Canon A-Series SLR models- Guestbook/Message Board

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Canon A-Series SLR models - Archived Messages/Guestbook Entries

Canon AV-1 (1979) Canon AT-1 (1978) Canon A-1 (1978)
Canon AL-1 (1982) Canon AE-1 (1976) Canon AE-1 P (1981)

| 1101-1150 |

From S. McDonald (Fri Sep 17 19:51:07 1999 ):
I have a cannon ae-1 camera that I have had for about 10 years. While on vacation a couple of weeks ago, my shutter mal-functioned and probably needs to be repaired/replaced. I tried to find a site on-line where to send it to be repaired. Does anyone have a telephone number where I can contact Canon to find out where I can take it to be repaired? Thanks for any help!
From Jim5618 (Fri Sep 17 01:21:01 1999 ):
Hi, This is a great site. Thought I would share my knowledge and ask for some more in return... I decided to take up repairing AE-1s as a hobby about 2 months ago. I just jumped in with bothe feet, bought a couple of repair manuals and bought some non working cameras off ebay. What I have learned is that for these the most common reason they didn't work was due to the tungston wire breaking. This is easy to diagnose because the camera looks fine (mirror is down) but it won't advance or shoot. If you unscrew the rewind knob and the snap ring and black cover underneath (very easy) you can see the brass control underneath. If you turn the shutter speed knob there should be cresponding movement here. If not then the string is broken. Unfortunately this is costly to fix at the shop. The string is $20.00 from Canon but tricky to replace and get the timing right. At least this may help you determine whatt is wrong with the camera....for the payback...anyone know the common cause for a mirror that stays up?
From Kai Pin (Sun Sep 12 15:37:32 1999 ):
TO FRANK: The Speedlite 299T can be used with any A-series and T-series cameras. It can be used with the New F-1 as well.
From Frank (Sat Sep 11 23:58:57 1999 ):
Dear readers, What a great site this is! I have a Canon A1 and I wondered whether anyone has tied the speedlite 299T with it. It is for sale here for about 100US$, not too much I think. Frank
From Tick (Fri Sep 10 11:14:45 1999 ):
Well done, finally Canon FD fans got what they have long been waiting for! Hope this homepage resources will keep on expanding. Thank you & Best Regards. Tick from Ampang KL.
From Terry Carraway (Thu Sep 9 22:35:34 1999 ):
Lundi, Ihad this problem with my A-1, the answer ws to push the multi exposure lever and then wind. It seems that the film transport was wound, but the shutter was't.
From Kai Pin (Thu Sep 9 16:39:45 1999 ):
FOR GERRY: Actually, the instruction manual for the AV-1 is readily available on this site. It is featured as part of the camera's section rather than a separate online manual. All you need to do is click on the AV-1 icon (1st model from the left) on top of this page. Once you enter, click NEXT near the bottom page and you will go to the section for the instruction manual. Happy Surfing!
From gerry (Thu Sep 9 09:25:29 1999 ):
My daughter has just recently been given an old Canon AV-1 in preparation for a school photography course. Any idea where we could get a manual on the camera? Thanks in advance.
From Lundi (Thu Sep 9 07:42:02 1999 ):
What a wonderful resource this is! Quick question-- i am an avid photographer and have had very few problems with my AE-1 that are not easily fixed. the other day, i finished a roll of film and attempted to load another. but when i tried to advance the film in the usual fashion (release the shutter a few times so that the lever unlocks and allows the film to wind) anyhow, to make a long story short, despite all of my efforts *including replacing the battery* the shutter refuses to release...does anyone know what might have caused this? there were no apparent problems prior to the moment i tried to load the film....any advice is warmly welcomed :)
From Terry Carraway (Tue Sep 7 22:13:17 1999 ):
To KAAN, you might want to try Bright Screen, they do replacement and upgrade screens for many cameras, including A series Canon. KAI, actually there are updated Data Back A models when dates up to about 1999 0r 2000.
From jim5618 (Fri Sep 24 04:00:37 1999 ):
Chris, I had a similar problem with mine that turned out to be the light seals. This is the foam that the door comes on contact with. I got a guy in DC who replaced mine for $25.00. It is intermitant due to the pressure on the door by you grip or by how long it was before you advanced the film. For example the first shot in a series would have it and not the next three.
From Terry Carraway (Thu Sep 23 22:31:32 1999 ):
For LAD, look to past messages. You have the dreaded Canon A series "shutter squeek". It is fixable, but it will lead to total failure if not corrected.
