Canon T90: Aperture issue resolved, shutter disassembled and cleaned, alternative method of removing the mirror box has proven itself again

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Andreas Thaler

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IMG_6929.jpeg


One of the T90s I recently had on my desk, see


is exhibiting a problem with the aperture.

Under the same lighting, the aperture opens wider at one point, then narrows at another.

I suspect a dirty contact track for the aperture control inside on the mirror box and/or a dirty aperture magnet.


IMG_6930.jpeg


Arched aperture contact track.


IMG_6931.jpeg


Aperture magnet Mg1 (green arrow) and release magnet Mg2 (magenta arrow).


Since I chose this T90 for my photography work and want to stay in training, I'll start repairing it soon. To do this, I'll remove the mirror box without opening the front connector to avoid contact problems during reassembly, see


Stay tuned!
 
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Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

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IMG_6930.jpeg


The regular division of the contact path on the aperture control indicates that an analog signal is being converted into a digital one.

As the wiper moves along the contact path, it generates a voltage pulse (ON/OFF) whose duration depends on the distance traveled.

This pulse controls a digital counter, and the T90 uses this to determine how wide the aperture is open and can close it accordingly.

That's my simplified assumption.
 
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Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

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Removing the mirror box with the front connector closed, servicing the shutter

When removing and installing the T90's mirror box, problems can occur with the front connector, which connects three flexible circuit boards. Contact issues can render the camera inoperable, rendering all previous repairs useless.

Instead of opening the front connector, I've developed an alternative method for removing the mirror box that leaves the front connector closed. This avoids contact problems during reassembly.

See details here:


I used this method again today with success.

To access the aperture magnet for cleaning, the mirror box has to be removed.

I also use this opportunity to clean the release magnet, which no longer works (flashing arrow on the display).

Both magnets are installed in the same place.


1.jpg


The battery compartment and covers have been removed.


8.jpg


The mirror box is unfolded and not separated from the camera. The front flex connector on the release side remains closed.

Here, the T90 is already connected to my lab power supply to test the charge motor coupling. I use this to test whether the shutter, mirror, and aperture are cocked properly after reinstalling the mirror box.


3.jpg


The shutter is a surprise.

The second damper has also become sticky; I had already removed the first one during the initial repair session.

So I have to disassemble and clean the shutter again.


2.jpg


Due to the sticking and operation of the shutter, one of the rear curtains’ slats is bent.

There's nothing that can be done to straighten it; the slats are too flexible, but I have a replacement.


4.jpg


The T90's vertical focal plane shutter is easy to disassemble, unlike other SLRs.


5.jpg


Happy is who has original spare parts 🙃


6.jpg


The complete rear shutter curtain (first curtain) as a spare part from a discontinued T90.

I clean the sticky parts and assemble the shutter with the new curtain.


7.jpg


Both black worm screws for tensioning the curtains are intact.

They break easily on the T90, so their condition should also be checked during a shutter service like today.


Cleaning the magnets

9.jpg


Both magnets are located at the rear, bottom left of the mirror box.

Here, on the folded-away mirror box, you can see the release magnet with its two copper coils at the top.


10.jpg


The release magnet in closeup.


11.jpg


After loosening its retaining screw …


15.jpg


… I can clean the contact surfaces of the magnet with benzine.

You can also remove the release magnet for cleaning from the outside, see



12.jpg


The aperture magnet is located directly above the release magnet.

You can remove it for cleaning, see

Post in thread 'Canon T90: Service and repair using practical examples'
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...-using-practical-examples.213586/post-2898803

but I don’t want to do that because the unfolded mirror box is unwieldy to work on.

14.jpg


So I bend the tip of a cleaning swab with pliers to reach the contact surfaces of the magnet. I clean again with benzine.


13.jpg


It looks worse than it is … 😝
 
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Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

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16.jpg


I also clean the arched aperture contact track on the flush plate with electronic cleaner.

The corresponding wiper under the cover above receives a spray.


17.jpg


This cover became loose.


18.jpg


19.jpg


The cover is quickly reattached.


20.jpg


Reassembly.


21.jpg


Today I have enough space to work 😌


22.jpg


23.jpg


First test.

Cleaning the magnets was successful. The T90 is firing again, and the apertures are forming evenly again. I check this in high-speed mode.


Performance on the camera tester

26.jpg


27.jpg


1/4000 second as the shortest shutter speed.


28.jpg


29.jpg


1/60 second.


24.jpg


25.jpg


Program mode.


Very nice results.

The shutter is a bit on the slower side, but it exposes the image evenly, which is crucial.

The automatic exposure is also OK.
 
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Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

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Conclusion
  • With the T90, the four magnets are the prime suspects when problems arise. EEE/HELP, no shutter release/a flashing arrow on the display, or an erratic aperture control can often be traced back to dirty magnets.
  • I now recommend always disassembling the shutter and removing both sticky dampers. It's obvious that otherwise, the delicate slats can suffer irreparable damage.
  • Keeping the front connector closed avoids the risk of contact problems, which in the worst case scenario are impossible to resolve.

+++

All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
 
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