Okay, so I've been quoted $170 to fix a hand-me-down AE1 I got from my Dad. Cosmetically, the camera has very little damage. Plus, I have a couple zoom lenses and a 50mm that the camera supports, so I'd like to try and repair it myself.

Looking at the inside, the foam is decayed and needs replacement. The mirror looks fine, and the viewfinder has some dust in it, although I doubt that would appear on the film plane. The shutter doesn't respond to speed changes; the mirror flips up at the same speed from B to 1/1000.

How do I go about learning how to troubleshoot and repair this thing? I don't expect this to be a fast process, but I'd appreciate any help in this matter. Thanks!

By rick oleson on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 09:21 am:

i've been waiting for someone else to speak up on this one....

this would not be my first choice as my initial venture into amateur camera repair. it soulds like you have an electronic problem which may or may not be repairable. i will be happy to provide some sketches to help you get inside if you like...

rick =

By Lee Brand on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 01:55 am:

I would not start with an A1. Replace the rubber mirror cushion - yes. But digging into the innards of this beast is most likely to kill it forever :-)