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Pete Ganzel | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Tinkering tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Tinkering

Various projects, some completed, some in progress and some ideas.


If you find these galleries and the information helpful, consider donating a small amount so I can continue to purchase Sony/Minolta equipment and materials for investigation.







lens_hood_bayonet_67mm_adapter
gallery: lens_hood_bayonet_67mm_adapter 		skyview_42_microscope_adapter
gallery: skyview_42_microscope_adapter 		cokin_ir_adapter
gallery: cokin_ir_adapter
skyview_2_to_md_bayonet_adapter
gallery: skyview_2_to_md_bayonet_adapter 		seibert_optics_adapter
gallery: seibert_optics_adapter 		Close-Up adapter.jpg
Close-Up adapter.jpg
macro_light_guide
gallery: macro_light_guide 		Dimage7ug.jpg
Dimage7ug.jpg		 UG sticker.jpg
UG sticker.jpg
50mm Reverse Mounted for Closeups
gallery: 50mm Reverse Mounted for Closeups 		Dimage 7 Bayonet Ring From PVC Tubing
gallery: Dimage 7 Bayonet Ring From PVC Tubing 		Macroscope for Dimage 7
gallery: Macroscope for Dimage 7
polarizers
gallery: polarizers 		Automatic Slide Copier Maxxum 7D, Alpha A900 Sony and Carousel
gallery: Automatic Slide Copier Maxxum 7D, Alpha A900 Sony and Carousel 		tripod_level
gallery: tripod_level
ten_dollar_microscope
gallery: ten_dollar_microscope 		dimage_remote_connectors
gallery: dimage_remote_connectors 		cfpcmcia
gallery: cfpcmcia
milk_jug_diffuser
gallery: milk_jug_diffuser 		FS1100-2964.jpg
FS1100-2964.jpg		 panorama_mount
gallery: panorama_mount
IR Remote Receiver for Maxxum Dynax Dimage Cameras 7D
gallery: IR Remote Receiver for Maxxum Dynax Dimage Cameras 7D 		equipment_photos_and_tests
gallery: equipment_photos_and_tests 		aps_dof_scale
gallery: aps_dof_scale
doodling
gallery: doodling 		radio_remote
gallery: radio_remote 		Electronic Twin Lens Reflex for Infrared and Stereo Work
gallery: Electronic Twin Lens Reflex for Infrared and Stereo Work
white led spectrum.jpg
white led spectrum.jpg		 Xenon Flashtube Spectral
Xenon Flashtube Spectral		 maxxum7d
gallery: maxxum7d
Dissasembly and Repair of Minolta Maxxum AF 50mm f/1.7 and f/1.4 Lenses
gallery: Dissasembly and Repair of Minolta Maxxum AF 50mm f/1.7 and f/1.4 Lenses 		minolta_maxxum_lens_roms
gallery: minolta_maxxum_lens_roms 		Dimage 7 Power Board
gallery: Dimage 7 Power Board
Partial Disassembly of the Konica Minolta Maxxum Dynax 7D
gallery: Partial Disassembly of the Konica Minolta Maxxum Dynax 7D 		Disassembly of the Maxxum 70-210 f/4 Beercan Lens
gallery: Disassembly of the Maxxum 70-210 f/4 Beercan Lens 		a_custom_eyecup_for_the_maxxum_7d
gallery: a_custom_eyecup_for_the_maxxum_7d
Bellows Setups for Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, 5D and Sony A100 A700 A900 A200 A 300 A350
gallery: Bellows Setups for Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, 5D and Sony A100 A700 A900 A200 A 300 A350 		Digital Pinhole Photography Pin Hole Maxxum 7D Photo Dynax Photograph
gallery: Digital Pinhole Photography Pin Hole Maxxum 7D Photo Dynax Photograph 		dps9000
gallery: dps9000
Dimage 5 Disassembly Minolta
gallery: Dimage 5 Disassembly Minolta 		DIY Straightening Bent Lens Filter Rings
gallery: DIY Straightening Bent Lens Filter Rings 		Disassembly of Minolta Maxxum 28-135mm f/4 Zoom Lens
gallery: Disassembly of Minolta Maxxum 28-135mm f/4 Zoom Lens
silver_cell_modification_for_mercury_cell_
gallery: silver_cell_modification_for_mercury_cell_ 		Sony A100, A700 Maxxum 5D, 7D AF Adjustment
gallery: Sony A100, A700 Maxxum 5D, 7D AF Adjustment 		maxxum_dynax_7d_power_adapters
gallery: maxxum_dynax_7d_power_adapters
dimage_7d_flash_contact