From Chris (Thu Sep 23 13:05:38 1999 ):
Sorry, one more thing. Can anyone tell me of a good place to pick up the standard back for an AE-1? Not too many good places in my little corner of the planet, and the databack is somewhat of a pointless effect without working out a system to replace the now defunct 78-88 year on the wheel :)
From Chris (Thu Sep 23 12:55:10 1999 ):
This truly is a great site. Have a problem with my AE-1. I only bought the camera a couple months ago and have had a ball with it. My problem originates with the last two rolls of film I've shot. For the most part, my photos are fine, but every so often (approx 1 in 4) I'll get a photo with a wide orange bar or two smaller orange bars across the face, usually in the center of the frame. So far I've been told heat exposure on the film (wrong), damage to the film cartridge (wrong), and I know it's not the developing because the other rolls from my newer EOS are fine. I'm stumped for whats causing this to happen. The only thing I've done differently on these past two rolls is use the 'auto' aperture feature on the camera. The effect happens with any lens (I've tried several), and seemingly at any light level/exposure/film speed etc etc. The camera has a databack on it, but using or not using this feature has no effect. Anyone help me out? Feel free to fire me a line at my email address if you'd like to see what the effect is or if you can help me out.
From Wayne Hughes (Thu Sep 23 11:39:32 1999 ):
I have a A-1 and i am looking for a +2 diopter. Has any one seen one lately
From Jodi (Wed Sep 22 23:07:56 1999 ):
This is a great site. This is for Jim5618, I'm looking for a lens cap for my AE-1 and tried the phone number you gave but they don't have what I need. The lens that I have is a 50mm 1:1.8. Does anyone out there have a dead camera with a lens you would like to sell?
From Paul Barefoot (Tue Sep 21 04:06:22 1999 ):
I have a AT-1 that took a dunking in the river. Everything works just fine, except for the fact that if I don't remove the battery when I am not using the camera it will go dead real fast,(less than a day). I have sent it to a local repair shop. They would not touch it. The other places I have called or e-mailed told me not to bother. Does anyone out there know where I can get it repaired? I have a F-1, but I have been using the AT-1 for over 20 years and would like to use it for a least another 20. If not fixed, maybe replaced. Anyone have a body you want to part with? Thanks
From Jim5618 (Tue Sep 21 03:48:29 1999 ):
Three things... First, the number for Canon is 1-800-652-2666 but I would suggest shopping around locally. For S. McDonald, try the diagnosis I posted a few days ago. Sounds like the wire snapped. Lastly, I tinker with the AE1's as a hobby (I don't fix other people's cameras). If any of these camera's are pronounced dead I would be interested in purchasing them to tinker with.
From Andy Doppel (Sat Sep 18 23:18:35 1999 ):
Have AE-1P, bought new many years ago. While taking a pix, with flash, smoke came out of camera. Now, when looking through the view finder, no matter what the light conditions are, the lens aperture reading is always at a flashing 4. Is camera repairable?
From lad (Sat Sep 18 15:01:05 1999 ):
Have a trusty AE-1P that was pronounced "fatal" by a camera store employee because it has an occasional "whizzz" noise in the shutter. He says this will grow worse over time, then quit altogether. True or not? Any preventative maintenance? Thanks in advance.
From Chris Lee (Mon Oct 4 12:44:10 1999 ):
Hi, I have an AE-1 program with its original lens. I am interested in buying different lenses for it and I need some advice on what kind of lens I should look for that will work on my camera. Thanks for any help.
From Mildred (Sat Oct 2 22:48:26 1999 ):
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knows a site or manufacturing place where we could order accessories for the AE-1. I would like to get a Winder A, so if anyone knows anything, please email me with the info. Thanx!
From Lisa (Thu Sep 30 09:14:14 1999 ):
Just wanted to say this is a great site. I have had my AE-1 for a couple of years but did not know how to use it. I started taking a photography course and found the manual on line for the camera and am ready to go. Glad to hear so many of you have had success with your AE-1's - as I acquired this camera, I was not sure how good it was so I am glad to hear it is reliable and a good camera. Thanks!
From Terry Carraway (Thu Sep 30 03:05:57 1999 ):
To Ravinder - I had this problem with my A-1, but at the time Canon was still fixing them. It took them two tries to fix it. I think they had to replace a circuit board. To Brent - for most uses on Canon A series the lens should be set to A (green on Canon lenses).
From jim5618 (Wed Sep 29 01:42:57 1999 ):
For those looking for a Back for an AE-1 or others I suggest contacting a larger camera repair shop. These parts are no longer available from Canon so the only hope is to find one off of a broken camera.
