Canon A-1 Flash

CMoore · Jun 2, 2017

I have two of these bodies. They both work well, but one has a dead hot shoe.
If i attach a cord from the body to a flash, it works fine.
If i mount a flash to the hot shoe, the flash will not fire.
I suppose this would mean pulling the top plate off of the body to look at the shoe.?
Is that something that is relatively "easy" to remove.?
Thank You

AgX · Jun 4, 2017

Before considering any internal failure, check for corrosion, especially at the center contact.

AgX · Jun 5, 2017

As far as I know the A-1 service manual on the net does not include taking off the tap cap. You may look that up in the AE-1 service manual, there will be some similarities.

darkroommike · Jun 5, 2017

It's a little inconvenient but why not keep using a cord, the only thing the A-1 shoe does is sense that a flash is on and mounted so it sets the shutter to 1/60th and a flash ready light(?). Not sure about that last it's been a while since I used my A-1. In my wheelhouse neither is a deal breaker.

AgX · Jun 5, 2017

And the above only if using a dedicated flash.
Yes, if it does not feel inconveniant, use that cable instead.

AgX · Jun 5, 2017

With many camera models the hot shoe can be removed on its own. Typically the sheet with the two springs has to be slided out to unveil the screws holding the shoe. By that a broken cable connection to the shoe likely can be re-soldered, if that is the cause of the error.

See here too:

CMoore · Jun 5, 2017

Yeah, i have seen that video, it is quite good. Thanks.
I am wanting to sell both of these. It would be easier to sell if the hot shoe works. They are not too valuable when they work correctly. To tell a buyer that the hot shoe does not work.......

Canon A-1 Flash

CMoore

AgX

AgX

darkroommike

AgX

AgX

CMoore

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