Focusing screen repair/replacement options

Matt Friedman

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I just acquired a new (to me) Minolta XD-11. I love the XD-11, and this is my third and, by far, the best condition. It's super-clean, the metering is flawless, and the leatherette is like-new. The only problem is that the focusing screen in as dirty as hell -- in fact, it seems to be damaged and/or marked up. It's usable, but it's a little annoying since one of the great things about the XD-11 is its super-bright viewfinder.

So here is my question: Is it possible to have the focusing screen repaired or replaced? I know that Minolta sold replacement screens when this model was still supported (and Minolta still made cameras) and if I could acquire one (or cannibalize another camera), would it be possible to replace? I have never serviced an electronic SLR, although I have serviced the frame-advance mechanism in some older, mechanical Minolta SRTs. Is this something I want to get myself into, or is there a camera service that can do it for me?

In all other respects, this camera is absolutely perfect.
 
Minolta XD-11 Repair Manual (Page 4 of 56)

To remove the focusing screen, take out the two screws that hold the plate at the top of the mirror cage, Fig. 5. Lift out the cover plate and the focusing-screen retainer. You can now drop out the focusing screen from in side the mirror cage, Fig. 7.
 
Awesome! Thanks. I might send this camera out for a CLA, anyway (if I can find someone who does a good job for less than $100 in the NYC area), since it is starting to develop shutter lag. If they can do the screen replacement at the same time, that would be great.
 

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