topic Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

NealNorlack — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:52:56 GMT

I have an old Canon A-1 film camera that I would like to use again. Is there anywhere in California or elsewhere on the west coast that I can get this old camera serviced?

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

normadel — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:24:19 GMT

What's wrong with it? Anything, or you just think it needs something done?

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

NealNorlack — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:25:03 GMT

I'm told the problems are shutter squeak and mirror lock. (Whatever that means). LOL

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

normadel — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:40:50 GMT

Before you pay big bucks to a repair service, fix it yourself for zero cost.

The shutter squeak you speak of is actually not the shutter. It is the notorious "A"-Series MIRROR Squeal. It is a mirror escapement gear mechanism that needs lubrication.

There are simple fixes you can do yourself (I can send you links to how-tos). I did one of them using WD-40 with a thin spray tube. The others require a pinpoint oiler with a long needle tip.

The "mirror lock" could be an advanced stage of the squeal thing. I fixed an AE-1 Program myself. All the "A"s have the same mechanism.

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

NealNorlack — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:00:44 GMT

A link would be great. I would like to try to fix this myself rather than send it off somewhere. Shipping lately has been a beeotch.

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

normadel — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:13:36 GMT

The first one is the WD-40 fix that I did. All it took was a quick squirt! Don't overdo it with this or any of the oil remedies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8_hVqZw8yw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IkL6_2P0i8

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Canon+AE-1p+Shutter+Squeak-Slowness+Repair/13453

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMpMHwMtX4&t=47s

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

NealNorlack — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 04:18:20 GMT

I fixed it. Ain't WD40 wonderful? LOL Thanks guys, that was very helpful.

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

normadel — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:57:48 GMT

Please ACCEPT my response(s).

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

MichaE — Thu, 09 May 2024 17:11:04 GMT

WD-40 has no business anywhere near photographic equipment. WD-40 is a Water-Displacement agent, not a lubricant. When the solvents from the WD-40 dry out, you are going to have a gummed up mess to clean out of the camera.

Use a sewing machine oil or other very light lubricant for camera mechanisms.

Re: Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

normadel — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:10:02 GMT

Do some research. WD-40 does have lubricant properties, and solvents to clean squeaky surfaces. Exactly what is needed for the mirror escapement of the A-series cameras. Sewing machine or other oil can be just as harmful inside a camera unless great precision in placement and quantity. This is difficult to judge when you can't see where an application needle is going.

I did the WD-40 thing years ago on my AE-1 Program years ago and it is still going strong, with no ill effects. As the video points out, all it takes is a very quick spritz.