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Gus Zogolovitch
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 12:14 pm: | 
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Hi everyone,
I'm new here, but I love my Canon AE1. I bought it second hand in the early 90s - but, I've just got back from a big trip and developed my photos and there were streaks of overdevelopment on some of the photos (maybe 3 or 4 out of 36) - some worse than others. There is a rusty screw on the bottom of the camera - it might not be quite tight enough - do you think that this might be the problem or do you think it's something more serious??? Is is a DIY job or should I take it to a professional?
Also, on one of the photos there seems to have been a double exposure - ie 2 photos overlapping and I'm pretty sure that it wasn't the end of the film.
As I say, I've owned it for over 15 years, so it's probably due a service anyway - but do you think that it's for the graveyard??? |
Ed von
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 01:23 pm: |
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More than likely the light seals have gone bad that seal the back to the body when the back is closed.With the back open look by the hinge on the right hand side with the lens facing away from you.The foam in there should be continuous from top to bottom, nice and supple when you touch it. I'll bet it's partially gone and gooey black that sticks to your finger when you touch it.There are also light seals that run in the little groove along the top and bottom that you can see when the back is open.
The light seals are easy to replace yourself, but a clean,lube and adjust isn't so easy on these cameras.Your camera is something like 25 years old so I'll bet it's due for a CLA. Here in the USA I've found prices for a CLA run from $45-$250. Ebay has Canon AE-1s that have had a already had a CLA for right around $100 all the time.It looks like you are in England and from what I can see film cameras are still mighty popular there.You should be able to find someone to do a CLA on your camera for a fair price.If all you want to do is replace the light seals there is a guy on ebay that goes by "interslice" His light seal kits are priced fair. Here's a item number for a current auction; 7585594253
Good luck, Ed |
Glenn Middleton
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 01:25 pm: |
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The camera is certainly not ready for the graveyard and I would guess that it just needs new light seals and a service. If you look up Jon Goodman in the site search, he will sell you a seal kit that is definitely DIY - even for the absolute novice - and is dirt cheap. He also trades as Interslice on eBay. Ask him to include his specific A Series instructions and you will have no trouble in replacing the seals.
The overlapping frames is more problematic to answer here. As it only occurred once, it is possible that the rewind button was pushed in accidentally and this was the cause. I use a developed, unexposed film to test the film transport in 35mm cameras. Load the film and see that both sprockets are holding film, mark the position of the right hand edge of the film gate on the film with a fine marker, close the back and wind on 'x' frames, open back and mark right hand edge again, rewind film. From a strip of correctly exposed film you can work out the length of film required for 'x' frames, measure between the lines and compare measured with calculated length. If original problem was caused by an accidental push of rewind button you will never produce the wrong length. however if there is an internal fault repeating the above a few times soon reproduces varying measurements, for length of film used.
To service the AE-1 properly requires a major stripdown, which in turn needs small tools and specialist lubricants - A SOG Tool and a can of 3 in 1 oil is not the way to go. Even after getting the required tools etc ones first attempt can rapidly turn into a paperweight - been there done that! So if you want to DIY, get yourself a broken AE-1 off eBay or similar, get the repair manual and practise first. On the other hand if you really value this camera, get it serviced by somebody that really knows these older Canon cameras. You can still buy that junker to learn on. |
gus
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 03:16 pm: |
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Thanks guys,
that's great advice! Will have a look at DIY seals - but also sounds like my old trusty needs some TLC. It has after all, been to all five major continents and has seen its fair share of learning to fly... Well, you've got to give it to those canon guys - what amazing cameras - 25 years of knocks and bruises and all it might need is some sealing and the replacement of a rusty screw! |
Jon Goodman
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 07:00 pm: |
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Thanks, Glen & Ed. I agree with Glen...definitely not graveyard material. If you want to see the re-sealing process, it is now very easy. Thanks to our gracious site owners, all of the re-sealing instructions I've written are hosted right here on this site. Please go to "Camera Articles" over to your left. You will see a section named "Jon Goodman's Seal Replacement Instructions", and you can pick your camera model from the list. I'll also be happy to help with light seal material...just let me know.
Jon |
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