topic Re: I know... I know... in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:05:25 GMT

Hello, I know you are going to tell me to buy a new camera but I already have two digital cameras that are bricks because they are "too expensive to repair." Therefore, I want to get back into film, and use the excellent condition Canon A1 that I bought new in approximately 1982... (photographed yesterday)

Clearly, the camera needs to have the light seals and mirror cushion replaced and I would very much like to have the camera inspected, cleaned, lubricated and adjusted, if needed, by a Canon professional.

My question is: is there anyone that you can recommend that could do the work?

Re: I know... I know...

normadel — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:13:38 GMT

The A-1 is a great camera. It is also a 43-year-old camera. I have one, and a newer AE-1 Program that I love, and a Canon EF and F-1. All work perfectly but I am fully aware that that could change at any moment. Getting repairs on film cameras is problematic.

Canon will not touch your A-1. Go to a camera store and ask if they can recommend someone. There are also mail-in repair services.

Re: I know... I know...

shadowsports — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:34:29 GMT

Greetings,

So what you really have are three cameras that don't work...😂. Yes, sorry... It's time for new camera or new to you something. If the foam surround on the camera back and the mirror box is disintegrated all of your photos will be reddish depending on what kind of sealing you don't get.

I suggest you look into getting your DSLRs repaired unless they are relic status too. There is nothing magic about film. Example DxO film pack can give you the same output look, feel, color and grain of every brand film that was ever made. Film... You'll never know if you got the shot until it's too late. Those are two very compelling reasons against film. Limited lens selection... Now there's 3.

If your two DSLRs aren't repairable, I'd be looking at Canon refurbished, KEH, B&H or Adorama used. Don't get me wrong. I grew up with film but I'm not going back. Good luck with whatever you decide. Finding old camera repair is possible but more difficult now.

Re: I know... I know...

normadel — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:38:07 GMT

Two other top-notch used equipment dealers are UsedPhotoPro.com and MPB.com.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

justadude — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:33:20 GMT

Of course it all depends on where you are located. If you are in the United States I highly recommend Dave's Camera Repair. This guy has been in business for years, and has an excellent reputation for camera repair, including old film cameras. He does not have a web site, but here is a screenshot of his contact info...

By the way... nice looking A-1 and lenses!

Re: I know... I know...

justadude — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:28:34 GMT

"There is nothing magic about film. Example DxO film pack can give you the same output look, feel, color and grain of every brand film that was ever made."

But shooting film, and doing your own darkroom work is a lot of fun, and it is rewarding. The one thing going back to film has taught me after being away from it for 20ish years is that when you pick up your digital camera, it reminds you to slow down, think, and keeps the mentality of "I can fix anything minor in post" away from you. I really like the zen of it. Shooting film is calming.

...unless I'm shooting a triathlon or marathon and expected to turn over 2,000 shots to the event organizers. I don't know how those film guys did it back in the day. 😄

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:29:44 GMT

Thanks for all replies!

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

stevet1 — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:12:50 GMT

The_Zen_Master,

I had an AT-1 that had light leakage. I tried three different repair shops located around the country. None of them held.

I think it's an exercise in frustration.

Steve Thomas

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

LeeP — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:13:09 GMT

I shoot film in addition to my work with mirrorless Canons and use Pentax K2, K1000, ME, MX, Nikon F, and FM. In Pentax and Nikon forums I have seen Garry's mentioned. I have not used their services/ Just sharing that I have seen them mentioned favorably.

I would ADORE owning a Canon A1.

https://www.garryscamera.com/

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:33:34 GMT

Thank you @LeeP

I have read about and been in contact with Gary, and he does have favorable mentions. I am going to send him my camera this week.

Interestingly, he has a video on YouTube wherein he performs a total CLA on an A1, and after watching it I knew that it was something that I would never endeavor to undertake.

I love my A1 and I thank God that I never sold it. I went through a lazy-DSLR phase and 1., I do not like Photo-shopped photos, and 2., I have (2) DSLR bricks that are "too expensive to repair."

Lastly, everything was made better in the early 80's - pre Made-in-China.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

LeeP — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:58:24 GMT

Funny thing is that I was heavily invested in Pentax metal-era 35mm SLRs and equipment. When I jumped to Canon for autofocus I sold down my Pentax equipment, but kept my ME (my first camera at 17) and a K1000 I added a few years later. Fast forward to when I jumped from DSLR to mirrorless.