From Mildred (Tue Sep 28 04:01:57 1999 ):
Hi, I have the AE-1 and I need a new back for it. Can someone tell me where to get one. I need it urgently. Plus, this is a great site. It took me forever to find a site like this for A1. I had the camara for a long time but just recently realized what a great camara i have.
From beltran lara (Sun Sep 26 09:47:06 1999 ):
i had the same problem of ravinder walia, i wrote about it some time ago, but didnt get any answer, i took my a1 to the canon store they wont look at it, so i went to a repair store (non canon) they fix it,(just as new) so i was incredibly happy, then after one week it was dead again so i put a new battery (i spend more money in batteries than film) and it wont do any good and when i take it of the camera it was very hot, now im just praying that they didnt fried it.
From ravinder walia (Sun Sep 26 08:58:40 1999 ):
I have a problem with my A1 the meter is on all the time. This causes the battery to run flat very quickly. Even if the shutter button is released the LEDs in the viewfinder can still be read. I see that a previous poster had a similar problem. Does anyone know how to solve this. Thanks, Rav
From brent patterson (Fri Sep 24 21:09:42 1999 ):
I have a ae-1 with a light meter problem if anyone can give a clue I would appreciate greatly. When I Push the button to check exp. the needle on the light meter drops straight to the bottom and the red l.e.d. starts flashing like the picture is under exposed. Turninjg the apeture ring doesn't help. Neither has taking the battery out and back in..lenses off and on ect.. Battery check works!
From Don Olson (Fri Sep 24 04:13:33 1999 ):
I wasn't surprised to hear Miklos hasn't changed batteries in over 20 years. I bought my A1 in 82 as a used camera. I also bought a spare battery for I think $5US. I still haven't used the spare.
From dan (Wed Oct 13 05:42:46 1999 ):
we have an ae-1 program, and recently it jammed when we went to advance the film. the lever won't move any more than halfway than normal. the shutter will push down, but nothing happens. what happened, and how do you fix this ? is there some way to remove the top of the camera ? thanks
From Bill Poplaski (Wed Oct 13 05:42:18 1999 ):
Iam looking for a manual for my AE-1Program can anyone tell me where I might be able to get one. Thanks Bill
From Terry Carraway (Tue Oct 12 23:36:10 1999 ):
Mick - Canon FD 50mm lenses are very available. Try eBay (www.ebay.com) or just about any camera store that deals in used equipment. I would suggest looking for a 50mm f1.4 rather than the f1.8. Better lens, and not much more expensive.
From Mick (Sun Oct 10 08:25:15 1999 ):
I bought my Canon A1 in 1982 second hand for £150. There is no way I will ever part with it. I am looking for a 50mm 1.8 lens to replace my damaged one. Email me if you've got one for sale.
From jim5618 (Sat Oct 9 00:06:47 1999 ):
Dean, The battery doors are still available from Canon (732-521-7230) You need to remove the top cover of the camera and slide the hinge shaft up and out of the camera. TWO WARNINGS! Don't loose the tiny spring that holds the door open, and be careful sliding the shaft up. It tends to catch on the circuts and could tear them. It's pretty easy to replace as long as you are careful. Email me if you need directions for taking the top off. FYI the film door light seals are also still available. Almost everything else is out of production.
From Dean (Fri Oct 8 03:00:07 1999 ):
I ran across this site quite by accident, but I love it. I teach a photography class, and I've discovered a bunch of info on the types of cameras my students bring in. I also have an AE-1 that I have no desire of parting with. However, I do need a new battery compartment door. Have any lying around? Thanks
From Rick Wright (Thu Oct 7 03:14:19 1999 ):
I have a A-1 that I have owned for the past 18 years. I love it. However I guess it got mad at me ( I just purchased a Kodak Digital 265 ) I had to send the 265 back for repair and when I loaded up my A-1 everytime I advance the film, the shutter fires.
