charles_madigan Posted August 24, 2002 Share Posted August 24, 2002 I borrowed a AE-1 program camera. It was working (I could advance the film and fire the shutter). All of a sudden, it will not fire the shutter. I put a new batt in it and the red lights work in the view finder. The meter works since they read out changes as I move towards different light sources. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. I need help! Thanks in advance, Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelchristensen Posted August 24, 2002 Share Posted August 24, 2002 I don't have a definitive answer but the Canon A bodies all require cleaning, lube and adjustment every couple of years. Was it squeeking before the hang up?? If there was a noticable chirp, that's solved by a lube done at the camera repair shop. If you can not advance the film lever in the normal fashion you may have a problem which is more costly to repair. Suggest a trip to a camera shop that does repair for pro photographers to get you an estimate/idea of the problem. If it's more than $200 to fix, consider a replacement body and use the one you have for parts or trade. PS. If you don't do camera repair -- leave it to the pros -- you can damage the shutter by forcing things. A stuck shutter may be something simple or complex but leave it to those who do it professionally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgpinc Posted August 24, 2002 Share Posted August 24, 2002 Try turning the shutter speed all the way to 'B' and see if that causes it to release. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daryl_sullivan Posted August 25, 2002 Share Posted August 25, 2002 I've seen this before, and heard it has something to do with the circutry, a magnet sticking, or something like that. This might work: take the battery out, and turn it upside down and try to fire the shutter. Then take the battery out and install it correctly and try to fire the shutter. You may have to do it a couple of times, but sometimes this will loosen it up and get it working again. I've seen a few A series cameras in this situation, and this technique works often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles_madigan Posted August 25, 2002 Author Share Posted August 25, 2002 I guess its time for the repair shop. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to try and help. Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Katz Posted August 25, 2002 Share Posted August 25, 2002 If it needs to be fixed, try sending it to Karl Aimo, at AE1REPAIR@aol.com. You can check him out on the photo.net "Users Recommendation". He specializes in Canon A series bodies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rog21 Posted August 25, 2002 Share Posted August 25, 2002 I left this in the FD forum and it may seem a silly question but... Are you sure you have advanced the film all the way to the next frame? If not, the shutter will not cock or fire. The AE1 (and all A and F series) have multi-stroke advance levers, you can advance the film in multiple short strokes or one long stroke. I hope it's that simple... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike f Posted August 26, 2002 Share Posted August 26, 2002 I had one of these a long time ago and it used to have a problem like I think you are describing. Release the film as if you want to rewind it and then try advancing the film again. It used to work for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles barcellona www.bl Posted August 26, 2002 Share Posted August 26, 2002 Its the magnet sticking, and VERY easy to fix If you knew what part the magnet was, you could unstick it yourself. I worked for a dealer in the 70/80's and we used to unstick these all the time while the customer waited. Takes like 5 minutes, and once unstuck will likely remain so as long as the camera gets reasonably frequent use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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