Just completed my Canon A-1 squeak repair, here's how

<p>so last weekend i decided that i was going to repair my A-1 (repair squeal squeak on canon a-1 ae-1) , and not send it off. At first i was a bit intimidated because the instructions were in german, but after using google translate, and having my boss, who is german, assist me in translation, i was able to understand them enough to proceed.</p>

<p>for the most part, it was pretty strait foward. the only thing that got me concerned is that it didnt work at first. but thats what the instructions stated, so i tried it 2 more times, and there it worked. after winding it and releasing the shutter about 35 times, no more squeal. i was really impressed.</p>

<p>as for the materials i used, i used 20-w5 motor oil, i think. not sure what that really means, but i used a very small amount. for the syringe, i went to the local co-op, and got some 20 ga ones that were intended for animal vaccinations. they were only 1 inch long needles, and in reality i needed 2 inch ones. i kind of had to just put it in as far as possible, and let the oil drop onto the gear.</p>

<p>what i oiled was the small copper/bronze colored gear (some call it a break), just a few drops, let it sit upside down, and give it a few cranks and your in business.</p>

<p>the instructions are actually quite clear, once read a few times. just be sure not to use more than a drop of oil in the needle at a time. and be careful! use common sense, and if your not comfortable (get shaky hands when your nervous) i would not proceed. also if the camera has a lot of value, or is an antique, you would be better off sending it off.</p>

<p>i do not accept any responsibility if you mess something up, and the instructions come from this website, i simply translated them.</p>

<p>http://www.aldo-net.com/Canon/</p>

<p>im sorry if i'm posting a thread thats been up before, but when i was looking for information, it would have been great to find a thread with specific peoples advice and a good translation. any input is greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>ps. when i do my AE-1, i will take good notes and pictures. </p>

<p>attached file is the translation </p>

<p>Saxon, I find it simpler to remove the front decorative plate (4 screws) - then remove the one flange mounting screw closest to the squeaking pulley, and lubricate the pulley with slightly bent, long needle hypodermic. This way I can actually feel when the needle touches the noisy wheel. The needle needs to be bent slightly to reach the wheel. I discovered the procedure on the auction site, where a vendor was offering a kit with the needle and instruction sheet. Five screws, two drops, exercise. Done in about ten minutes.</p>

<p>Forgot to clarify: the needle is inserted into the hole from the removed flange mounting screw.</p>

<p>ive actually never herd that method before! im sure if i had seen it i would have sure tried. i just like the part with the directions i found of only removing the bottom plate. less dangerous to me haha. do you have any pictures? i would love to see how thats done.<br>

heres my opened A-1</p><div></div>

<p>Yes but all you did was stop the squeek. You didn't do the dozens of other lubrications and adjustments that should be done when an A series camera is serviced. So now with no squeek to make you think it needs a Clean Lube and Adjust it won't get one.<br>

I strongly and continuously recommend getting your camera serviced properly by a trained Camera repair tech.</p>

<p>I agree with Mark all FD cameras are more than twenty years old and almost all of them have never had a C.L.A and had the light traps replaced that they need to be a reliable working camera, I have had all my FD bodys serviced by a professional service engineer in the last twelve months, and they ll came back like new, it was worth every penny.</p>

<p>Good advice, Ben and Mark. Eliminating the squeak is only a temporary fix. Light seals are likely gone as well. A CLA would be the best solution.</p>

<p>thanks a lot guys... considering this thread was titled squeak repair... thats what i was concentrating on. </p>

<p>and jack fisher, yes it did need new light seals, so i replaced them, and yes ben myerson, i did completely clean and lube everything internal that needed it. i also verified the exposure. thanks for the input on Everything Else, but the main reason i started this thread was to have the instructions in english. </p>

<p>Long syringe tips are available from many industrial supply catalogs like McMaster Carr.</p>

<p>Got my long needle syringes at the local chain pharmacy for 35 cents each.</p>

<p>Who do you send it to for that CLA?</p>

<p>Just wanted to say Thanks! I just received an A-1 to replace my AE-1 which stopped functioning.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was squealing badly, but now it is fixed! Thank you very much, and I hope others find this post to be as equally useful!<br /><br /><br /><br />Light seals are next.. (this all sucks as my AE-1 just was repaired last year, and I replaced all the light seals)...<br /><br />Leaky bottle of water took out my camera..</p><div></div>

<p>Just got an A1 off the auction site for $14.95. Seller said for parts/Repair as it was not firing. I opened the Battery door, and immediately noticed a slightly oxidized battery connection. Wiped the connector with a Hama Battery Brush, inserted a brand new battery, and voila, had a working camera, although it has the well known Squeak issue. <br>

Now I will try the Squak repair and ligth seals... I already bought some different gauge blunt needles. and the Light seal materials. <br>

And I will refresh my German a bit.. by reading the German notes.. <br>

What is the recommended lubricant? <br>

I Might consider buying a shutter speed tester. (I got about 4 A1's now, and a dozen AE1) The shutter speed testers go for around $120 on the auction site for most options to decently check a SLR. <br>

Finding a repair manual is as easy as googling "A1 Repair manual pdf" .... <br>

BTW: You can find a youtube with a Quick fix where the camera shop is spraying some WD-40 by removing just the front Lens mount....how dare they... funny, just looked at a WD-40 Spray Bottle, and the first it says is "Stops Squeaks" </p>

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