Canon A-1 film camera Service Locations?

[NealNorlack]

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? 

[normadel]

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

[NealNorlack]

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

[normadel]

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.

[NealNorlack]

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. 

[normadel]

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

[NealNorlack]

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

[normadel]

Please ACCEPT my response(s).

[MichaE]

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.

[normadel]

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.