Minolta Dimage A1 Question

[dritz]

Hi, I hope I'm posting this question in the correct area! I have a Minolta Dimage A1 camera that I haven't used in about 4 years. I recently pulled it out and charged the battery but when I turned it on, I got a blinking low battery signal. I thought perhaps the battery was too old so I replaced it, charged the new one and then got the same result. Before I spend more money and replace the charger, I thought I'd ask if perhaps someone familiar with this camera might know why this is happening, if perhaps the long period of no usage has had some other effect on it. Thank you!

 

[KmH]

If you have and know how to use a volt meter, check the output of the charger.

I would suspect the charger before I would suspect the camera, though you say nothing about how the camera was stored for 4 years.

 

[dritz]

If you have and know how to use a volt meter, check the output of the charger.

I would suspect the charger before I would suspect the camera, though you say nothing about how the camera was stored for 4 years.

Thank you for your reply and suggestion. The camera was safely stored away in a padded camera bag in my home so I don't suspect any abuse or environmental problems. I don't have a volt meter but I think the chargers are rather inexpensive so I guess I'll try replacing it. If that doesn't work then I guess I'll have to take it to a repair place. I thought perhaps there was something internal in the camera that 4 years of non-use might affect its powering up.

 

[KmH]

Was a battery left in the camera for 4 years?

If so, did you check to make sure the battery contacts in the camera are not corroded?

 

[dxqcanada]

As KmH suggested ... also have the rechargeable batteries check with a voltmeter, as they may not be able to hold a charge anymore.

 

[dritz]

Was a battery left in the camera for 4 years?

If so, did you check to make sure the battery contacts in the camera are not corroded?

Thankfully the contacts look fine and no indication of any leakage on the batteries either. I ordered a new charger so maybe that is the key. I'm a little skeptical though because I would think the new batteries would have had a charge on them already. They didn't say to charge first before using which I did anyway. I guess we'll see! Is there anything inside the camera that 4 years of non-use would die? I love the camera so one way or another it's going to get fixed, even if I have to resort to a repair shop.

 

[dritz]

As KmH suggested ... also have the rechargeable batteries check with a voltmeter, as they may not be able to hold a charge anymore.

I don't have a voltmeter unfortunately. I purchased new batteries, thinking as you suggested that they may not be able to hold a charge anymore. While the new batteries didn't suggest charging them before use, I did anyway and unfortunately the results were the same. Thankfully the contacts look good and there was no leakage in the old batteries. I've ordered a new charger but I suspect that's not the answer. I just have this feeling there's something wrong inside the camera that 4 years of non-use caused. But, we'll see what happens. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[seaseacker]

As KmH suggested ... also have the rechargeable batteries check with a voltmeter, as they may not be able to hold a charge anymore.

I don't have a voltmeter unfortunately. I purchased new batteries, thinking as you suggested that they may not be able to hold a charge anymore. While the new batteries didn't suggest charging them before use, I did anyway and unfortunately the results were the same. Thankfully the contacts look good and there was no leakage in the old batteries. I've ordered a new charger but I suspect that's not the answer. I just have this feeling there's something wrong inside the camera that 4 years of non-use caused. But, we'll see what happens. Thanks for your suggestions.

Hi, what about your camera? Is it working again?

I have the same problem....