Canon AE-1 Program problems

Warfarin · Aug 20, 2021

Just got an AE-1 Program from EBay. I have shot AE-1’s since the 80’s and always wanted a program. This one was advertised as excellent condition. Well it’s not. Light seals (shock) are all but gone and the worst part is the film advance lever trips the shutter at the end of it’s throw. Sometimes it’s every time sometimes longer. Wondering should I get it repaired or take the loss and try to find a different one. I don’t want to return it because it came with and excellent AE-1 and EOS-10s and 15 filters and and a couple other accessories. I feel the price was fine even with out the AE-1 Program included.

dxqcanada · Aug 20, 2021

Hmm, repair costs would probably be higher in cost than finding another used one.

dxqcanada · Aug 20, 2021

You got tools and some skills?
Product Details | Canon AE-1 Program Service Guide | Canon | Service Manuals | Learn Camera Repair

Warfarin · Aug 20, 2021

dxqcanada said:
You got tools and some skills?
Product Details | Canon AE-1 Program Service Guide | Canon | Service Manuals | Learn Camera Repair

lots of tools some skills

jcdeboever · Aug 21, 2021

this guy has some repair videos on the Canon AE1

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_LLC4wtg7fORCFtw97xhDg

Warfarin · Aug 23, 2021

jcdeboever said:
this guy has some repair videos on the Canon AE1

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_LLC4wtg7fORCFtw97xhDg

Hello Moderators this link need to be a sticky somewhere. Holy moly there is a lot of great information there.

cdd29 · Aug 23, 2021

Robert's Camera (Usedcamerapro is their used website) in Indianapolis has a few AE-1's (don't remember if they are Programs are standard AE-1) with new seals & warranties. Almost grabbed one when I was there a few weeks ago. Might be an option.

rallison · Nov 22, 2021

The battery needle will not move. "The camera is dead.
The battery is not inserted correctly. Canon Ae-1 runs on a single 4LR44 or PX-28 battery.
The battery is dead.
Corroded terminals.
The shutter does not work properly.
Replacement battery.
Clean the electromagnet.

Warfarin said:
Just got an AE-1 Program from EBay. I have shot AE-1’s since the 80’s and always wanted a program. This one was advertised as excellent condition. Well it’s not. Light seals (shock) are all but gone and the worst part is the film advance lever trips the shutter at the end of it’s throw. Sometimes it’s every time sometimes longer. Wondering should I get it repaired or take the loss and try to find a different one. I don’t want to return it because it came with and excellent AE-1 and EOS-10s and 15 filters and and a couple other accessories. I feel the price was fine even with out the AE-1 Program included.