After doing a quick search on Ebay. You could probably buy another
Minolta body cheaper than you can get that one fixed. There were a
couple of X370's and X700's listed and located in Canada. So there
would be no taxes or duties and all of the accessories she has now
will fit. These were listing around $55 to $60. I don't know if this
is the best way to go but it is an option.

Hope This Helps

Wayne

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Heather:  I use the Minolta X-700 and I had to look on it to see what you
were talking about concerning that ring.  That is the aperature ring that
tells the camera what you have the aperature set at.  Old cameras that had
stop down metering didn't have that and the lense had to be stopped down.
That made focusing hard because you were looking through a closed aperature
to meter.  Anyway, you might be able to get that fixed for only a little, or
you might be able to fix it yourself if you want to chance it.  One thing I
have to tell you is that if you decide to remove the four screws that hold
the shiney metal lense mount plate on, make sure that you put the flange
back on exactly right.  You will notice that all the "catches" just inside
that camera have a rounded end to them except one.  That one is at the 5
o'clock position and is squared off.  That must go back in the 5 0'clock
position or the next time you put on a lense, you won't get it off.  If the
screws that are holding the lense flange are there I would think the
aperature ring should be staying in place.  I really don't know for sure.
Since Minotla is out of business, parts might be a little hard to get.
However I learned just last night from my post above that Seagull (China) is
making some Minolta cameras.  It sounds like an easy fix so I would contact
a camera repair shop.  Ric in Wisconsin.

It is probably easy to fix if you are not afraid of it.  A few screws
hold it in place.  If you need a replacement black ring, reply with your
e-mail and I can probably send you one from a broken X-700 that I was just
gonna throw away.

I know the part you are referring to and have replaced it muself on a 370 I used
to have. In your case I recommend that you have the camera repaired by a pro and
this is the guy I'd send my Minoltas to:
http://www.garryscamera.com/

Good luck