Canon New F1 Metering Problem

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>Taking my New F1 out for a spin, I find the meter isn't working properly. </p>

<p>With a new battery, at ISO 400, using the AE Finder set on A and a 50mm f/1.4 lens set on 2.8, the horizontal needle goes to the right only to the 2 second mark, and the shutter opens and closes. In the same light and the same settings, my Sekonic L-508 meter reads out at 1/250 second. With the AE Finder set on a specific shutter speed and otherwise the same settings, the vertical needle rises just above the red mark and the shutter opens and closes for what seems like an accurate speed.</p>

<p>I've been trying to think of some bone-headed thing I'm doing or not doing, but I'm thinking the meter needs repair. Any help much appreciated. In case of needed repair, is Ken Oikawa still in business? Thanks, all.</p>

<p>Robert</p>

<p>Ken is still in business. His typical turnaround time for me has been around 7 days.</p>

<p>Ken Oikawa<br>

28288 West Worcester Road<br>

Sun City, CA, 92586<br>

951-246-9136<br>

<strong> </strong><br>

Ken prefers items to be sent via USPS, NOT UPS or FEDEX.<br>

He does not do PayPal or credit cards.</p>

<p><br />After evaluation (usually the same day he receives it), he will phone you with a cost.</p>

<p><br /><br /></p>

<p>BONE-HEAD: Focusing screen installed incorrectly! <br>

Ken has done a couple of cameras and lenses for me, and I"m very glad I didn't bother him with this one!<br>

Face red now....</p>

<p>I'm glad you managed to solve the problem, Robert. I've done much "stupider" things with my cameras.</p>

<p>The F-1N is my all-time favourite SLR - a real beauty.</p>

<p>Thanks Mark,</p>

<p>Yes, I love the camera. I was lucky enough to buy it as NOS a couple of years ago, and had Ken Oikawa give it an overhaul. From the same source as NOS came an AE Motor Drive FN, High Power Ni-Cd Pack FN, and the Ni-Cd MA/FN charger. A technician at KEH rebuilt the Power Pack. It all works great and makes a formidable appearance, and even more so with the SpeedFinder attached.</p>

<p>Robert</p>

<p>I've always used the original F-1 -- or F-1n cameras. To me, they're just about a perfect photographic tool. But a couple years ago, I bought a New F-1 with AE Finder, mostly because I kept reading how great a camera it was. Shortly after buying the camera, I went all-in and bought my preferred focusing screen for it (Partial plain matte) and AE Motor Drive FN.</p>

<p>Wow, what an outfit! I would have never thought I'd find a camera more rugged than the old F-1, bu the New F-1 has it beat, hands down. I'm sure I could drive nails with it if I needed to. I've also always liked the viewfinder info with the old F-1. To the point, with no frills. But the AE Finder manages to out-do it as well, without being intrusive. I still own two original F-1s, but these days I find that, when I want to shoot with a Canon FD body, the New F-1 is usually the one I reach for first. And no, the added weight of the motor drive doesn't bother me.</p>

<p> </p>