Canon AE-1/AT-1 Repair

Bersch02 · Feb 19, 2024

Hello,
I have a Canon AT-1 (which is very similar to the popular AE-1), and I have been working on some self-repairs. Initially there was a jam in the wind-lever, which I was able to get sorted out just fine, now for some reason the problem looks like this:
I wind the camera, click the shutter button, the shutter closes but does not open, and then when I turn the camera off the shutter opens again.
I have checked the electromagnet, and it is releasing as it should, I am wondering if anyone has any idea what I should check next... I feel like I've almost got it lol, but maybe I am too far gone

Thanks!

Bersch02 · Feb 19, 2024

I realize I probably said that backwards... the shutter opens when I hit the button, but then does not close until I turn the camera off

88E30M50 · Feb 22, 2024

I had a similar issue on one of my A-1s. With the bottom cover removed, I took a slow motion vid of the function of the camera and was able to spot the issue. There are 3 magnets in the AE-1 and A-1, and I assume the AT-1 would be similar. The two magnets that control the shutter screens are visible with the bottom plate removed. The third is for aperature and it most likely not related to this issue. The opening shutter magnet is usually protected by a plastic cover. This is a twin magnet in that it has a standard magnet as well as an electro-magnet. It does not sound like that is the issue here. The other magnet is an electro-magnet only and that one controls the release of the closing curtain. Take a close look at how that one is working.

From the sound of the issue, that could be dirty and sticking or, the trigger that causes the signal to the magnet to stop might be at fault. If it is just sticking, you might be able to clean the magnet to restore reliable function. I have not fixed this type issue before since in my case, the magnet itself was bad and needed replaced. The magnet armature wire on the magnet is extremely fine and could be damaged very easily. Don't try to clean the magnet with a brush as that could easily break that tiny, thin wire.

Hopefully, this was helpful.

Bersch02 · Feb 22, 2024

88E30M50 said:
I had a similar issue on one of my A-1s. With the bottom cover removed, I took a slow motion vid of the function of the camera and was able to spot the issue. There are 3 magnets in the AE-1 and A-1, and I assume the AT-1 would be similar. The two magnets that control the shutter screens are visible with the bottom plate removed. The third is for aperature and it most likely not related to this issue. The opening shutter magnet is usually protected by a plastic cover. This is a twin magnet in that it has a standard magnet as well as an electro-magnet. It does not sound like that is the issue here. The other magnet is an electro-magnet only and that one controls the release of the closing curtain. Take a close look at how that one is working.

From the sound of the issue, that could be dirty and sticking or, the trigger that causes the signal to the magnet to stop might be at fault. If it is just sticking, you might be able to clean the magnet to restore reliable function. I have not fixed this type issue before since in my case, the magnet itself was bad and needed replaced. The magnet armature wire on the magnet is extremely fine and could be damaged very easily. Don't try to clean the magnet with a brush as that could easily break that tiny, thin wire.

Hopefully, this was helpful.

That is very helpful, I will give that a look in to. Thank you

Canon AE-1/AT-1 Repair

Bersch02

Bersch02

88E30M50

Bersch02

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