Canon A-1 Multiple Exposure not working

[Heidar M]

I picked up a cheap Canon A-1 today. It looks great but it has a small issue. When the lens is put on A-mode, it won't fire and I get 'EE EE EE' in the viewfinder. It turns out that this is very common for a Canon A-1 and the problem is solved by putting the camera in multiple exposure mode and recocking the shutter.

This is where the real problem seems to be. When I switch it to multiple exposure, it still winds the film and the multiple exposure lever does not return. Is this a common issue with an easy fix? I rarely use multiple exposure, but sadly it's needed when the A-mode is locked. I really want to avoid a $200 CLA on a cheap camera I picked up.



Bonus question: The lens mount is a tiny bit loose. I can't see which screw to tighten, anybody that knows?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Andrew K]

to get to the lens mount take off the black trim around the lens mount (4 screws) then tighten the mount screws

It could be the release magnet on the bottom of the camera is sticking - undo 2 screws to remove the bottom cover - you will see the release magnet at 1 end (usually with a plastic cover on it. remove the cover and clean both magnet surfaces. Hopefully EE will go away

 

[Heidar M]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions Andrew. I'll try it out tomorrow.

 

[flavio81]

I picked up a cheap Canon A-1 today. It looks great but it has a small issue. When the lens is put on A-mode, it won't fire and I get 'EE EE EE' in the viewfinder. It turns out that this is very common for a Canon A-1 and the problem is solved by putting the camera in multiple exposure mode and recocking the shutter.

Not to be arrogant or nitpicky... but this isn't a problem or an error or a malfuction. It is documented on the manual. You need to do this to reset the aperture-controlling-lever inside the camera, otherwise the automatic mode can't work (because the camera won't be able to control the aperture). Thus "EEEEE" tells you the camera can't control the aperture until the procedure is performed.

As for the multiple exposure lever getting stuck, try putting a bit of naptha on that part. I think it's just sticky grease.

 

[flavio81]

It could be the release magnet on the bottom of the camera is sticking - undo 2 screws to remove the bottom cover - you will see the release magnet at 1 end (usually with a plastic cover on it. remove the cover and clean both magnet surfaces. Hopefully EE will go away

There is nothing that suggest the release magnet is faulty. WHen the release magnet is faulty, the camera does not fire.

The multiple exposure lever operates on a purely mechanical principle.

I suggest to the OP not to mess with the bottom of the camera nor the magnet. No need to touch what is working OK.

 

[ronnies]

Is the depth of field preview still pushed in? That is the usual cause of the "EEEEEE" error.

Ronnie

 

[Glen Diamond]

If you take the lens off, do you see a "red dot" (follow the depth of field button). You don't want to see that red dot!!! Try moving the aperture ring away from "A" and see if the view finder gets darker as you turn it towards f22. Move the program selector lever so that the speeds are shown and turn the wheel until you pick the speed with the flash symbol on it (30th or 60th - I can't remember!). If you can't find the wheel that might be because a safety guard has been raised at the front of the camera covering the wheel. Then try to cock the double exposure lever again and it should release the stop down metering lever (the depth of field lever). Also find the battery test button and ensure that the red light on top of the camera flashes really fast - then you'll know you have a decent battery.