On Sat, 19 May 2012 03:55:03 -0700 (PDT), s wrote:

i have figured out what the intermittant problem on my minolta camera
was, a loose ribbon connector from the ccd to the
main pcb. if i twiddle it with a tweezer i can get the picture from
the lens back.

The connector is not the problem. You have a break in the ribbon
cable or a crack in the PCB supporting the connector. Replacement
parts are possibly available on eBay.

is there any trick to improving connection of a ribbon connector? it
has around 20 tracks. the only thing i could think of is to make the
ribbon thicker with clear tape on one side.

I don't think that will help. If you can't find a replacement ribbon
cable, try cleaning the connector with alcohol and a small brush.
Shove in the ribbon cable and manipulate until you find the
connection. Then glue it in place with hot melt glue. Not the best
fix, certainly not permanent, but it might just work. The catch is
that you have one try to glue it place as the hot melt glue will
pollute the connector if it leaks inside.

if above is unclear this is a similar connector:
http://www.mpetroff.net/wp-content/u...nt_no-case.jpg

The model number of your camera is also unclear.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558