Risk of overhauling a Canon A-1 ?

[Markster]

I'm handy. I'm technically capable. I have soldered some things. I don't really do electronic work much but I have disassembled keyboard backs and other such things and put them back after carefully cleaning them.

I'm not incapable, simply inexperienced.

I have a Canon A-1 that the local camera place says needs a total breakdown, sonic cleaning, and rebuild. The total CLA package. I'm broke and can't afford that. I figure I'll hold onto it (I bought it used, a gamble that did not pay off) until I can afford it.

Now I begin to wonder if I might try my hand at taking it apart myself.

If I'm careful, how risky is this? Is it likely I'll screw up the camera worse than if the pros did the CLA? Even if I screw something up, I can still save it for the total CLA later on, right? (meaning, if I botch it, I haven't precluded the CLA, right?)


So what's the risk of me trying this? What do I need as a beginner? I tried using my small screwdriver set (the ones you can find anywhere with 6 sizes in a plastic case) and it didn't seem to want to budge the screws on the camera. Not wanting to strip the screws I stopped trying for now.

Is it easier than I think? Or should I just leave it to the pros?

 

[Fotoguy20d]

The screws might be loctited in place. Or corroded in place. Or you just need more torque but not enough to bugger the head or twist it off. A-1s aren't the most complicated cameras in the world but there's still a lot you can screw up (pardon the pun) internally. I don't know that I'd try it unless I was willing to write the whole thing off - hope you didn't pay too much for it. I'm trying to imagine what it takes to get an A-1 to the point of needing a CLA - I've owned mine since around 1990 and it was already quite a few years old at that point. I've never done anything to it. It's got a bit of shutter squeak but nothing I can't live with for now. FWIW, I just took out my backup A-1 and a set of 6/$1 Harbor Freight screwdrivers and had no problem backing out screws.

Dan

 

[paul ron]

Try to locate a repair manual. You'll have a better idea of what you are suposed to be doing in what order. Just blindly going in is a sure fire DIY nightmare experiance.

ask me how I know?


.

 

[DWThomas]

I have a .pdf of an A-1 service manual that I found on the web about four years ago -- but not sure where. At any rate, a little Googling finds this one. You might want to download a copy of that before it wanders elsewhere. (It's about 18 MB -- hope you're not on dial-up!)

I'm not sure I'd be in any hurry to open mine up -- but then, so far, it's working. There are multiple flexible printed circuit boards snaked through various internal spaces; it's not for the faint of heart. But you could always take the tack "it doesn't work, how bad can I screw it up!"

I'm sure many of us A-1 owners will be interested in hearing more if you do wade into it.

DaveT

 

[John Koehrer]

Your screwdrivers are probably Phillips point. The screws are not. I want to say they're JCII standards which have a blunted tip.
Microtools sells everything the tyro camera mechanic could ever want.
Since all the screws in the camera are crosspoint a 2 or 2.5mm tip would work, you also need a handle.
What's the problem with the camera?
The description you got from the repair joint is BS plain and simple. They'll remove the covers, clean any visible grease , maybe apply some new. Then they'll attack the visible pivots with watch oil. The linkages on the side of the mirror box likely won't get any attention because you can't get to them without a complete disassembly.
There are several points under the bottom cover that use grease but the majority had a lifetime supply from the factory. This is assuming it hasn't been playing in the sand at the beach.

*Depending on the problem, it may not be mechanical but electronic. Hmmmmm.*

 

[2F/2F]

There's a pretty decent general camera repair book that I found in the library. I forgot who wrote it, but you should go to your library and give it a gander before you tear into the camera.

 

[flatulent1]

Another option is to pick up a camera at a flea market or thrift shop for $5, and tear into that. Won't help you much with the A-1, but it'll give you some idea of what you're letting yourself in for.

 

[semeuse]

The series of books by Thomas Tomosy on camera repair are wonderful (I believe that's the one 2F/2F was referring to). I used them as a basic guide to tearing into a few different cameras - Petri, Exacta, an old folder. Haven't had to do any major work on any of the Canon cameras I have, but he does cover them. If the camera's a wreck to begin with, it can be a lot of fun to figure out how things are supposed to work. I actually got the Exacta working, though I still have to adjust the shutter speeds.
Someone has already mentioned Microtools as a source for small tools. A small screwdriver set, a few cheap needlenose pliers (you can modify the tips as you go - building up a specialty tool box), some jewelers tweezers, and a clear, well lit desk that won't be disturbed should get you through. Have fun