gallery: dimage_7d_flash_contact 		Minolta Maxxum Dynax 3X-1X AF Macro Zoom on 7D and Sony Alpha 100
gallery: Minolta Maxxum Dynax 3X-1X AF Macro Zoom on 7D and Sony Alpha 100 		Vivitar 28-210mm f/3.5 Zoom
gallery: Vivitar 28-210mm f/3.5 Zoom
Minolta Flash Circuitry
gallery: Minolta Flash Circuitry 		sony_minolta_macro_flash_system
gallery: sony_minolta_macro_flash_system 		Laser Guided Macro
gallery: Laser Guided Macro
Disassembly for Repair Maxxum 35-105mm Zoom
gallery: Disassembly for Repair Maxxum 35-105mm Zoom 		Tinker Tools -- Homemade Tools for Camera Repair
gallery: Tinker Tools -- Homemade Tools for Camera Repair 		Minolta Dimage 7i Disassembly Photos
gallery: Minolta Dimage 7i Disassembly Photos
IR Modified Mamiya 645 Infrared
gallery: IR Modified Mamiya 645 Infrared 		Flash Isolator Circuit Using The Minolta FS1100
gallery: Flash Isolator Circuit Using The Minolta FS1100 		Partial Disassembly of Maxxum 50mm f/2.8 Macro
gallery: Partial Disassembly of Maxxum 50mm f/2.8 Macro
Making the RC1000L Maxxum Remote Cable Shorter and Expandable
gallery: Making the RC1000L Maxxum Remote Cable Shorter and Expandable 		micrel_29302_regulator
gallery: micrel_29302_regulator 		Maxxum 75-300 f/4.5 Disassembly
gallery: Maxxum 75-300 f/4.5 Disassembly
Various Depth of Field Calculations and Tables
gallery: Various Depth of Field Calculations and Tables 		80-200-2.8 Tripod Socket
80-200-2.8 Tripod Socket		 test_charts
gallery: test_charts
general_af_lens_info
gallery: general_af_lens_info 		Soviet Optics and Cameras
gallery: Soviet Optics and Cameras 		58mm f/1.2 Rokkor on Maxxum 7D Digital --- The Neo Ermanox
gallery: 58mm f/1.2 Rokkor on Maxxum 7D Digital --- The Neo Ermanox
disassembly_of_konica_minolta_dimage_a-1
gallery: disassembly_of_konica_minolta_dimage_a-1 		50mm Zeiss Flektogon vs Minolta Maxxum 50mm
gallery: 50mm Zeiss Flektogon vs Minolta Maxxum 50mm 		sony_alpha_details_
gallery: sony_alpha_details_
Maxxum Dynax 7D Disassembled
gallery: Maxxum Dynax 7D Disassembled 		vivitar_series_1_28mm_f19_on_maxxum_7d
gallery: vivitar_series_1_28mm_f19_on_maxxum_7d 		24mm f/2.8 VFC Variable Field Curvature Rokkor on Maxxum 7D
gallery: 24mm f/2.8 VFC Variable Field Curvature Rokkor on Maxxum 7D
Cine Lenses Used For Macro and Micro Photography on the Maxxum 7D and Sony Alpha 100
gallery: Cine Lenses Used For Macro and Micro Photography on the Maxxum 7D and Sony Alpha 100 		maxxum_lens_owners_manuals
gallery: maxxum_lens_owners_manuals 		inside_the_maxxum_af_1200_ringflash
gallery: inside_the_maxxum_af_1200_ringflash
Fast 135mm Lenses Samigon Soligor 135mm f/1.8 Adapted To the Minolta Maxxum 7D Sony Alpha 100 Not Zeiss Sonnar T Mount M42
gallery: Fast 135mm Lenses Samigon Soligor 135mm f/1.8 Adapted To the Minolta Maxxum 7D Sony Alpha 100 Not Zeiss Sonnar T Mount M42 		XR Heligon 95mm f/1 On Maxxum 7D Alpha 100 Super Fast Lenses Adapted to DSLRs
gallery: XR Heligon 95mm f/1 On Maxxum 7D Alpha 100 Super Fast Lenses Adapted to DSLRs 		A Digital View Camera Using The Maxxum 7D and Scheimpflug Principle
gallery: A Digital View Camera Using The Maxxum 7D and Scheimpflug Principle
mamiya_645_150mm_disassembly_and_repair
gallery: mamiya_645_150mm_disassembly_and_repair 		mamiya_645_prism_repair
gallery: mamiya_645_prism_repair 		inside_the_maxxum_7
gallery: inside_the_maxxum_7
Disassembly of Maxxum AF 28mm
gallery: Disassembly of Maxxum AF 28mm 		A Modified Lenscap is Used to Provide Aperture Control for a Reversed Maxxum AF Lens
gallery: A Modified Lenscap is Used to Provide Aperture Control for a Reversed Maxxum AF Lens 		58mm f/1.4 Rokkor Adapted to Minolta Maxxum Sony Alpha AF Mount
gallery: 58mm f/1.4 Rokkor Adapted to Minolta Maxxum Sony Alpha AF Mount
rolfs_stuff
gallery: rolfs_stuff 		inside_the_minolta_a2
