Canon A1: cough fix - screw went in the wrong hole..ahhh

Odot · Feb 26, 2022

Hey everyone, as i fixed the cough on my A1, i accidentally screwed the screw in the wrong hole on the bottom plate and i cannot get it out. Instead screwing it in the bottom hole, i put it in the upper one (see image) - Now i wonder, if i am obstructing something here and yes, i also wonder why the hell there was only one screw on each side instead of both on each side. Please advise, haha

BobD · Feb 26, 2022

Try turning the screw counterclockwise.

AgX · Feb 26, 2022

If you really cannot get out that screw the normal way, respectively fear that such attempt would harm the innards, then widen the hole in the base plate to get that screw free again.

But before that I would try after taking off the correctly placed screw to wiggle a bit the baseplate to possibly reduce tension on thev stuck screw.

Odot · Feb 26, 2022

didnt work. i cant get the screw out and i dont wanna mess around even more, unless necessary.

So: whats the purpose/function of these empty holes crossing eachother?

AgX · Feb 26, 2022

Well, it seems necessary...

Odot · Feb 26, 2022

Ive wiggled and tilted the area in hopes of the crew to come out but no luck.

Again, what is the function of this thread? It was unused the whole time and the camera also functions completely normal

AgX · Feb 26, 2022

Odot said:
So: whats the purpose/function of these empty holes crossing eachother?

The other hole is to accept the positioning pin protruding from the winders and the motor-drive.

Odot · Feb 26, 2022

Oh that’s it? I have no intention of using the motor drive anyway so I guess I’m good. I will however get another screw and place it in the correct hole.

does anyone know the correct size of these screws?

AgX · Feb 26, 2022

The hole you are talking about is for a 2nd positioning pin. Motor Drive MA got this 2nd pin.

Odot · Feb 26, 2022

does anyone know the correct size of these screws?

AgX · Feb 26, 2022

Looking at where you put that screw in can assure you there is nothing to break when trying turning it out by force, than damaging that screw head. Use a perfectly fitting screwdriver!

But as I assume you got it in with normal force I see no reasong why it should not go out with same force, assuming that bottom plate not being held same time by the correct positioned screws.

bdial · Feb 27, 2022

If the screw is steel, a magnet may pull it out.

AgX · Feb 27, 2022

I am not sure whether a magnet near solenoids is a good idea.

Whereas at the start I thought the screw was somehow canted at a place it does not belong, at reviewing the case I am puzzled by it being stuck. So far I thought it was a matter of force. Now you put up the good idea it just being a matter of retracting, which makes sense indeed! The force of the screwdriver forced it in, but friction is not enough now to make it screw out again.
In this case I would glue the screwdriver tip in the screwhead, to retract it whilst turning.

Helge · Feb 27, 2022

This might be to late, but always, always, always use JIS tipped to screwdrivers to work on Japanese cameras. Never ever force anything. And always keep scrupulous track of screws.
Make a rough drawing of the camera and glue the screws to the part where it goes with tape.

You probably can only get the screw out by loosening the bottom plate. Do for peace of mind.

That is unless you tried a tiny spot of hot melt glue or a small powerful neodymium magnet.
But it sound like the screw is really caught by the threads on something inside the camera.

minoltaandme · Sep 30, 2023

Did you ever figure out this issue? I just ran into the same problem :/

Canon A1: cough fix - screw went in the wrong hole..ahhh

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