Does Canon still service the AE-1

[dogface]

Loaned my original to the student next door for use in her photography class. She lost a screw that lets light into the film chamber. I also had broken off the rewind handle several years before (worked around it with a wire connector and screw). Found a replacement (with several lenses) for $70 in a pawn shop a few weeks ago. Haven't had time to fully check it out (get any film developed) but it make quite a different shutter sound than my original. Thought maybe I'd get them both service - if possible.

Although I'm all digital now, I want to use my AE-1 to take some scope pictures with real slide film. The beach scope providers are ridiculously expensive and have gone to using digital prints inside the scopes (which suck big time).

[The Fox]

I am very doubtful that canon even has parts for that old of a camera. It would most likely be cheapest and easiest to just replace it.
Nick

[crn3371]

You should be able to pick up a new or refurbed film Rebel for around $100. And, you'd be able to use all of your ef lenses with it.

[The Fox]

But the rebels≠AE-1. I would recommend an EOS 3 or a 1 series body for $200-300 for an upgrade.
Nick

[Aucomo]

I too have an AE-1 that I can not part with. It needed some new light sealing. Found a place called CSI near St. Louis Missouri. I brought it in and he looked at it. checked the shutter speeds and other functions told me it would cost 50.00 it put the sealing and another 15 to send it back to me. was very happy. I live over a 100 miles from them. I to could of gone to a pawn shop or on the internet for another but this was my first SLR.

[DDWD10]

$100 for a used film Rebel is a pretty bad value when you can get an Elan 7E for that price or an Elan II for as low as $15...

EOS 3 or EOS 1 are fantastic and a great value as well.

[DC Fan]

There are stores (http://robertsimaging.com/) where you would have a good chance finding a used AE-1 and lenses for sale at reasonable prices. A phone call might get useful results.

[monokrome]

Take a look at craigslist, there's two AE1's for sale in my area right now. Maybe your will as well.

[440roadrunner]

A Rebel for 100? I don't THINK so. I just bought an ElanII on 'the bay' just like new for 42 bucks US. In fact, I just got back tonight trying it out on a sunset, my 40D on one tripod, and the ElanII on the other.

MAN!!! 24 exposure film goes through those things fast!!!

[The_Camera_Poser]

My wife has 2 AE1's- she said I could sell them for her if I wanted, but no way! I can get an 85/1.2L for chicken feed for those babies!

[amfoto1]

Hi,

Canon probably won't work on it, but there are hordes of local camera repair shops who will.

The old FD mount cameras can be great fun to go out and burn a few rolls of film with every now and then. The AE-1 Program is one of my favorite models. I have a pair of them with Motor Drives, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm and 70-200/4 FD"N" lenses, plus a few other accessories. Eventually I'd like to get 20mm and 200/2.8 lenses too.

Unfortunately repairs can get rather expensive, relative to the value of the camera itself. Plus, you have to watch out for over-charging.

For example, you mentioned an odd shutter sound, which is quite common on the Canon A-series when they sit unused for a long time. It's often referred to as "shutter squeal", but actually isn't the shutter at all. It's the mirror lift mechanism and, if left unrepaired, won't "fix itself" and eventually will lead to inaccurate shutter timing.

Some shops charge you $50-60 to fix that particular problem. However, it actually only involves removing a single screw and then reaching in through the screw hole to place one or two tiny drops of very light oil in just the right place. It takes about 2 minutes to fix. I've done it on several of my own A-series cameras and fixed friends' as well. The hardest thing about it was getting hold of a syringe to apply the oil, since syringes are considered drug paraphernalia and are pretty closely regulated here in California.

The other thing very often needed on those old cameras is replacement light seals. On the film door this is a job you can do yourself with a little practice and a lot of care.

There's a guy on eBay who sells light seal kits that are quite good and inexpensive. Look for seller who goes by "Interslice". A kit costs about $12. It's generic and actually comes with enough materials to do 4 or 5 cameras, probably. Instructions are included.

But, the foam seal/bumper in the light box is in a somewhat delicate location and not something I'd recommend you try to replace yourself if you are inexperienced in camera repair. Most shops charge about $25 or 30 for a complete light seal replacement.

However, when a camera is in for seals and/or shutter squeal, most camera repair shops will advise you to go ahead and have a full "CLA" done at the same time. This is a Clean, Lube & Adjust, which means partially disassembling the camera and going through it to make sure its in top working condition. The metering system is checked and adjusted as necessary. The shutter speeds are checked and adjusted as needed. Costs vary, but usually start around $125-150, assuming no parts are needed. This should include fixing the "shutter squeal". Light seal replacements are often done at the same time, sometimes at a little additional cost.

Spending this much to service an old camera you picked up at a garage for $25 can be a bit hard to justify in one's mind. But, if you are going to be using it a CLA is highly recommended to make it as enjoyable as possible and keep from wasting film (due to light leaks, a slow shutter, incorrect meter, etc.).

The other weak point on the A-series is the battery door. It's plastic and often gets broken. This is also a relatively easy fix and replacement doors (admittedly of varying quality) are available on eBay and elsewhere for just a few dollars. It can actually be replaced without removing the top from the camera, but it's a little tricky and there is a tiny spring on the hinge that needs to be watched for and replaced properly.

Thankfully the batteries for the A-series are pretty easily found (last I looked, Walmart had packages of three that were by far the least expensive way to buy them).

CHeers!

[DigitalSpecialist]

If anyone needs the CSI listing just PM me. I live only minutes from there. And I have another shop closer to me that also does full service on most 35 and medium format cameras.

[spitfirejd]

To answer the OPs original question, no, Canon does not repair the AE-1. The digital Rebel XT is the oldest SLR they still service. However, as already mentioned, many independent camera shops still do.

[Glenn NK]

If one is going to replace an AE-1, why not replace it with an A-1?

The difference in used prices will be small.

[dogface]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll probably just end up taking parts from the pawn shop model and fixing my original (bought 28 years ago while in the Marines stationed in Iwakuni, Japan - sentimental favorite). I also might try a little oil on the pawn model. Best lens I have for it is a 50mm f1.4 with about six more along with a bunch of filters, gels, and such. If I did start film on a regular basis again, I'd probably just spring for a 7NE. Of course, I always did want an F-1....