Canon AE1 Program Light Seal Beginner Question, Help Required!

Thomas Keidan · Oct 17, 2017

Hi All,

I don't know if this is the right forum to post in but I recently purchased a vintage AE1 Program as my first camera. Upon inspection all the light seals look fine, they are not sticky and are fairly well intact EXCEPT a little chunk is missing on one of the seals on the mirror box.

I've heard that the seals in the mirror box are more concerned with dampening the mirror with letting light in. The link I've attached looks similar to my situation except there is only a chunk missing on one strip rather than both. I would replace these but I'm afraid of how difficult the task is as i'm completely inexperienced with camera repairs. If I leave this will it affect the quality of my pictures at all with regards to light getting in or should I be OK?

Alternatively does anyone know anyone in the UK who can replace these for me, everywhere I've looked seems to be quoting me a full service which is far too expensive for me at the moment.

Thanks

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=c...AUIDCgD&biw=1536&bih=686#imgrc=P0EJnn4A7CCl_M:

Marco Gilardetti · Oct 17, 2017

That's correct, it's a dampener and not a light seal. You should check that the gummy chucks are not going around the body of the camera, and particularly that they're not stuck to the shutter. It has to be replaced as soon as possible. I would refrain from operating the camera in the meanwhile, as other chucks may detach and stick to mechanical moving parts.

I'm sure someone will indicate some repair shop in your area that will accept to rehaul only this detail of your camera. I suggest, however, that you also ask for the shutter speeds to be tested, especially to check if the 1/1000th exposes the entire frame.

OlyMan · Oct 17, 2017

Welcome to the forum. The only light seals which could cause light-leakage onto the film if perished are those which seal the camera back to the film chamber. Other than the shutter, nothing else needs to be light tight. The foam pieces in your photos are dampers to reduce mirror slap. If they're decomposing it would be wise to remove them completely and look for replacements.

EDIT: someone got there first.

E. von Hoegh · Oct 17, 2017

What he ^^ said. (Post #2)

Thomas Keidan · Oct 17, 2017

Thanks everyone, it looks like i need to replace the seals then!!

Captain Slack · Oct 17, 2017

This should help you get started if you want to tackle the job yourself. It's not hard, just requires a little patience: http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/seal/Canon_AE1.pdf.

I've used several of Jon Goodman's instructions and they are top notch. He sells light seal kits, too, which I highly recommend.

Svenedin · Oct 17, 2017

+1. Jon Goodman’s kits are excellent and he posts to the U.K. very reasonably indeed. I used his seals for several Olympus OM4-Ti’s. Having had one from new I think I can say they are actually better than when the camera was new. It is a fiddly job especially the mirror dampers but not really that difficult.

AgX · Oct 17, 2017

Thomas, that damper for the mirror is only one piece but you are speaking in plural. So I am puzzled.

colin wells · Oct 17, 2017

What part of the UK are you in if you are close i will show you how to replace light seals

colin wells · Oct 17, 2017

AgX There are two as theirs a gap in the middle for screen removal

AgX · Oct 17, 2017

Sorry, I overlooked the fact that the P-model is different in this respect.

one90guy · Oct 17, 2017

Another vote for Jon Goodman's light seal kits. Have been using his kits for at least 9+ years. Not hard to do, but the cleanup on the old ones can be tedious.

David

Canon AE1 Program Light Seal Beginner Question, Help Required!

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency