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

[The_Zen_Master]

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?

[LeeP]

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 Now Pentax is just a name on outdated Ricoh DSLRs.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.