1st Gen Canon F-1 CLA - Any recommendations on where to send this one?

88E30M50

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I recently picked up a very nice early Canon F-1 and while it is 90% in function, it is in need for a CLA. The light seals are bad and the meter aperture needle sometimes sticks in the upper spot. A press of the stop down lever frees it, but it tells me the camera has been sitting for a long time and may need a CLA. I'm comfortable doing a CLA on a Canon FT, FTb, and A-1 but a quick glance under the bottom cover tells me that I'd like someone that knows there way around this camera to do the job. I've downloaded the service manual and will take care of it myself if need be but if there is a respected expert in the community that can take care of this, I'd like to send it off to be done.

Does anyone know of an F-1 specialist they have had a good experience with?

Thanks,
Tim
 

Arlen Anderson

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Hi, Here is a link to a camera repairman that specializes in Canon. Hope this helps! https://www.ebay.com/usr/steven40
 
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88E30M50

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From what I can see on Steven's website, he works on the Canon New F-1. I don't see any mention of the 1970s vintage old F-1 platform, which is a very different camera. I may just do the CLA on this one myself. I've worked on a bunch of FT and FTbs, which are similar to the early F-1. I'm still holding for a reply from Steven though. I do have a set of light seals due to arrive on Friday and might go through the old camera this weekend. I'd really love to add this to my regular use cameras.
 

mshchem

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These guys ( I think its down to one fellow) can fix any of this old stuff. I would call direct and talk to the fellow.


United Camera Repair, Inc. 3830 14th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm CT Monday thru Friday & 9:00am to 12:00pm CT Saturday Phone: 309-786-0950 Fax: 309-786-3211 Email Address: Service@united-camera.com
 
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88E30M50

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Thank you!
 
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88E30M50

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I was able to get in touch with Steve and am going to send the camera to him. I really want to add this to my regular rotation and am looking forward to getting to do that once it comes back. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and guidance.

Tim
 
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88E30M50

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Thank you to all that recommended Steve from The Camera Clinic. The F-1 arrived back home today and he did an amazing job on this old camera. It came back functioning smooth and properly. It was cleaned and nicely wrapped with a receipt that explained what he did. The total time was less than 3 weeks from my shipping it to getting it back. I have a roll of film in it and look forward to seeing if I can live up to this camera's capabilities.
 
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