AE-1 Film Camera: Dragging shutter

[Masga]

Hello, I have a Ae-1 film canon. I’ve notice that when I take a photo the shutter has dragging even if I take the photo at 1/1000 it feels like I’m taking it at 1/30. I replace the battery twice because the one I had seating at my desk I had it for 6 months so I thought Maybe it’s been seating for too long needs a replacement and I bought a new one and still has the same issue. 

[normadel]

You need to have it checked out by a qualified repairperson. You don't say where you are. Is there a camera shop where you can find out who can service the AE-1?

[justadude]

Shutter drag on these older cameras are often due to dust and gunk buildup, or worn parts, which happen a lot more often than due to a bad battery.  I could be wrong with the AE-1, but most of my film SLRs (currently 8 of them) the only thing the battery powers is the meter.

If you are in the U.S. I highly recommend Dave's Camera Repair in Michigan.  The guy does not have a web site.  I know quite a few pros and hobby photographers that have had cameras repaired by this company, and highly recommend him.  

[normadel]

Your right about possible cause of shutter sluggishness, but very wrong about what the battery does. The AE-1 was Canon's first "computerized" camera. The camera simply does not function at all without a battery. You can wind it but nothing else. Can't release the shutter.

[justadude]

That's why I said "I could be wrong" about that model with the battery.  I know many older film camera batteries operate the meter only, but since I never owned this Canon model, I really didn't know - or know when Canon changed that.  Thanks for stepping in on that!  I was debating on buying an AE-1 that a local camera store has since it is in great condition, but knowing this, I think I'll pass.

I knew I was right about the sluggishness - that I have had firsthand experience with on a few cameras... unfortunately.  Usually that's an easy fix by someone that knows what they are doing.

I'll also stand by my recommendation for Dave's Camera Repair.  I know I'm not wrong recommending him.  

[normadel]

You're limiting yourself if you want a camera that is fully mechanical and you don't care about metering, I think the original Canon F-1 is the last of them. Everything newer requires the battery for everything, particularly full range of shutter speeds.

The AE-1 is a great camera, the biggest seller Canon ever made.

[justadude]

"You're limiting yourself if you want a camera that is fully mechanical and you don't care about metering"

I know that I am limiting myself.  I've been shooting film since my dad bought me a camera at age 10 in 1966, and other than those half a$$ attempts at that age (fun, but horrible results - lol), I really started shooting film heavily since the late 1970's, and never stopped.  In all honesty, I enjoy the simplicity of nothing automatic or powered on when I shoot film.  It's the exact opposite of digital (as you know well), so to me, it's a perfect change of pace.  It's nice knowing that nothing at all on the camera helped me expose and focus correctly without my input (I don't even have a battery inserted for the meter on those that I own).

So with that mindset, I don't feel I am limiting myself in the least.  That's also the reason I mostly like older film cameras, not the newer ones like the AE-1.  We all have things we do for our own personal zen.  Shooting film this way has always been mine.  I don't want you to think I'm a snob about advanced film cameras like the AE-1... I'm not in the least.  I love the technological advances on any camera - film and digital.  I just don't care to use the advanced film ones, nor do I buy them, but I think they are fantastic for those that do love them.

I have been given many film cameras over the years by friends that know I collect them.  If someone gave me an AE-1 (or similar) camera, would I use it?  Yes, of course.  I'd shoot a roll to see if everything works... then it would sit on my display shelf (along with my Pentax K2000, Kodak Retina, and a few others), and probably collect dust other than maybe once in a great while.

[Masga]

I did find a repair shop in Utah. Thanks for the advice. 

[Masga]

The canon ae-1 operate everything with a battery. I had a similar issue while back where the battery was completed dead and once I replace it the shutter was working perfectly. That’s what I thought I had this time but it might be something else.