Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII that once belonged to my grandfather. It hasn’t been shot in decades, but I’m planning on using it soon!
I also repaired an old olympus 35Rd early this year which is similar to your hi-matic. However, I even adjusted the rangefinder. That was definitely immensely stressful.
Thanks for this, my 7 arrived a couple days after this upload. There were a couple differences in removing the top plate but overall really similar. Great post!
I did this for my A1 because my film load was blocked and i couldn't use it anymore. And guess what : there were a screw inside of the film load mecanisme that caused this. Don't know where it comes from but now it's fixed 😊
Amazing video. I need to repair my Canon AE-1 50mm and clean up the body mirror that I bought in very bad shape. Always a motivation to see this kind of videos. Make me wanted to do it by myself. Thank you!
Cool, I have exactly that Minolta that I bought on eBay, but the film advance jammed after a few frames, so this has given me confidence to open it up and try to determine what is wrong. Thanks Willem!
nice job Willem! I remember one time I spent so long putting a Contax G lens back together after taking it apart. Putting back together is the hardest part no doubt. lol
By the way, for anyone who ever sees this camera (Minolta Hi-Matic 7s II) and thinks about buying one, you can also look for the Canon Canonet QL17 G-III, which also has a 40mm f/1.7 with shutter speeds between 1/4th to 1/500th for slightly cheaper
Bought a minolta xg-1 a few days ago, but it looked like there was something in the lens. Dust or something so I hope the photos turn out well. Nice vid again!
Don't pay that money to get the canonet repaired. They're pretty easy to disassemble and repair. I'm no tech but I've taken mine apart, and brought it back to life. I found a couple vids and manuals online which i used for reference. Good precision tools, patience, and a steady hand are all you really need.
I wish there were an organized resource for learning how to repair cameras. I'd love to get into the trade someday since it seems not enough people are doing it, but dang, I don't want to break the cameras I have experimenting.
Excellent video!! Here in Mexico, the Mamiya 7 is rare and extremely expensive, it's almost impossible to find one here, and if you find one, most of the times, they're in really bad conditions and at a ridiculous high price. I wish I could find one, maybe someday.
Well, that's a coincidence. My father's Hi-Matic 7sII is the camera I'm planning to load up with a roll of Ilford HP5 this weekend. The shutter mechanism seems to be working fine, but the viewfinder is super foggy. Doesn't look like I have any excuse to leave it that way now. Wish me luck.
I cleaned my 7sII viewfinder, but as I didn't know, I cleaned every miror and with 90° alcool! 😂 Maybe I'm lucky, but it worked. Before the finder was foggy and I could barely see the rangefinder image, now the viewfinder is like new, and the rangefinder image is a lot more visible. With the addition of a pink filter on the viewfinder (multigrade 1 1/2 filter), the 2 images are clearly visible and focusing is very easy again. The camera is now fully operational again! 🙂 PS: you may have been right not to touch the semi-transparent mirror, but a blast of air spray wouldn't have hurt...
Great job! I'm a little bit disappointed because you haven't cleaned the top at 6:10. Without a dials I could have been soooo sooo clean, but that just my OCD
you should do a video looking at film camera apps. an app suggestion is dazz cam which has a couple of different cameras like 3d cameras, disposables, polaroid, etc.
Alcohol does not do a permanent job of removing many types of fungus. For that you need hydrogen peroxide. I use both - the peroxide first. The silver surface mirror is actually cleanable, but with a VERY light touch. Andy
@@jeric3857 you can get a good camera för as little as 50 bucks. Cannon AE-1 is a nice one. And then buy expired film for cheap. Most of them are just as new
Hey! First off, just wanted to say, I really love your work, I ordered your zine of Svalvard a while back and was wondering when those were going to be shipped?
Question for WV or followers: Which of those incredible places who fix old cameras do you recommend in the greater NYC area (Tri-state, though most preferably NJ)? Despite great skill, I know that I can't tackle this one: Bronica ETR 75mm lens with light fog on the rear element (no fungus, dust or scratches but the fog is noticeable). Who would properly and reasonably cheaply fix that? Lens is not of great value (100$ after repair?) however, it is a part of their unique anniversary camera-and-lens release (and camera itself is working and looking as new) hence worth some overspending within a reason... Any suggestions?
You should shoot this camera more often, especially since you've picked up flash photography. This little camera gives you flash sync at ANY shutter speed since it has a leaf shutter.
*You need JIS crosspoint screwdrivers!* Most Japanese-made gear uses JIS screws, which look like Phillips but are different and will be damaged by the wrong screwdriver.
