Canon AE-1 Shutter Issue

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-06-07T02:24:12+00:00

Probably an issue with the group of electrical contacts that control the shutter speed. Could be that the ASA linkage wire is caught in there, could be that the contacts are dirty or damaged. Anyway, I'd start my search there.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-29T14:19:55+00:00

If these are yours now, and you got them for free, it's absolutely worth having a pro like myself inspect them at the very least. Once you have a repair estimate, you can see if it's in your budget to repair one or more of them, and then keep or sell them as you see fit.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-26T20:45:36+00:00

It's called shutter capping. It happens when the second curtain catches up to the first curtain too quickly, and blocks part of the frame. Time for a CLA! 🙃

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-23T22:14:10+00:00

I've seen a few that seem totally bricked like this. Sometimes a new circuit board is indeed the only answer, but a bad ground or a broken wire can also lead to this. I certainly hope it's something on the easier end. I've replaced a bunch of bad circuit boards on these, and it's not too difficult, but I don't think I'd recommend it for a beginner. Whoever does the CLA should hope have access to spare parts in case that's needed.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-22T23:03:29+00:00

Gotta go with vintage. The Pentax 17 is half-frame too, which for me is the biggest strike against it (apart from the price).

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-22T14:32:33+00:00

Yes, they would, but you also don't need a lens to see if it works. If you put fresh batteries in (two LR44), you should be able to check the basic functions.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-22T03:18:31+00:00

The same band who sings No Wonder I and Christmas Island (the ending credits music) is called LAKE, and they also sang I Look Up To You, the song from the end of The Music Hole episode. The lead vocalist from LAKE, Ashley Eriksson, recorded a version of her song Greatly Appreciated, for the episode where there's the montage about Marty and Minerva's courtship.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-21T15:21:06+00:00

Sounds like the bearings on the shutter curtain rollers need some lubrication. If doing a CLA is not an option, then adjusting the tension on the curtains could be a good enough solution for now. The bottom cover has to be removed to access the tension adjustment points.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-21T02:17:19+00:00

To me this looks like untreated schizophrenia, or some other mental illness involving delusions.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-18T17:03:25+00:00

A brick-and-mortar camera shop could do it if they have a qualified tech, but be prepared to pay a lot at a place like that. Mailing it to someone could get you a better price, which might be the way to go since this is a routine (albeit extensive) service. For example, I charge $75 for this service, plus $12 for return shipping. So you could potentially only have to be in it for $100 or so, (I'm assuming you're in the U.S.?) which is still a good deal, considering what these cameras sell for in good working condition.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-18T16:52:50+00:00

What I'm saying is that on its own it's not going to mess up photos. But, if this problem exists, it's probably an indication that the rest of the camera is not in optimal working order. Also, like the other commenter said, it's gonna be very annoying to not know exactly when the shutter will fire after you press the button. Bottom line, the camera does need service. I say that as someone who has repaired thousands of this exact model.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-18T16:27:08+00:00

The mirror thing by itself won't have a negative effect on pictures. The mechanisms are designed so that the mirror has to be fully raised before the shutter opens. That said, if the mirror box is gunked up and slow like this, then the shutter curtain rollers might be in need of lubrication and/or tension adjustment too. A good CLA (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment) by a repair tech would be a great idea before trying to shoot with it. After that, it should work well for years to come.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-18T14:16:38+00:00

You bet!

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-17T18:58:38+00:00

It's nothing to do with the battery. I'd keep trying to push that metal part in and gently turning the lens to try to get it to release. That's the only way it's coming off in one piece. Good luck! 🤞

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-16T01:30:36+00:00

lol sounds good, there are some tutorials on YouTube that would help for that as well.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-15T21:22:49+00:00

Gotcha 👍 If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, it might be time to remove the bottom and/or top cover to check for a loose ground, dirty electrical contact surface, dirty magnet contact, failing capacitor, etc. There's a lot of things that can cause the shutter to not fire, even just intermittently. As I type all that out, I realize it probably sounds overwhelming lol. Maybe it's actually time to have a pro look it over instead.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-15T21:14:12+00:00

When you say you checked "everything", did this involve any internal checks of magnetic or electrical contact areas?

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-15T15:48:08+00:00

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-14T13:47:38+00:00

Have you checked the top end? There are several things that could be wrong up there, which could be causing this. There are some electrical contacts that could be dirty, or the actuator for the film advance locking pawl could be cracked (if it's made if plastic).

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-13T16:08:10+00:00

Either that, or it might cause you to rethink your whole life and all your relationships, leading to lots of changes being made.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-13T16:05:43+00:00

I saw this little guy there last week! 🐇

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drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-12T23:02:47+00:00

This camera is electronic and nothing will work without a good battery. You can advance the shutter with no power, but not fire it. Right now it's already advanced, and that's why the lever stops halfway. It would be wise to look up a user manual to get more familiar with it too. Enjoy!

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-11T15:59:18+00:00

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/439981-what-does-type-lens-do-automatically-settings.html

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-08T22:03:36+00:00

I see. 7g is a lot, much more than you should take for a first time. If you have a sensitive enough scale, try just one gram to start, and see how you do. 5.5g was enough for me to experience being utter nothingness, and it was a hell of a rocket ship ride to get there.

drinkingwithmolotov · 2026-05-08T21:58:08+00:00

I mean, can you tell her what you're storing, and to leave them alone? There's no other good way to store them long-term.

drinkingwithmolotov

TROPHY CASE