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Canon FTb QL service guide?

Bushcat

Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2022
Messages
140
Location
Tokyo
Format
35mm RF
I've been given a Canon FTb QL plus a bunch of lenses, which have been stored for decades. The foam strip in the mirror box has turned to dust. Is this an easy repair? Everything else seems to work on the rest of the body, so I'm tempted to try a little Canon in my life. Pointers to any online guide would be appreciated. I've stripped Russian lenses before and rebuilt a Zenit 3M, so conceptually I know to use small screwdrivers and not to hit it with a hammer, but I don't want to spend too many hours on this.
 
I have a couple of FtB cameras and neither one seems to require any service. I have needed to replace the light seal at the hinge edge - you will likely need to do that as well. The mirror bump foam is easy to replace with a narrow strip of self-adhesive felt (it comes in sheets) you can buy at a craft store -- at least that's what I've used on a bunch of cameras.

It's a good mechanical camera. The QL system works well, too (worked every time I put film in it). Those older Canon prime lenses are excellent, also.