How did you get batteries that work or what batteries did you use? I have a Hi-Matic E and cant figure out how to power it since they don't make old mercury batteries anymore.
Hey Will thanks for this video.. I have one of these and it doesn't work unfortunately. What batteries are you using since mercury's are discontinued? Also does light meter work without batteries? Can that be fixed if camera is taken apart?
yes, at some point one has to get this camera (Mamiya 7) 😁 It's so lightweight and you really can shoot 1/15 from hand... Did you sell the Mamiya 6? best Tom
Willem, is that a Krasnogorsk-3 16mm film camera behind you? I’d like to see a video about that camera and your experience shooting motion picture photography.
I did this with an Olympus XA and not to be dramatic, but it was basically open heart surgery.
I also cleaned the finders of my 2 XA, great little cameras! And so cool when the viewfinder & rangefinder are as new! 🙂
You know you have to have a doorbell moment in every video now. It's officially your signature.
that dude was going ham on the doorbell too lol
Jerry Davis Smash that doorbell.
The doorbell should announce the ad
agreed, the "i always shoot stones" thingy should stop, u should continue with the doorbell thing.
julien. 💡 that’s genius. Haha.
Willem: The next thing you’ll need is alcohol.
Me: I like where this is going.
Me: *looks at the cabinet* Yup, check.
"this is so stressful" literally me in every situation.
Will, you are an Old Soul and thank you for a very good instructions, and you are correct old cameras are worth fixing/cleaning/rebuilding. Recommend that you have a small plastic tray for the parts and take pictures with your phone as you remove parts.
It's so important to learn how to work on your old film cameras. Not many out there that will fix them for you and those that can charge for their services, in some cases more than the camera is worth.
I just got a Mamiya-Sekor 80mm f/1.9 lens for cheap, but was in rough shape, so I opened it up, cleaned out the fungus, relubed it and now it works better than it had in decades. 👍🏾
You look younger without the Beanie!. I've had my Mamiya 7II for a couple of years now, so when I saw you taking the lens out it brought back the great feeling when I got mine! :D. looking forward to the video!.
The first camera I tried fixing was the film advance mechanism on my Pentax 67ii. It looked so complex with so many tiny parts, I just put it back together and sent it out for repair! Congratulations on your Mamiya 7. It’s a brilliant camera with incredible lenses😀
i took my first ever film photos today and as far as i know they look amazing, but i'll see when i get them developed,, can't wait
Two weeks ago I also found a Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII that once belonged to my grandfather. It hasn’t been shot in decades, but I’m planning on using it soon!
I also repaired an old olympus 35Rd early this year which is similar to your hi-matic. However, I even adjusted the rangefinder. That was definitely immensely stressful.
Imagine buying a Mamiya 7 and just put the unboxing in a video about cleaning an Minolta. No clickbait, no thumbnail.What a legend haha
nice to see an old camera getting some love. I just bought an old copy of my long-departed Pentax H3 from the early 1970s - for memory's sake.
That magical sound when the shutter button comes off... perfection.
Amazing videos man! Congrats on the Zine - can't wait to see it!
My dad gave me his Pentax K1000 and luckily it hasnt broken or had any issues so far. It's starting to become my favorite camera.....
This is so helpful! I have the same camera with a fogged viewfinder, and now planning to open it up for cleaning! Thank you so much for this video!
So was it the left kidney or the right one that you had to sell for that Mamiya 7 ?
Must be both of them. These things rise and rise. Quite worrying.
idk why i love the table u do all these videos on so much
dude your vibe is always immaculate
Oh that lockdown hair
cute!
Lmao everyone is like “I haven’t had a haircut during quarantine either dude” meanwhile my gf cut it 3 days before I filmed
Willem Verbeeck she did a great job !!
@@WillemVerb I'm not sure what that says about people's judgement or the hair-cutting skills of your gf.
Thanks for this, my 7 arrived a couple days after this upload. There were a couple differences in removing the top plate but overall really similar. Great post!
I did this for my A1 because my film load was blocked and i couldn't use it anymore. And guess what : there were a screw inside of the film load mecanisme that caused this. Don't know where it comes from but now it's fixed 😊
You are brave opening that camera up! Congrats on the new camera, too. Always looking forward to Wednesday.
I have the same problem with the rangefinder of my grandfather's Voigtländer Vito special! Loved this video
Amazing video. I need to repair my Canon AE-1 50mm and clean up the body mirror that I bought in very bad shape. Always a motivation to see this kind of videos. Make me wanted to do it by myself. Thank you!
precision screwdrivers - you need JIS for japanese cameras. if you use philips, posidrive, etc you ll roach out the heads of the screws
Cool, I have exactly that Minolta that I bought on eBay, but the film advance jammed after a few frames, so this has given me confidence to open it up and try to determine what is wrong. Thanks Willem!