gallery: inside_the_minolta_a2 		maxxum_7d_leather_thumb_pad
gallery: maxxum_7d_leather_thumb_pad
Vivitar 2X Macro Focusing Teleconverter on Maxxum 7D
gallery: Vivitar 2X Macro Focusing Teleconverter on Maxxum 7D 		High speed Pinhole Using a Meniscus Lens in a Body Cap Sony Alpha Konica Minolta Maxxum 7, 5
gallery: High speed Pinhole Using a Meniscus Lens in a Body Cap Sony Alpha Konica Minolta Maxxum 7, 5 		yashica-kyocera_af
gallery: yashica-kyocera_af
twin_flash_and_macro_flash_adapters
gallery: twin_flash_and_macro_flash_adapters 		Dissassembly and Repair of the 58mm Rokkor Lenses
gallery: Dissassembly and Repair of the 58mm Rokkor Lenses 		photo_filters
gallery: photo_filters
Konica Minolta Sony Fiber Optic Macro Light System
gallery: Konica Minolta Sony Fiber Optic Macro Light System 		Minolta Dimage 7Hi Modified for Infrared Photography
gallery: Minolta Dimage 7Hi Modified for Infrared Photography 		Converted Zeiss Microscope
gallery: Converted Zeiss Microscope
Luminars, Photars, Summars, Tominons, Macro Tessars
gallery: Luminars, Photars, Summars, Tominons, Macro Tessars 		konica_minolta_5d_7d_focus_screens_installation_and_modification
gallery: konica_minolta_5d_7d_focus_screens_installation_and_modification 		Various Pancake Lenses Modified to Work on Minolta Sony Alpha Maxxum DSLRs
gallery: Various Pancake Lenses Modified to Work on Minolta Sony Alpha Maxxum DSLRs
Disassembly of the Maxxum 35-70mm f/4 for Repair
gallery: Disassembly of the Maxxum 35-70mm f/4 for Repair 		Nikkors Converted to M42 Mount
gallery: Nikkors Converted to M42 Mount 		macro_focusing_helicoids
gallery: macro_focusing_helicoids
historical_minolta_magazine_scans
gallery: historical_minolta_magazine_scans 		Old Preset Lens vaned Iris Repair
gallery: Old Preset Lens "vaned" Iris Repair 		sony_minolta_antishake_failure_
gallery: sony_minolta_antishake_failure_
lens_cap_modifications
gallery: lens_cap_modifications 		85mm_f17_rokkor_converted_to_m42_mount_
gallery: 85mm_f17_rokkor_converted_to_m42_mount_ 		hyperfocal_distance_scale_for_konica_minolta_-_sony_18-70_zoom
gallery: hyperfocal_distance_scale_for_konica_minolta_-_sony_18-70_zoom
21mm_mc_rokkor_converted_to_sony-minolta_af_mount
gallery: 21mm_mc_rokkor_converted_to_sony-minolta_af_mount 		Minolta Maxxum 5D Converted for Infrared Photography
gallery: Minolta Maxxum 5D Converted for Infrared Photography 		Custom Lens Shades Hoods Caps Sony Alpha Minolta Maxxum
gallery: Custom Lens Shades Hoods Caps Sony Alpha Minolta Maxxum
Mirex Tilt Shift Adapter for M645 to M42 on Sony A900
gallery: Mirex Tilt Shift Adapter for M645 to M42 on Sony A900 		sony_hvl-f20am_flash
gallery: sony_hvl-f20am_flash 		T Mount RMS Macro Lens Turret
gallery: T Mount RMS Macro Lens Turret
olympus_focus_block
gallery: olympus_focus_block 		OM Zuiko 8mm Circular Fisheye and Rokkor MD 16mm Converted to M42
gallery: OM Zuiko 8mm Circular Fisheye and Rokkor MD 16mm Converted to M42 		Fungus Removal Sigma 400mm APO
gallery: Fungus Removal Sigma 400mm APO
Inside the Sony HVL-F58AM Flash
gallery: Inside the Sony HVL-F58AM Flash 		sony_a900_technical
gallery: sony_a900_technical 		An Olympus Mount Angenieux Converted to M42
gallery: An Olympus Mount Angenieux Converted to M42
Dis assembly of the Sony A100 and damage/failure of the SSS mechanism
gallery: Dis assembly of the Sony A100 and damage/failure of the SSS mechanism 		70-200g
gallery: 70-200g 		inside_sony_minolta_flash_units
gallery: inside_sony_minolta_flash_units
Mamiya RB67 Lenses on a DSLR
gallery: Mamiya RB67 Lenses on a DSLR 		sony_hvl_3600_repairs
gallery: sony_hvl_3600_repairs 		corroded_nex_3
gallery: corroded_nex_3
Miranda Lenses On Sony E-mount
gallery: Miranda Lenses On Sony E-mount

