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Canon A-1 problem


david_felix1

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<p>My A-1 is having a problem, and I have searched the web and not found this problem posted anywhere. When I have it set in program mode, or shutter priority mode, the meter shows 'bulb'. When I push the shutter release button, it ignores the shutter setting on the dial and leave the shutter open until I turn the camera off. If I put it in aperture priority mode, it selects the lens's maximum aperture and chooses the shutter speed. If I try full manual mode, it ignores the shutter setting and uses bulb, just like shutter priority. Has anyone else heard of this problem? Any Ideas on what it might be and the cost to fix it? This was my high school graduation gift so I am interested in getting it fixed if the cost is reasonable. Thanks in advance.</p>
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<p>Have you tried a new battery, sometimes a low battery causes problems? If you decide to send it off for repair I can recommend KEH Repair. I sent them my A-1 when it developed the squeaky shutter. They repaired the cause of the squeal and performed a CLA for $125.00 including shipping. I had the work done Spring 2011. When I got my camera back it was like holding and using a new camera, unbelievably clean. Like you I have a sentimental attachment to the A-1, it was given to my by my father-in-law and that started my photographic adventures using Canon FD gear.</p>
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<p>I had an A-1 many moons ago and this problem you report is, if I remember rightly, due to a conflict between the settings you have chosen on the camera. It would help to get a copy of the manual. This might help: <a href="http://www.butkus.org/chinon/canon/canon_a-1/canon_a-1.htm">http://www.butkus.org/chinon/canon/canon_a-1/canon_a-1.htm</a><br>

When you set program or shutter-speed priority, I think you have to set the lens to the green 'A' on the aperture ring - but check that out first.</p>

 

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<blockquote>

<p>When you set program or shutter-speed priority, I think you have to set the lens to the green 'A' on the aperture ring - but check that out first.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>That is correct and it is also true for aperture priority. However, apart from not making that setting, I do not see how there can be any conflict between the various options for settings.</p>

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<p>When shooting in shutter or aperture priority, the lens was set on 'A'. This problem occurs with both my 28 f2.8 and 50 1.8 lenses. I find it strange that even in full manual, with the shutter speed set by the shutter speed knob and the aperture set by the lens, it ignores the manual settings and overrides it with its own bulb setting. My first thought was the battery because it was over five years old. I could not find a Duracell 28L, so I used a Ray-O-Vac A544 which looked to be the same size.</p>
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<p>One note - even new natteries can be weak. I have bought brand new batteries and then checked them, and discovered them to be faulty. A meter is the only way to know for sure. In your case the battery may be fine. If so a trip to Ken Oikawa would fix it up. You can certainly get a replacement on eBay for less than repair costs, but if it means something to you, getting it fixed will bring you much comfort. Here's the last info I found (here on photo.net) for Ken:</p>

<p>Ken Oikawa<br />28288 West Worcester Rd.<br />Sun City CA 92586<br>

951-246-9136</p>

<p>He doesn't have email. He may not be able to do electronic repairs, but others may be able to help there.</p>

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After leaving my A1 in storage for a few years I discovered it displayed exactly the same very specific main dial problem: bulb flashing 32 in Tv and widest aperture on Av. Dismantled it and discovered the cause. The metal brush underneath the A/T dial has become detached. It looks like it was attached with a couple of plastic “welds” which have failed. I’m going to attempt to re-bond it.

F2DB7DB0-49EB-4DCD-88A0-11AEFDF9DA8F.thumb.jpeg.61a4193554d527f54e151f0d45a2650e.jpeg

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