The doorbell excitement lol! Congratulations on your new Mamiya seven. I can tell once I saw the lens.
nice job Willem! I remember one time I spent so long putting a Contax G lens back together after taking it apart. Putting back together is the hardest part no doubt. lol
I was so worried the whole video coz if that was me, I would have messed that up already! LOL
Just found ur channel and there’s one thing am gonna say ....... .....am addicted lol .
Sick work dude. Iv just picked up repairing cams, it’s so easy and usually a simple issue. I fixed a Bronica sq-ai I picked up for $15
By the way, for anyone who ever sees this camera (Minolta Hi-Matic 7s II) and thinks about buying one, you can also look for the Canon Canonet QL17 G-III, which also has a 40mm f/1.7 with shutter speeds between 1/4th to 1/500th for slightly cheaper
Bought a minolta xg-1 a few days ago, but it looked like there was something in the lens. Dust or something so I hope the photos turn out well. Nice vid again!
Amazing content every single video your the person that got me into film photography!
I’m in the same boat - my grandfather left me a Canonnette, but the quotes to get it fixed are more than the price of just buying a new unit!
Dude same. I kept buying a "new" canonet every time they’d lock up and now i just have a collection of canonets that all have the same issue lmao
Don't pay that money to get the canonet repaired. They're pretty easy to disassemble and repair. I'm no tech but I've taken mine apart, and brought it back to life. I found a couple vids and manuals online which i used for reference. Good precision tools, patience, and a steady hand are all you really need.
I love the Hi-Matic, my first rangefinder. Wonderful little camera
I just found our Kodak Kb28 camera, I don't know if it's still working but I'll try. Thanks to this:)))
I wish there were an organized resource for learning how to repair cameras. I'd love to get into the trade someday since it seems not enough people are doing it, but dang, I don't want to break the cameras I have experimenting.
There's a website and a FB group called 'Learn camera repair' that also has a free course
@@wolfgange.9465 thank you!
@@DianaDistorted What did he say?
Hairdresser says ‘hello’ to the Willem’s haircut
Willem's doorbell reaction is always priceless.
Excellent video!! Here in Mexico, the Mamiya 7 is rare and extremely expensive, it's almost impossible to find one here, and if you find one, most of the times, they're in really bad conditions and at a ridiculous high price. I wish I could find one, maybe someday.
Bro that Mamiya 7!!!!!
This video give me hope that one day if I need to fix a camera I can have some confidence to do so if the fix is minor haha
Congrats on the new camera
Out of all the people in need of haircuts due to lockdown, Willem tops the list.
Haha i know the feeling, just got my Mamiya 7 too after a year of dreaming about it and looking for the right one. Couldnt be more happier with it
Never clicked on anything so fast 💣
Well, that's a coincidence. My father's Hi-Matic 7sII is the camera I'm planning to load up with a roll of Ilford HP5 this weekend. The shutter mechanism seems to be working fine, but the viewfinder is super foggy. Doesn't look like I have any excuse to leave it that way now. Wish me luck.
I cleaned my 7sII viewfinder, but as I didn't know, I cleaned every miror and with 90° alcool! 😂 Maybe I'm lucky, but it worked. Before the finder was foggy and I could barely see the rangefinder image, now the viewfinder is like new, and the rangefinder image is a lot more visible. With the addition of a pink filter on the viewfinder (multigrade 1 1/2 filter), the 2 images are clearly visible and focusing is very easy again. The camera is now fully operational again! 🙂
PS: you may have been right not to touch the semi-transparent mirror, but a blast of air spray wouldn't have hurt...
Literally watching this to fix my grandmas Minolta freedom family zoom ! What a neat coincidence
I've done that a couple of times too. It's pretty nerve-wracking!😄
My grandfather also gave the Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII to me, which in the end led me to photography
07:38 "Woooah, look at this amazing packaging"
Perfect timing. Trying to figure out what's up with my yashica electro 35 as we speak
my and others' yashica electro's lock up whenever you shoot on 1/60, i had to stop using it and buy a canon ft instead.
Great job! I'm a little bit disappointed because you haven't cleaned the top at 6:10. Without a dials I could have been soooo sooo clean, but that just my OCD
2 uploads in a week? What a time to be social distancing
I came across the perfect video! I have the same problem with a similar Minolta rangefinder. Awesome video dude
you should do a video looking at film camera apps. an app suggestion is dazz cam which has a couple of different cameras like 3d cameras, disposables, polaroid, etc.