I bought an R100 because it reminded me of my Pentax ME i.e. small, light, go-anywhere, anytime. One day I decided to take the ME along and the floodgates of film opened. I quickly added a K2 and an MX, not to mention a Nikon F and FM. Currently, half of my shooting is on film and half is on my R100 and R8.

I remember when the A1 came out. It was a nuclear blast that few expected. It was a blow that ultimately killed Pentax that took 5 years to respond while they staggered through the annoying-to-use-in-manual ME Super, the DOA MV, the DOA MV1, the DOA MG, and the LX boondoggle. Now Pentax is just a name on outdated Ricoh DSLRs.

When the mirrorless "AE1" comes out. I will be first in line to do the retro mirrorless thing.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:44:34 GMT

Wanted to post an update.

I sent my A1 to Gary and it seems like he did a great job - the price and the turn around were great. One disappointment was that the original battery door had a small crack and so I asked Gary to replace it, presuming he would replace it with a genuine Canon part, but he used a 3D printed part. Had I know this might happen I would have elected to retain the factory battery door - my mistake for not being absolutely concise. So, I purchased a factory original metal battery door from eBay and replaced the 3D printed door myself. Nevertheless the camera is working great.

After shooting a roll of film I had it developed and this is one of the shots.

However, the real treat was when I walked into Precision Camera in Austin to buy more film, and saw this resting in one of their display cases...

What a superb piece of camera engineering and in such great condition - I bought it as soon as I saw it. Almost finished with the first roll of Ektar 100 so we'll see how it turns out.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

LeeP — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:45:54 GMT

Glad to hear the A1 is ship shape. That F1 looks amazing. I would love to have an F1 and an A1, but if I bought either, I'd then buy the other. Then of course I'd be adding lenses. GAS...gear acquisition syndrome. Enjoy your magnificent cameras.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:45:47 GMT

Thanks, Lee. I have always loved my A-1 but I have always wanted a New F-1, and it is truly a work of engineering art. I advise you to get one of each, and then start a "Vintage Canon Film Camera" thread for us old-timers, if you have any clout with the forum administrators! 😎

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

LeeP — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:14:30 GMT

Film hasn't died, though it looks like the Pentax 17 experiment went belly up with their designer TKO bolting from Ricoh. I always wanted a Nikon F and patience brought me one that looks and operates as new with a 50mm 1.4 lens for just over $100. Then came the lens finds. Then came an FM body that is pristine that I got for next to nothing. The A1 and the F1 are highly desirable to me. I nearly bought an A1 at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet a while back. I can see the rabbit hole that Canon would be for me. An enjoyable rabbit hole for certain.

As for a film thread, I think it could be fun even though none of the cameras are on sale anymore. I participate in a Pentax film group and a Nikon film group. If a Canon film group popped up here, I'd have a reason to buy more cameras.

Enjoy yours and show us your work from time to time.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:05:08 GMT

A Couple of shots from my recently acquired Canon F-1 - Canon FD 400mm F4.5 Kodak Ektar 100 1/1000 f5.6

Eastern Bluebird on a wire fence:

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:06:02 GMT

And a Cardinal on a wire fence:

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

LeeP — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:14:15 GMT

Such a beautiful bird. The sharpness is commendable without reminding me of one of those over-sharpened Photoshop/Lightroom Frankenstein images. I really prefer SOOC (my bias). Excellent balance and taste in what you have accomplished here. Thank you for sharing.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

LeeP — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:17:40 GMT

Another delightful shot. Here, I like not only the innate color contrast of the bird, but the sharp--VS--soft in the bird's feathers. Well done.

Re: I know... I know...: A-1 repair recommendations

The_Zen_Master — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 01:17:51 GMT

Thank you, Lee. 2-shots out of 36-exposures isn't bad! 😄 A friend suggested I try to get the "eye in focus" and everything else would fall in place. I am old and I had to purchase a viewfinder dioptric correction attachment lens for both of my Canons, and it was still challenging - birds do not exactly sit still for photos...

But you mentioned something that got me thinking - I have been looking at lots of bird photography online and what you said about SOOC struck a chord. Almost all of the professional photos online are so hyper-sharpened that they turn me off - they look too mechanical / too perfect / fake / computer generated.

I have nothing against a little photo-correction, but I want photos to look like photos, not computer renderings.

Anyways, thanks for the encouragement!