comment | share
Rob 05-Mar-2018 02:49
Hi Pete,

Thank you for posting such useful information on the Minolta af 50mm f1.4. Any idea where I can get 50mm f1.4 part # 2562-0113-01 replacement. This is the plate for aperture control. I accidently snapped the pin that clips into the rear plate.
Thanks
Clement Tam 12-Dec-2013 01:59
Hi Pete,
I bought you service CD, followed it with patience and managed to fix a few things of my 80-200 APO, which appeared to have been tamptered with before I bought it. I did not take apart everything as it seemed to me more than I can handle. Now, one last thing I need to fix, is the five-pin encouder fingers,deformed. Just wonder if you have one to spare?
Peter 04-Oct-2013 19:41
Hi Pete,

it's amazing to see what do you already made - would you have any idea how to use a macro flash 2400 LIGHTNING SET w/o MFC-1000? Could I use a 2500(D) or any other flash as a donor?
Thank you,
Peter
Dave N 02-Apr-2011 20:26
Hi Pete,
Thanks for all of the info on here, its a great resource. I bought one of your service manual disks last year from you on ebay too. I was just wondering if you can help me with my Dimage A200 i bought 2nd hand. The screen at the back that swings out and rotates, whilst it works mechanically, it doesnt rotate or flip the image on the screen when operated. And when the screen is turned around so it can be viewed from behind the camera (under the viewfinder for normal usage) the screen switches off and will not turn on, only the EVF functions. Any ideas on how it can be repaired? Im sure theres some sensor or switch that isnt working somewhere, but not sure where it would be or how to get to it. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks.
Guest 10-Feb-2011 08:01
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing. You earn an official Connecticut Yankee award.
Guest 07-Feb-2011 08:55
bonjour
avez vous un plan d un minolta 50f3.5 macro
merci a vous pour ce site
Guest 20-Jan-2011 03:25
Hi Pete - very nice work indeed! I was wondering if you know of any easy way to remove the front elements on the 'new' AF lenses - they don't look as easy as the beercans... :(
Cheers,