I grew fond over that sweater now.
8:02 idk if I am the only one getting anxious of that not-fully-closed-cutter 😳
HERMANO! Que hermoso color tienen tus videos, esa Canon R la rompe! Saludos desde Argentina
ngl that stanley toolkit kinda slaps... bought one to take apart my No. 1a Pocket Kodak a year or so ago and hasn’t failed me yet
That's so awesome that you're opening a camera repair shop! Are you gonna announce on here once it's finally open?? 😂
Alcohol does not do a permanent job of removing many types of fungus. For that you need hydrogen peroxide. I use both - the peroxide first. The silver surface mirror is actually cleanable, but with a VERY light touch. Andy
So excited for this video!!
happy 200k homeboy
Thats so cool!! I have the same camera with a foggy rangefinder, i will try to fix it!!
I don't know why I'm watching this, i don't even have a film camera.
Get out while you still can. Once you taste the forbidden fruit its to late
@@fjalls i can't, film is not the priority rn, i need stable work first, i got a phone that's what im using hahahahaha
@@jeric3857 you can get a good camera för as little as 50 bucks. Cannon AE-1 is a nice one. And then buy expired film for cheap. Most of them are just as new
@@jeric3857 Get something like an EOS camera. can be very cheap.
@@caromac_ too broke, maybe next year. 🙏🏼
The excitement when the door bell rang 😂😂😂😂😂 love it!!
MAMIYA 7777777777 yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....very envious. Nice one Willem, Drop that 220 in and goooo.
A large fridge magnet is good for holding little screws and camera bits.
honestly he looks like a pro doing this, when its his first time doing this
Where did you get the info on how to open up that particular camera? I have an old yashica I wanna revive.
omg please make a video shooting with the Mamiya 7, been wanting that gem for ages
I have the similar hi Matic f model. Hope you get good images from your grandpa's camera.
Being sponsored by something that is related to learning, but im watching this on youtube for free
i don't think I've ever see you without a beanie or cap!!! cute hair haha
I tore apart and reassembled a Yashica mat 124. If I can do that then surely I’m gonna do well in medical school. Damn that was like microsurgery
Hey! First off, just wanted to say, I really love your work, I ordered your zine of Svalvard a while back and was wondering when those were going to be shipped?
The price of this camera after this video released: 🚀
willem should bring back his middle part!
Question for WV or followers: Which of those incredible places who fix old cameras do you recommend in the greater NYC area (Tri-state, though most preferably NJ)? Despite great skill, I know that I can't tackle this one: Bronica ETR 75mm lens with light fog on the rear element (no fungus, dust or scratches but the fog is noticeable). Who would properly and reasonably cheaply fix that? Lens is not of great value (100$ after repair?) however, it is a part of their unique anniversary camera-and-lens release (and camera itself is working and looking as new) hence worth some overspending within a reason... Any suggestions?
You should shoot this camera more often, especially since you've picked up flash photography. This little camera gives you flash sync at ANY shutter speed since it has a leaf shutter.
*You need JIS crosspoint screwdrivers!* Most Japanese-made gear uses JIS screws, which look like Phillips but are different and will be damaged by the wrong screwdriver.
How did you get batteries that work or what batteries did you use? I have a Hi-Matic E and cant figure out how to power it since they don't make old mercury batteries anymore.
Hey Will thanks for this video.. I have one of these and it doesn't work unfortunately. What batteries are you using since mercury's are discontinued? Also does light meter work without batteries? Can that be fixed if camera is taken apart?
yes, at some point one has to get this camera (Mamiya 7) 😁
It's so lightweight and you really can shoot 1/15 from hand...
Did you sell the Mamiya 6?
best
Tom
It's better now to check if the rangefinder remains correct after cleaning. They're usually very subtle.
Willem, is that a Krasnogorsk-3 16mm film camera behind you? I’d like to see a video about that camera and your experience shooting motion picture photography.
I love the hair this time around
I love the aesthetic
Great we are 200k now😍❤
The cat is the best part.
Hey Willem, did you fix that shutter squeak in your Canon A-1?
Ooooooh
The Willem with no hat
i just borrowed my friends mamiya 7ii for a couple weeks. They're soooo nice man 😭😭
I took apart my Chaika 2 half frame I might do it again to fix the shutter issues
willem whered you go. we miss you
Hey Willem what lavalier mic do you use?? Is the rode one?
I have the exact same camera form my grandfather, what a coincidence!