Canon F-1 (new) shutter problem

Stelex · Apr 10, 2017

I bought a mint looking F-1n a couple of weeks ago and developed my fist film today. Totally disappointed!

The shutter seems to have some issue where it doesn't open properly, half or more of the photo is black, and in some cases the entire photo is not exposed at all. On the 36 exposure film roll I had 9 half exposed and 10 not-exposed-at-all frames.

I played a bit this afternoon with the camera open and I can see that randomly the shutter doesn't seem to open normally, too fast to tell what exactly happens.

Below is an example of what it looks like. Any ideas what may be causing this and is there a simple solution for this.

For my friends in Brisbane, Australia a question - is there someone in Brisbane that still works with these cameras, i.e. to check this issue, adjust the shutter speeds and calibrate metering?

colin wells · Apr 10, 2017

Hi .I had exactly the same experience as you with the same results .Mine just needed the curtain tensioners adjusting and all was sorted not a big job. It is down to shutter capping or bounce .

colin wells · Apr 10, 2017

This Generally happens when the camera has been cocked and put away for a few years the shutter springs lose tension and the grease and oil dry out

Stelex · Apr 10, 2017

Any ideas how to fix it?

Mackinaw · Apr 10, 2017

Your shutter is capping, which is where one shutter curtain overtakes the other. You can fix it yourself, if you're so inclined. If not, send it out to a qualified camera repair tech.

Jim B.

Fordmondeo · Apr 10, 2017

Stelex said:
Any ideas how to fix it?

Get it professionally serviced, it's such an awesome camera it has to be worth it.
There are independents around that can still service FD cameras (in the uk anyway)
Alternatively, frame everything on the left.

flavio81 · Apr 10, 2017

The camera should be checked by a technician. First it needs to be cleaned and lubed so no old grease/dirt is preventing the free movement of the curtains.

This alone could resolve the problem. If it does not resolve, then the technician will use a shutter speed checker to check the curtain speeds, and determine the curtain tension is OK, in which case the shutter brake will need adjustment. Otherwise, curtain tension as well.

TheRook · Apr 10, 2017

I had the same issue with a Canon FTb I inherited. Some shutter speed settings were worse than others. Then I sent the camera out for CLA servicing, which fixed the problem.

CMoore · Apr 11, 2017

Does anybody have a suggestion(s) for names of a tech in Australia.?

Andrew K · Apr 13, 2017

Nagami Camera Service
17 Woodville Rd
Mooroolbark Vic
03 9727 3388

Yoshi has been a camera tech since the late 1960's. I first met him when I was working as a camera tech at Canon Australia (the F1/F1n is before my time. I've done a couple of simple repairs on them, but I mostly did NF1's. A, T series and EOS. And lenses...)

He is very honest, and I trust him to repair my own gear (pretty much the best compliment a camera tech can make).

Unfortunately the only 2 techs I would have trusted repairing it in Brisbane have both retired...

Your camera has shutter bounce - a common problem with F1's and FT/FTb's - you need to dismantle it, replace the shutter brake and adjust curtain speeds. Once done properly it should run another 20 years without an issue

Canon F-1 (new) shutter problem

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