Canon Sure Shot AF35M II - Repair

[Anthony Huynh]

Hello! I just bought a Canon Sure Shot AF35M II and wanted to see if I could fix some of the problems. At first review the camera would turn on and all functions appeared to operate normally (winding, rolling back film, self-timer), except the focusing meter would always jump to infinity no matter how far or close the shot was. I "fixed" that by continuously fiddling - firing it over and over again until it started to work. I've opened up the camera front cover, bottom plate, and top plate and cleaned every contact that was covered in corrosion. However, now the camera is stuck in some power-on, power-off loop everytime I open the lens cover or press the shutter button. I've placed fresh new batteries to no avail. It will not fire anymore - no shutter movement - no flash - no timer. Only on and off.

 

[Anthony Huynh]

After more fiddling, I found the issues. I believe the constant turning on and off at each press was due to some parts just not being in the right place such as having the front cover off and as I'll explain the trigger not fully engaging. In the left most circle is the trigger for the shutter - the spring had gotten worn out ( it doesn't look too bad in this photo, but it got worse as I kept pressing the trigger) and wasn't providing enough tension to fully engage, which after re-coiling it worked like a charm. In the right circle is a claw trigger that is resting on a block which allows the focusing meter to move back and forth. Here it was stuck and wouldn't move and so I applied gentle but firm pressure here pushing it back and forth. At the same time I would fiddle with the gears that moves it (the red arrow) located next to the orange piece. Further, I ran into a shutter opening problem which turned out to be a detached spring inside the lens cover( the mechanisms in the front cover of the camera). I didn't take a picture of it, but if you inspect it you'll notice any loose springs inside. It was also not fully disengaging which was just due to lack of lubrication. I by no means have any experience repairing cameras or have extensive knowledge of the how all the mechanics work together. I simply went by trial and error (very carefully) to fix the issues I ran into, usually thinking I would completely snap off some crucial piece. A lot of these problems turned out to be maintenance issues - worn out springs or lack of lubrication. Most importantly each section I pointed out i finished off with lubrication.

Personal notes:
I bought this camera off ebay in hopes of repairing it knowing that I had a high chance of failing. Only reason why i thought i could do it was because I made sure to grab one that at least could turn on and fire. If this came down to a circuitry problem I would've been completely lost. If you have time and the money to spare on a project like this...go for it! You'll get some experience fiddling around with different parts seeing how it all connects and if all else fails its a great shelf piece! Good luck to other novices out there!

 

[darkjunsah]

Hi, I currently got a hold of the same Canon AF35m II but with Quartz Date. I've been having issues with a screeching sound with the film advancing and rewinding. Were you able to apply lubrication as well for those spots? If you did, where did you apply it?
Thanks!