Canon AE-1 battery circuit trouble

pentaxpete · Sep 15, 2015

years ago I got another Canon AE-1 secondhand in 'mint' condition BUT do not use it so much as it has a fault in that even when camera is 'switched OFF' the battery circuit is still active and needle in viewfinder fluctuates at the top when it should be 'at rest' when switched off -- so the battery is quickly depleted and I have to take out battery and put it back every time I am using it. Years ago I took it to a good Camera repairer BUT he said he could not get the special circuit any more which deals with the battery so put camera back together and returned it --- so i had the idea to Ask A Friend' on this Site if anyone knows what I can do.

AgX · Sep 15, 2015

The needle should even be at rest as long as the release button is not pressed halfway.

The first thing I would think of would be the release-switch. I would clean the switch contacts. If the problem still exists I would look at the printed circuit, for any signs of shortswitching. As last resort I would exchange the whole printed circuit by a spare from a battered body.

John Koehrer · Sep 16, 2015

The release switch in the AE-1 is made up of three layers of plated copper separated by small
sections of PC board(without cladding). It's activated when the release is pressed and is closed sequentially,
the first section activates the meter and then releases the shutter.
Isn't there a battery check switch on the back of the camera? if there is, could it be depressed when the camera is not being used?

A mechanical short is a good possibility.

NitroRoo · Sep 16, 2015

I was going to mention the battery check button as well - it's the small black one on top next to the film rewind knob - so that's another suspect. The AE-1 doesn't really have an "off" switch - as long as you aren't pressing the battery check button or the shutter button the meter needle should be at rest.

AgX · Sep 17, 2015

I forgot about the battery check button.

And the exposure correction button.
And the 2nd metering button.

There is a lock to the release button.
But I never investigated whether it actually blocks the three other switches too.

I once bought a sample where the 2nd metering button was stuck due to a minuscule grain of sand stuck in the bush of the button.

pentaxpete · Sep 17, 2015

Thanks for all the replies -- I will look into your suggestions ( AND look for a 'Grain of Sand !)

flavio81 · Sep 17, 2015

pentaxpete said:
Years ago I took it to a good Camera repairer BUT he said he could not get the special circuit any more which deals with the battery so put camera back together and returned it --- so i had the idea to Ask A Friend' on this Site if anyone knows what I can do.

Well, my suggestion is to never go back to that camera technician.

pentaxpete · Sep 18, 2015

That Camera Technician has now RETIRED fully -- he was good at Rollei Repairs !

benjiboy · Sep 18, 2015

If it was me Pete I'd put it in a draw and forget about it and buy another body that works properly from Ffords the're as cheap as chips these days and not worth bothering to repair.

AgX · Sep 19, 2015

But tinkering with cameras can be fun. Especially with cheap, easily replacable ones. One then has not much to loose.

And one still ends up with a heap of spares for the next sample...

benjiboy · Sep 19, 2015

AgX said:
But tinkering with cameras can be fun. Especially with cheap, easily replacable ones. One then has not much to loose.

And one still ends up with a heap of spares for the next sample...

It depends if you need a working camera, or occupational therapy. I would buy this http://www.ffordes.com/product/15081211303531 that comes with six months warranty.

pentaxpete · Sep 19, 2015

Thanks all == I still have ONE working AE-1 only more 'worn' than the troublesome one----
My Good AE-1

Canon AE1 by Peter Elgar, on Flickr

Canon AE-1 battery circuit trouble

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