I have a canon AE 1 which doens't seen to be working. It seems to be working fine when I take the photographs, then when i take it to be developed, there is nothing on the film. Is there anything that I am doing wrong or I can fix, or will I have to take it to a shop to get it fixed?
2007-02-09 08:11:42 · 7 answers · asked by Amanda L 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
I checked most of your comments and everything that you suggested seems to be in order. Can anyone suggest a cheap place in London to take it to, even just for a check up?
2007-02-10 01:00:35 · update #1
Sounds like the film is not advancing on the spool - make sure that the film is loaded properly - if it is, then the problems is most likely with the shutter.
2007-02-09 08:39:32 · answer #1 · answered by Chuckie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is the film advancing properly?
It is possible that there could be something wrong with the shutter. That's easy to check
Open the back of the camera (without film in it)
Set it on an exposure that is fairly slow (like 1 second)
Now the shutter is the curtain that covers the lens (if you look from the open back of the camera) the shutter should be closed. You should not be able to see through it at all. If it's stuck open it needs repair.
Now if it is closed, hold the camera toward a light and looking at the shutter, take a press the shutter release button (take a photo).
The shutter should open and let you see through the lens and then close.
If the shutter doesn't open, it needs repair.
The time length the shutter opens needs to be the same as the setting. If you set it on 1 second, it needs to open it for a second, if it is on 1/1000th then it needs to open and close very fast.
Make sure the film is being advanced. AE1s are notorious for this problem. I've lost lots of shots because the stupid film wasn't caught in there properly and it wasn't advancing.
That's about all you can do besides making sure the battery is good.
The AE-1 is really a good camera, and it's so nice to have that solid feel in your hand... it is certainly built to last. Mine is 31 years old and still works after being bumped to hell and back.
But the digital age has caught up and I really like being able to see the results instantly.
2007-02-09 18:41:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Canon film SLR's will develop a common condition that is known as the "Canon Squeek" when they get on in age. This condition is especially prevelant in the AE1 & A1 lines from the late 70's early 80's.
The squeek develops as the lubrication in the shutter mechanism begins to dry and is something that can be fixed relatively easily (and for a reasonable price) by any trained professional.
If you're not hearing any abnormal sounds when you fire the shutter (as I described) then you probably have a situation where your film leader backed out of the take-up spool (a common problem with most 35mm's).
I always suggest that when loading film to wind and fire a couple of extra shots to make sure it has taken hold on the spool. True, you will lose a couple of shots, but it's better than losing an entire roll.
The AE1 is a very nice camera and one worth holding onto (especially if you want to stay connected with film). I might suggest getting your camera a "tune-up" (often referred to as a "CLA" cleaning/lubrication/adjustment) by a repair professional.
This simple tune-up will keep your camera in tip top shape at a reasonable expense (typically <$100). A great place to find this service is on eBay (believe it or not) and while it will require you forgo the use of your trusty AE1 for a few weeks it will insure a long and happy shooting future for you.
2007-02-09 18:06:06 · answer #3 · answered by TheBigSquareHead 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it make a grinding, pulling sort of noise when you advance the film? If so, the film isn't going anywhere and you're taking the shots on an empty slide. I had that problem with my Pentax, and I fixed it simply by putting a small piece of tape over the film on the spool. Otherwise, I can't think of anything that wouldn't be an internal problem....you should probably take it into a shop - find a specialty shop where they really know their stuff.
2007-02-09 16:22:02 · answer #4 · answered by margarita 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you say nothing is the film unused or all the film exposed. If it's unused probably the problem as everyone else mentioned. However if all the film exposed you might want to check all the seals. The camera is old and some of the seal might be dry and not protecting the film from lights
2007-02-09 19:18:43 · answer #5 · answered by r_yapeter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure when you advance the film with the thumb lever, the rewind knob shows that the film is advancing(The knob should spin). After loading a roll of film and carefully checking for proper loading, turn the rewind knob to take all slack out of the roll. That way, when you take a picture, there will no doubt if the film is properly advancing.
2007-02-09 21:03:01 · answer #6 · answered by Mollie's Daddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they charge $140
just to look at it
you decide
2007-02-09 17:16:07 · answer #7 · answered by Elvis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