Is it possible to change out the film advance sprocket in an A-1 (or any A series) without destroying the camera?
I have a near mint A-1 that is completely useless unless I can get a new sprocket in it.
I practically destroyed an old AE-1P swimmer just to canabalize the part. Manual says its a 2mm nut but I do not possess a wrench that will fit (looks like its part of the casting, anyway). Also, if I do expose the "nut," I will have most likely killed the thing by then.
Should I attempt surgery or just display it on the self?
The nut in question is 5mm A/F and is Very thin.The only way to replace is to remove mirror box and then separate the shutter crate.This leaves the main body casting in which the sprocket sits.Loosen retainer screw in sprocket and remove the rewind 'button' rod.You have to gently separate the latch mechanism.Using a 5mm socket or spanner remove the drive gear/sprocket retainer.
Assembly is the reverse - clean and lubricate as you build up the body.
If camera is mint and you have not done this before, send it to a specialist in A1 Cameras.
Note;- If you use a normal 1/4 drive socket you will find that because of the chamfered 'lead' on the end of the socket it will not engage the thin nut.Grind end of socket flat to allow the nut to engage.A cheap 5mm tubular box spanner will work much better as a one off.
