Canon AE-1 Repairs

<p>First, I have no connection with this operation other than being a satisfied customer.<br>

I've seen a couple of different posts in this section where folks have had problems with their old Canon AE-1s. I also had a much loved and somewhat decrepit AE-1 but really didn't know what to do with it or where to take it.<br>

Several weeks ago I stumbled across this guys operation. Joe Careta - http://www.slr35.com/camera_repair.htm<br>

After a brief email exchange I shipped off my camera for repair and less than 2 weeks later I had it back and looking almost good as new but more importantly, working like new. Joe was very responsive and promptly replied to any questions I had. <br>

I shot my first roll of 35mm film in almost 15 years ago yesterday afternoon and after developing them last night I am very happy with the performance of the camera.<br>

SO, if you have an old Canon AE-1 laying around needing some attention this guy is worthy of consideration.</p>

 

<p>Thanks Larry. While I don't use a Canon AE-1 I have friends who do and have asked me where to send them. I added Joe to my list of film camera service shops under AE-1.</p>

<p>This could be a good deal, because the AE-1 was hugely popular, so there are lots of them available on eBay. If someone wanted this (now) classic FD camera, he or she could get one on eBay and then send it off for a CLA.</p>

<p>I bought an AE-1 new when it came out, around 1976 or so. (Still have it.) But, today, of all the FD cameras, the EF is the best looking, so that's the one I'd get. No, wait, I do have an EF!</p>

<p>The EF is a great old camera (I own three of them), but there are very few repair techs who will work on them. Early integrated circuit technology and fragile flex-circuit boards are often the most cited reasons, especially the latter.</p>

 

<p>Right, Michael. I queried Joe at the link above, and he said he couldn't do an EF. My guess is that few EFs were sold. Maybe about 1/10000 of the number of AE-1 cameras and their successors.</p>

<p>These days, about 40 years after these cameras were made, I choose a shooter based on how it looks and how I feel using it. (I have about 130 cameras, of which about 50 are completely functional.) The EF just appeals to me. I also like that it takes modern batteries.</p>

<p>Oh, the EF appeals to me also. My favorite SLR is the original Canon F-1, and one of the things I like about the EF is how closely it resembles the old F-1, especially the fact that it has the same multi-function self-timer/mirror up mechanism. From a purely aesthetic point of view, I just think it's a very pretty camera. But I also appreciate its bright, full-information viewfinder, and other subtle things, like the way the shutter speed dial sits proud of the front of the body, making it easier to turn it while keeping ones eye at the viewfinder window. A useful feature that was translated over to the AE-1 -- but not the AE-1 Program or A-1.</p>

 

<p>I still have my working EF, bought in 1974, before I entered the camera repair fold.</p>

<p>I remember many years ago reading that one of the most well known repair techs in the US only refused one camera: the Canon EF. After having a small number reach my desk I learned that they were a maze of interconnected gears and strings, difficult to access and service. I "batted" about 50% with the few EF's I ever encountered.The later AE and A series Canons transferred the mechanical to electronic and went from success to success. That said, the build quality of the EF was so high that few have ever failed and many (including mine) troop on today. </p>