Canon A-1/AE-1 shutter squeak & slow mirror explained

In this video I'll try to explain why following ''quick fix'' on youtube is the worst thing you could do to your camera.
Don't do stupid things. Don't squirt oil blindly into the camera. :)

[@rogerb5615]

First video I've seen that clearly shows where the squeak is generated. Now I can aim my pin oiler more accurately. Many thanks!

[@MrSindriSvan]

Did you manage?

[@dflf]

It would've been helpful to actually see where you apply the oil

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

I dipped my camera in a complete oil bath. Now everything works

[@jean-philippefahrni8415]

Well done, this is the only RIGHT method to correct the squeak. Open the mirror box and do the right thing. Do not inject oil by the hole like we can see on dirty YT videos.

[@carlosneves3]

Most people are not willing to risk that in depth repair, either take the chance with the syringe or just give the camera to a professional, there shouldn't be an in between

[@bulletsie]

I still have my fathers old A1 that he gave to me when I was 10 years old! I'm in my mid 40's now and I was just about to try and drop some oil into the spot other videos mentioned but was hesitant do do so as I had heard before it was the mirror dampening parts that was the problem and was hoping there would be better way to fix it. Loved this video explaining whats going on and showing us what not to do! I dont think there are any places where I live that do CSL's to old cameras since everything's gone digital.

[@kshysztof9649]

Where you live ?

[@bulletsie]

@@kshysztof9649 Eire/ROI (Ireland) My A1 has been through the wars! lost the winder and it was replaced by a soldered radio antenna that was cut down to a stub, lens mount was slightly deformed as a teenager when I got high on hash and accidently dropped it and for more than a decade the camera bag of camera + lens's was stored in an attic and got extremes fungus that ruined the glass and also had whats known as Canon shutter cough! I dont use it anymore but At some point in the future I might consider buying another A1 for nostalgia purposes. Have a few film cameras I recently got an Lecia R4 from ebay with a 50mm lens that was in great condition so looking forward to trying it with a roll of B&W Ilford film.

[@GUENILLA]

I personally am of the opinion that this repair done this in depth... I'm not willing to dive into, I would risk killing camera altogether. and cost entailed from a pro would be extravagant, that said I would definitely be inclined to go with the syringe method for pennies instead.

Nice explanation, however, it would help alot to actually see what you are showing. There is not enough light.

[@chris.m2]

This is already an incredible repair, I agree with Elijah you may be sitting on one crazy niche business & human wise here! Keep up the good work!

[@gabrysgabriukas]

Hi, could you film the whole video on this acctually how to repair it properly? how to dissasemble what oil to use and so on?

[@truthsayers8725]

so now that we know EXACTLY WHERE, the lubrication needs to be, is there any possible way to lube those gears/bearings WITHOUT removing the mirror box? could the camera be stripped down maybe half as far as youve gone, and still performed this lubrication? 40+ components removed/adjusted/DESOLDERED is a lot of work for this repair.

[@kshysztof9649]

No, that's not possible unfortunately

[@elijahwolter9235]

You should make high quality videos and go into a lot of detail about fixing vintage cameras in general. Not very many people are willing to help or have the knowledge that you have. Check out Phoenix typewriters videos, he goes into a lot of details about fixing and servicing vintage typewriters. You should do something like that, it would help out so many people who want to get into camera repair .

[@kshysztof9649]

If I'm gonna have a proper digital camera then surely I'd remake this video one more time :)

[@chris.m2]

I strongly agree man!

[@tilica5353]

Amigo eres un profesional ,bien explicido i con tu video arregle mis Canon ,Bravo i felicidades por tu trabajo ,real a GOOD WORK .Thank you i un abrazo from Spain . 👋🏖 🏝

[@anonharingenamn]

Wow, my AE-1 I bought from an old camera shop makes that very squeaky noise. I hope to put a tiny drop on those gears. Great video, the really interesting stuff starts at 5:09

[@kshysztof9649]

Just don't do it through the bottom plate 😷

[@anonharingenamn]

@@kshysztof9649 Yeah, I think I'll do it through the screw hole behind the face plate. Is that an acceptable method?