Tony
Steve 19-Oct-2010 16:51
I have 2 minolta dimage 7is. 1 has a power supply fault and is therefore unusable. The other has a broken manual zoom ring, the part that sits below the rubber grip and is screwed to 2 plates underneath the double sided sticky tape. Is it easy to change the lens of would it be easier to replace the power board, have you ever done either? This is my first visit, haven't studied everything but it looks a very useful site. STEVE
Guest 26-May-2010 14:52
Pete,

I am looking for a dissembling instructions for 85mm 1.7 MD. My lens has sticky blades and I would like to take it apart to clean it. Do you have any instruction, hints, or website you can refer me to?

Thanks,
Matt
Wu 29-Jan-2010 17:52
First, thank you very much for all the useful information on this site. I have one question. I have an old version Minolta AF 135mm f/2.8 lens with a few dust particles inside and I want to take it apart and clean the lens. I am thinking about purchase the CD from this site. It says it includes the details of 30 lenses, but I need to make sure if that includes the 135mm f/2.8 lens before I purchase the CD. Please let me know. Thanks
Wu 29-Jan-2010 17:45
First, thank you very much for all the useful information on this site. I have one question. I have an old version Minolta AF 135mm f/2.8 lens with a few dust particles inside and I want to take it apart and clean the lens. I am thinking about purchase the CD from this site. It says it includes the details of 30 lenses, but I need to make sure if that includes the 135mm f/2.8 lens before I purchase the CD. Please let me know. Thanks
Mike Lempert05-Dec-2009 19:33
Pete: I have a Vivitar 200mm lens in old Minolta mount that I was quite fond of and want to convert it to M42. I can get the M42 version of the lens cheap (bad glass) and would like to perform the switch. It isn't immediately obvious how the lens comes apart, but I'm sure it must. I am also assuming that the mounts are interchangeable since the lens was made for multiple camera types. Any thoughts? mlempert@bellsouth.net
Guest 10-Oct-2009 21:06
Very impressive projects!
I habe a Minolta 28-105 3.5-4.5 (not Xi) lens with backfokus :(
Have you any hints for adjusting this lens?
Kelvin 18-Sep-2009 14:25
It is truely exciting to see your projects and equipments investigtion. Great work, Pete. By the way, do you know what is the difference between the Anti-Shake system in Dimage A1 and the one in Dynax 7?
Rudi Lauwers 14-Apr-2009 16:17
Great work and inspiring. The plan to adapt the 55/1,2 Rokkor to 7D was for me a miracle.
I’m wondering if for the Sony A900 only a change of the A mount should be enough to let that great lens work also?
Regards

Rudi
nspineda904-Jan-2009 03:09
Hello Pete;

I am new here, but i saw your conversion of md to maxxum. I was wondering if you could sell conversion kit for my collection of md lenses. I currently have the following md lenses 50mm 1.7, rokkor 45mm 2 and a 35mm 2.8 w rokkor x. I really want to be able to use them on my 5d and alpha 700. so pls if you have what I am looking for I am interested in buying.

nelson.
Adrian 07-May-2008 22:08
This is a wonderful website. I now feel normal. I thought I was the only one who always needed to 'tamper' with bits and pieces.

Thank you and please keep it up.

Adrian
Patrickth 21-Feb-2008 05:36
This is very cool indeed. Thank you for taking the time to share these efforts.
Mike Maas 09-Feb-2008 04:00
Hi Pete,

Nice gallery. Regarding the Minolta 24mm VFC is there any part of the mount that can either be shaved by about 1.5mm or removed to convert the lens to be used on a Caon eos mount?
Valentus 20-Oct-2007 18:00
Remarcable & very-very helpfull work.
Great, Great Thanks!
Guest 02-Mar-2007 09:33
superbe gallery. nice job. thanks for the information
Guest 17-Dec-2006 19:35
thank you, pete!
your tinkering gallery is a never ending source for learning new things about cameras and getting new ideas.

cheers,
Georg
David Richert 07-Jul-2005 17:04
Outstanding Job Well Done....
click on thumbnails for full image