Canon A-1/AE-1: Disassembly and service (Japanese site); information available on the web

[Andreas Thaler]

I'm currently preparing for my next service and repair project and am researching the Canon A-1, the direct predecessor of the Canon T90. Fortunately there are more articles and videos available on the A-1 than on the T90.

Crucial for my own work is that there is also an article about the Canon A-1 in the SPT Journal, a C & C Guide and a comprehensive Canon Service Manual with lots of detailed information.

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I found a tutorial from a Japanese colleague for service, including removing the mirror box. I was able to follow along easily using the translation function in my iPhone's Safari browser.

I also really like the author's article on disassembling and cleaning the shutter of a Canon T90.

『キャノン A-1 分解修理　その1』

購入・分解・修理は自己責任でお願いします。（　・∀・）.｡oO（細かく書いたら本を出版できる) 2015年にオクでA-1、AE-1x2、AL-1、T50を15…

ameblo.jp

『キャノン A-1 分解修理　その２』

購入・分解・修理は自己責任でお願いします。 その１からの続きです他のAシリーズと違ってA-1はフレキが多く切る可能性高いので確実に分解する、巻き戻しのクランク…

ameblo.jp

『キャノン A-1 分解修理　その３』

購入・分解・修理は自己責任でお願いします。 その３です。（；＾▽＾） .｡oO（台あたり500円カメラでその３まで引っ張る）巻き上げギアの注油は筆で薄く塗る程…

ameblo.jp

Compare this to Gene Pate:

Canon A-1 CLA Tutorial

Tutorial by Gene Pate.

learncamerarepair.com

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I'll start the Canon A-series with the AE-1, since it's the best documented and was also the first in the series. The A-1 will have a lot in common, which I'll benefit from.

It'll start soon

Agenda:

• Presentation of the available literature (Larry Lyells!),
• removal of the covers and first orientation in the camera,
• rough documentation of the circuit as far as possible.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

There's already a wealth of repair information on the AE-1 online, including videos. So I won't be able to offer much new information there, but perhaps I'll be able to with the digital circuitry (basing on the excellent articles of Larry Lyells and the repair/service manuals available) which was revolutionary back in 1976.

In any case, I have plenty of repair candidates and am curious to see how I'll get on with the horizontal focal plane shutter. And the tungsten wire that transmits signals via rollers - I think you can find it here

 

[bernard_L]

And the tungsten wire that transmits signals via rollers

In case you need a replacement, I can send you some polyethylene fishing line that is adequate -- breaking strength 14kg IIRC. How come I have it?

 

[Andreas Thaler]

How come I have it?

Fishing, your new hobby?

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Videos on repairing the Canon AE-1

Fotofix

A channel about vintage film cameras repair techniques and tips. Visit www.fotofix.pt

www.youtube.com

Garry’s Camera Repair

Thank you for visiting my channel. If you’re curious about how cameras work and want to learn the step-by-step techniques behind camera repair, you’re in the right place. We specialize in repairing and servicing classic 35mm SLR cameras—brands like Minolta, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, and...

www.youtube.com

Fix Old Cameras

Fix Old Cameras produces step by step up close videos of simple, common repairs and basic maintenance on classic and vintage cameras. Workarounds and short cuts that might go outside of typical camera repair procedures are also demonstrated. These techniques are not always considered a permanent...

www.youtube.com

Literature

Learn Camera Repair

learncamerarepair.com

In particular, the comprehensive article on the AE-1 by Larry Lyells, which also explains details of the digital circuit (69 pages):

Canon AE-1 Repair Article

Article from Camera Craftsman. One of two articles on the AE-1 that we have from them.

learncamerarepair.com

 

[pamphoto]

Thank you for this informative thread. I just received an AE-1 where the light meter works, but the shutter does not, which from what I have gleaned from the internet, is a common issue with these cameras. It had likely been sitting for 25 years in a bag in the bottom of a closet from what I was told by the person who gave it to me.
I am not sure it is worth it for me to repair. It did come with a few random lenses, but since I am a Nikon Shooter, having a different system might be too much "stuff".

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Thank you for this informative thread. I just received an AE-1 where the light meter works, but the shutter does not, which from what I have gleaned from the internet, is a common issue with these cameras. It had likely been sitting for 25 years in a bag in the bottom of a closet from what I was told by the person who gave it to me.
I am not sure it is worth it for me to repair. It did come with a few random lenses, but since I am a Nikon Shooter, having a different system might be too much "stuff".

Sorry for the late reply.

I’ve written a detailed service report of the Canon AE-1 that also includes links to the available technical documentation (see link below).

It’s a wonderful combination of solid mechanics and electronics and is quite easy to service. The contacts might be contaminated, but I’m sure there’s something that can be done. No SLR just breaks down on its own.

Exploring the Canon AE-1: Disassembly, service, technology

 

[pamphoto]

Sorry for the late reply.

I’ve written a detailed service report of the Canon AE-1 that also includes links to the available technical documentation (see link below).

It’s a wonderful combination of solid mechanics and electronics and is quite easy to service. The contacts might be contaminated, but I’m sure there’s something that can be done. No SLR just breaks down on its own.

Exploring the Canon AE-1: Disassembly, service, technology

Thank you. I did end up selling the camera. If I come across another one, this will be helpful.