[@kshysztof9649]

@@anonharingenamn no, there's not. Just, trust me. Send it for a CLA. The only acceptable, and working method, is complete strip. I know this is sad news, but just.. Ya know. This is a precise mechanics, you never see anyone willing a watch with Oil hahaha

[@kshysztof9649]

You can go to Learn Camera Repair Facebook group, and ask if there is any camera technician around you :)

[@anonharingenamn]

@@kshysztof9649 Well, a CLA costs more than a working AE-1 so it's not worth it really.

[@tnarch]

i also hear squeak from the side where the guide for the apperture is and it cannot fully close at high apperures from 11 to 22...any solution?

[@oliverlane4050]

That’s really helpful, thank you very much!

[@hasz.7492]

Hi, amazing video! I have a similar problem with my Canon A-1 except the squeak happens when the aperture signal coupling lever is moved. The slow aperture lever results in small apertures like f/16 to be something like f/8 when taking a photo. Was wondering where I can put the oil to fix this?

[@kshysztof9649]

huhhh, how do I answer that. Well, I haven't studied this particular mechanism, but from what I remember, theres a mechanism similiar to a mirror brake, that also requires cleaning and lubrication. You're not supposed to put any oil blindly, that's for sure.

[@johnfewings6520]

Hi, thanks for the informative video. I have a Canon A-1 with this problem. Could you CLA it for me? I'm in Munich 🇩🇪

[@on_philm]

Very nice video! I just got an A1 and every now and then there is a very slight squeak, not much at all. But I want to get rid of it. Is there a way, where you can put a tiny drop of oil on the mirror damper without opening too much of the camera, so that I can do it myself? A CSL is in my opinion too expensive when it works just right 19 out of 20 times

[@axelwittich4286]

Thank you for making the video! Well explained. I found it just a minute ago, after I did the squeak.😢 So it‘s true. The Oil runs into the mirror box, even if you put in only a drop with an injection from the bottom of the camera. I hope, i didn‘t ruine it. Ist there any method to clean it up?

[@Man_Cave]

Buy the Nikon FA. No shutter squeak to worry about.

[@urionandon]

best explanation

[@phanuwitchumjan229]

My canon A-1 have mirror lock up after I press release button but it will go down after I advance the film. what should I do?

[@rezjrprod]

What would cause it to get stuck in bulb mode?

[@dennyrulos7370]

Great video thanks!

[@vangstr]

Do a video on how to take the mirror box out of camera.

[@kshysztof9649]

Instructions on how to take the mirror box out are at learncamerarepair.com

[@carlacarcole]

hi, can this problem lead you to blank photos on the film roll because of the slow mirror working? big thanks

[@MrJeekz]

It happened to me. I bought a second hand AE-1P with squeaky mirror, didn't test it without film, went and shot some photos and ended up with almost completely dark photos wherever my shutter speed was high. There is simply no way I underexposed that badly. The mirror passes over the shutter and blocks the light from coming in in that fraction of a second. I fixed the issue easily with a single drop of oil through a screwhole on the front (worked for AE-1P) and now it all works completely fine. No oil buildup in my case, the camera feels and sounds brand new. Even though this guy proposes being very precise with your oil - I really don't wanna take my camera apart myself, nor do I want to take it to a professional because it just isn't worth it for me. I'd rather do it myself and hope for the best. And the best happened!

[@bradzbrad]

i immediately think to drill a careful small hole in the upper battery box area and lubricate thru it.

[@bradzbrad]

i did! it worked like a charm!

[@kromboom71]

that's sharp thinking indeed, I'll give this a go, thnx!

[@walterarroyo5220]

Are you located in the USA and any recommendations where to send my canon are-1 program for service it has a very slow shutter and loud squeak ?

[@kshysztof9649]

No, I'm from Europe. Join here, and ask: facebook.com/groups/2218568419

[@jokor0453]

What type of lubrication oil did you use?

[@kshysztof9649]

Sewing oil

[@Dlugi018]

Wow, masz ogromną wiedzę. Czy serwisujesz odpłatnie aparaty? Czy mogę poprosić o jakiś kontakt? Wielkie pozdrawiam!

[@kshysztof9649]

Nie, dłubię tylko w swoim sprzęcie. Mogę Pana skierować na grupę na Facebooku, na której ktoś na pewno odpowie gdzie można aparat oddać do serwisu: facebook.com/groups/1620871391479848 Pozdrawiam :)