Reliable repair for Canon SLR's - EF and AE-1

[januaryman]

I have had a camera or two fixed (sent out) by Penn Camera, but it took forever. I believe I will need repairs to the electrical circuits/meter of two cameras (one at a time), an EF and an AE-1. While getting it fixed, I expect a CLA to be done as well.

I would welcome any recommendations and stories with happy endings - including what it might cost. I'm considering either a repair or another purchase of one of these cameras from an online camera store -

thanks in advance.

 

[benjiboy]

I would advise you to have your AE1 and EF serviced rather than replacing them from an online store, because considering all FD equipment is more than about twenty three years old, and very little of it has ever had any maintenance you would probably be buying yourself problems for the future, if you get yours serviced at least you will know they've been done.
I had the same dilemma recently with my EF and A1, and they cost probably more than the cameras were worth to CLA, but they are both now as smooth as silk, and I hope to enjoy using them for another twenty years.
I live in England and don't know any repairers in the US, I'm sorry I can't help you there myself, but some of the American members will.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I notice that you live in Alexandria, Va. You might try Latent Image here in Richmond, Va. I know it is a bit far, but worth a try.

Jeff

 

[Richard Wasserman]

Bob Watkins at Precision Camera Works in Niles, Illinois services Canons. I've used him several times for repairs on various cameras and always been happy. www.precisioncameraworks.com

 

[januaryman]

Thanks to you all for the recommendations. I will try these, and Essex, which was recommended by a member from another camera forum. I also tried "Advance Camera Repair" that advertised via Goggle when I did a search, but based only on my description, they told me they could not fix it. Scared of old cameras, I guess. Awaiting quotes from a few other shops before I decide.

 

[Venchka]

Please keep us advised. I have an EF in need of the mirror foam bumper.

Good luck!

 

[alroldan12]

There is a good camera repair shop in DC

Pro Photo
(202) 223-1292
1902 I St Nw, Washington, DC 20006

 

[januaryman]

Thanks, alroldan12, I googled them and looks like a potential winner, and within a train ride from where I work. I'll give them a call. Still awaiting estimates from 2 other places I submitted to online.

 

[januaryman]

Please keep us advised. I have an EF in need of the mirror foam bumper.

Good luck!

I think there are kits that are easy to use on the bay, if that's your only problem. Unless you have the dreaded mirror squeal... That's another thing altogether.
I'll update this thread when I find out more about my repair.

 

[benjiboy]

If the mirror foam needs replacing the light trap foam has probably perished too,
januaryman - I think It's only the A series Canon FD cameras suffer from the mirror braking mechanism squeal.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

For the mirror foam and light seal foam, look on the 'bay for a user by the name of "interslice". Guy's name is Jon Goodman, and he's the one who does the DIY foam kits...

-J

 

[januaryman]

If the mirror foam needs replacing the light trap foam has probably perished too,
januaryman - I think It's only the A series Canon FD cameras suffer from the mirror braking mechanism squeal.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[benjiboy]

Good to know. Thanks!

I only know because the guy who just recently serviced my A1 told me.

 

[CanonShot]

Here is a geographically organized list of places that repair film cameras:
http://acecam.com/srindex.html

I have found this service to be very prompt, reliable, and returns my Canons working like new.
http://www.slr35.com/

I pay about $100 for a CLA with new light seals and mirror bumper.

 

[goamules]

I searched and this looks like the best place to pose my question:

I just got a minty looking Canon EF, but the shutter won't fire (it was cheap so I bought it anyway). Is it worth repairing? And who is the best and yet still economical repairman around now?

Thanks,

Garrett

 

[flatulent1]

'Worth repairing' is an individual thing. I would certainly spend the money to fix up a minty EF, others (my local repairman, for example) would say you'll never get your money out of it if you want to sell it later.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Value means far more than a few pieces of paper.Many have difficulties with that.

 

[goamules]

Thanks, I'm looking at slr35.com. The "few pieces of paper" is our standard. I don't want to put say, 2 C-notes into a repair, if I could buy a mint, perfectly working alternate EF for, say, 1 C-note. Simple economics.

But back to this one, it is very nice looking, and I think if I can get a repair for around 1 note I'll do it.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

I'd rather toss my few pieces of paper to the semi-retired repairmen who's making his retirement easier and productive by fixing what many discard.Far more value there for me.Subjective.I have this sentimental attachment to things after some time passes.

 

[goamules]

Well the first repairman, slr35, won't work on EFs. Anyone know a good repair place for Canon EF SLRs?

I'd take it to the local film repair shop in Tucson (been here decades), where I took a 100 year old Protar IV lens, but they botched it. I needed the iris unstuck, the guy decided to polish some of the splotchy brass, taking off the original varnish. I'm all about helping a local or older shop, but I want a careful professional. I'm sentimental too, and don't like seeing something butchered. This EF could work for me, but money is tight, and I don't want to do a costly restore of a common camera just to keep it out of the landfill.

 

[jmcd]

Standard repair for EF at Essex is $130. They did a great job for me on a Canon P.

 

[goamules]

Thanks, looking into Essex and KEH.

 

[WesternYouth]

Midwest photo repair is good as well. I haven't used them myself but they were highly recommended to me by friends who have used them.

http://www.midwestcamera.com/

 

[waynecrider]

I was very disappointed in Essex's service to say the least. I sent my FT3 in for a CLA and had to send it back cause they didn't replace the light leaking foam. How stupid is that? Then I find out later after shelving the camera cause I was shooting other formats that they didn't fix something else that I sent it in for. Naw. Try this guy, he serviced my A1 for half the price and did it right the first time around.
http://www.garryscamera.com/

 

[goamules]

I remember why I hate getting my car repaired by others. Some portion of fixes at even a good, recommended shop will turn out not properly repaired. With a cheap repair, it's not a big deal, but spending $100 on a camera that I could repurchase for $50 just scares me. I will contact Gary too, thanks for the tip about Essex.