From Jack (Wed Oct 6 08:47:36 1999 ):
Looking for dioptic lenses for AE-1 VIEWFINDER. aLSO, ACCESSORIES FOR A-2 WINDER AS WELL AS ANOTHER A-2 WINDER
From Terry Carraway (Wed Oct 6 01:16:57 1999 ):
Chris - Any Canon FD mount lens with work on your camera. Canon made two versions of this mount themselves, the "old" and "new". The old version is also known as teh breech lock, and has asilver ring that turns to lock the lens. The new is also called a bayonet mount (which is isn't really), and has no lens locking ring, you turn the entire lens to mount. The "old" FD came with either single coated (SC) or multi coated (SSC) optics, the "new lenses are all multicoated. As to performance, both series work very well. The only other thing to "worry" about is that the "old" lenses tend to use 55mm filters and the "new" lenses tend to use 52mm filters in the mid range of focal lengths. Do realise that you can spend a LOT of money collecting a wide range of lenses for your camera, I know. :)
From Jack (Mon Oct 4 21:48:44 1999 ):
To Mildred: RE accessories and Winder for AE-1: Try EBAY auctions in the photo/electronics category under 35mm. (www.ebay.com)
From Jill (Sun Oct 24 01:26:36 1999 ):
Hello. I have an AE-1 Canon with a 70-210mm lens attached. This camera was given to me seems like 10years ago. I decided to take up photography as a hobby and would like to hear some feedback from those that have used this camera. Is it worth learning how to use it? I printed the online manual and was wondering how difficult it would be to use this (is it user friendly). Any feedback is appreciated. Also should I take the camera in to get it clean? Any suggestions? Thanks so much.
From Philip Chong (Sat Oct 23 23:29:57 1999 ):
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTION MANUALS: If there is one thing that baffles me is the number of visitors to the Classic SLR Camera site requesting on how to get the instruction manual for the cameras highlighted here. If they can find their way to the message board of the A-series cameras, surely they are able to find out that some of the models described here, like the AE-1, AE-1 Program and the A-1, already have their instruction manuals online from their respective sections. These online manuals were scanned from the original versions and are as good as the genuine articles. I agree that having a real instruction manual is still the best but in the meantime, you are still trying to locate one, the online version available here is a good alternative.
From Jack (Sat Oct 23 00:56:06 1999 ):
For Steve Knighton, RE Canon A1 Manuals. Two sources are www.ebay.com (auction) and look in Photo/Electronics - Manuals. There are often A1 manuals on auction. The second source is www.craigcameras.com. He has a full listing of camera manuals available and usually has the A1.
From Steve Knighton (Fri Oct 22 09:21:00 1999 ):
As a kid when delivering papers I've always wanted the A1 when it first came out. Now finally, I just bought one used from Penn Camera. Needless to say, I have no owners manuel and would like to know how to obtain a copy - Does anyone know a source? If they are totally unavailable, would anyone be able to make a copy of the A1 owner manuel for me? I would be happy to pay. Thanks for any responses. Cheers, Steve
From Kai Pin (Wed Oct 20 20:04:03 1999 ):
TO DARLA: There are some differences between FD and EF lenses, mostly mechanicals concerning the designs: Most of the single focal length EF versions uses Rear-group focusing compared to helicoids used on the FD series. Optical quality? You are not going to find much difference between the two systems other than the FD 24mm f/1.4L vs. EF 24mm f/1.4L USM. Of course, there was also the older FD 100-300mm f/5.6 (made before 1985) which is a lemon, compared to the improved versions of which there were two, normal and L-series type. Can be distinguished by the newer focusing ring used on the new versions.
From Dirk (Wed Oct 20 13:12:28 1999 ):
WANTED Canon Power WInder A2 - wirring diagram! I have the above product but battery leakage has caused some dammage to 4-5 wires - the soldering has come loose. I cleaned it as best I could but need to know what wire goes where to put it back together. Any help much appreciated.
From Darla (Wed Oct 20 03:04:14 1999 ):
Hello, I have been considering either an A-1 or the F1n cameras. Which is considered the better camera? Also how do the FD lenses stack up against the EF lenses of today? Do I have to buy an FD "L" lens to get the quality of today's lenses? Thank you. Darla
From bonito (Thu Oct 14 08:17:52 1999 ):
a friend sold to me a canon ae1-p camera with three lenses a canon 50mm 1.8, the two are sears zoom lenses f/3.5-5.6, and 60-300mm f/4-5.6. Does anyone have the same sears lenses made in korea, may i know their experiences regarding these lenses
From Jack (Thu Oct 14 07:57:16 1999 ):
I have a A-1 that is down. The body is cracked near the advance lever and the film no longer advances. I need information as to where to take this for repair or and address to ship it to for repair. I live near St. Louis, MO
From jack (Wed Oct 13 23:11:48 1999 ):
To Bill P. RE the Instruction Manual for the AE-1. Look first on eBay (www.ebay.com) in the photo/electronics area in the manuals section. If not there, you can order one directly from www.craigcamera.com. Craig has a whole list of instruction manuals for all sorts of cameras and accessories.

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