Canon AE-1 Advance Repair

A very fast and easy repair of a customer's Canon AE-1 advance mechanism. Initially the video was going to be a "here's how I inspect incoming cameras" but it turned more into the full repair. I hope you learned something, thanks for watching!
Email for questions, comments or concerns:
[e-mail]
Website for more info:
www.rompingbroncorepairs.com
Instagram:
@rompingbronco
@rompingbroncorepairs

[@FellDestroyedMusic]

My shutter was stuck, and as I watched you mess with the curtain, I tried the same. Just like that, the lever advanced! Thank you!

[@RompingBronco]

Very glad to hear that! I hope it stays working for you, if you have any other issues feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to help

[@Fakest420]

I read this comment and I had the exact same problem, perfect timing as I am going to Japan in 2 days big love thank you for sharing

[@FellDestroyedMusic]

@@Fakest420 enjoy your trip in Japan!

[@NurNichtPruede]

Just found your channel after spending 3 hours trying to figure out the issue I’m having and even just your explanations cleared up a ton of stuff for me so thank you so much! Sadly I’m still having the issue though. Where you "just" had to wind the ring for the midge to click in, mine is completely off to the side, not even touching a bit of it. Do you maybe have an idea why that could be? It all started with the camera having release button issues. I seemed to have fixed that by simply taking it apart and testing around and readjusting the line that goes all across the camera, the lines were clamped in next to their respective carries. But after putting it back together it wouldn’t let me wind which was really weird. I then looked at your video and one of the black things is actually missing on mine too and I guess it came off when I took it apart/put it back together. So I’m going to search for that tomorrow but I still can’t explain why the leaver that is, if not in the right place, but is still touching the ring in your video, is completely off to the side in mine.

[@RompingBronco]

Very glad to know that the video could be of some help, if you're still having some issues with it feel free to shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do to help!

[@NurNichtPruede]

@@RompingBronco I got a lot of new ideas and pointers to look at. I’m going to try getting further with the repair on Wednesday. If I can’t seem to make any new progress I will definitely take you up on that offer thank you so much! And if I’m going to manage to fix it I’m going to leave a reply here in case some else has that issue

[@krefilm]

the gods of film cameras are pleased

[@harrisonabry2280]

Hey, great video. I have a Canon AE-1 Program with a jammed wind lever. It makes sense because the camera was dropped and about 2 pictures later, the lever became stuck. I was able to remove the top to inspect to see that one of the grommets was indeed missing and probably causing the wind level to be jammed. However, I can not figure out how to remove the wind plate on my version in order to locate and remove the grommet. Do you have any experience with the Program version of the AE-1? Thanks again

[@filipecostapt6427]

Great to see all the process of reparing a camera. Btw, since you are in the camera repair business, can you confirm that Minolta XD's and XE's are kinda unreliable and quite prone to breaks?

[@RompingBronco]

Thank you for watching! A lot of the electronics in that Minolta line of cameras; XE's, XD's, X-700's and a bunch of others utilize a series of capacitors. Even if the camera is in excellent cosmetic condition one or more of those capacitors could be fried and they aren't particularly easy to access and finding the right replacement hasn't been easy either. Pair that with the relatively inexpensive nature of the camera the risk to reward ratio for repair is not great. Long story short in my experience they are pretty unreliable and not something that I would recommend to people.

[@filipecostapt6427]

@@RompingBronco thanks for the answer. That’s what I’ve heard too in some forums. I was thinking of buying a Minolta XD11/XD7 to pair with a 45mm f2 someone gave to me, but it’s probably best to just buy an SRT and just force myself to shoot manually and taking light meter readings or use sunny 16 then

[@RompingBronco]

@@filipecostapt6427 I would recommend the SRT 101 or the 201, that line of cameras is incredibly durable and mechanical, the metering system is fairly easy to use and will save you from having to use an external meter. There are a few options out there that aren't terribly expensive especially if you are looking for a body only but I'd definitely recommend those over the XD11 or XD7.

[@visitslovenija]

Heck, your videos are fun to watch. Keep up the good work. Can I ask a question about a Canon AL-1? Picked up a body at a local auction. Cosmetically in good shape (apart from the usual broken battery door). But there is an issue with the shutter release. It works in manual(B) mode, and if I set the self timer and keep it in manual B, the timer starts when hitting the shutter button. Then during the run time, I can then change it to an auto or manual setting and the camera fires just fine when the timer finishes. But in normal shooting mode it flatly refuses to fire - or start the timer. Seems nuts that each individual part works, but not the whole. I am guessing there is a dirty contact somewhere on the shutter release button, but where? Any hints on where to look would be much appreciated. Thanks, Ralph

[@truthsayers8725]

question!!! do you do the full CLA and lube up the mirror dampening return gear train to get rid of the squeal from dried lubricant? i dont want to do the random "shove a needle in someplace" and hope to get a drop or two of oil WHERE it belongs. i understand that there are a couple of dozen (or MORE) things that need to be removed in order to get the mirror box out to do this properly... My 1982 vintage AE-1 is good otherwise, as far as i know. id love to get it back to business

[@kappios78]

Hi, can you make a video about the apature squeal? that'd be very helpful!

[@sleepy8766]

This happened to my ae1 program and I didn’t know what was wrong nor how to fix it so I went on eBay and bought a clean tested renewed ae1 program black and shot one roll of film and it happened again, to this camera! I don’t know if I’m the problem or what but I would love to send my cameras in to you.

[@RompingBronco]

Shoot me an email! [e-mail]

[@skyhound4373]

Do you still do repairs? I need to send mine to you ASAP

[@samborbolla]

Just found your channel and something tells me I'll be binging quite a bit today. Totally unrelated to cameras but related to the "gods" bit. You should check out Neil Gaiman's book "American Gods"; which was made a TV series by Amazon, if I recall correctly. It sparked my interest because of the premise which is very close to your wonderings. Anyway, good to have found you, I have an AE 1 that I'll be doing some cleanup hoping I can get it to work. Cheers!

[@RompingBronco]

I'll definitely have to check that out, I've heard some good things and hope you've enjoyed the content!

[@jacobzimmerman9092]

Underneath the shutter advance lever at 5:05 you took out the brass circular part and I cannot tell how to remove it. Is it just a friction fit? Let me know, thanks!

[@Sniggiscameras]

How did you release the Shutter at 3:54 ? Just by connecting the pins with the screwdriver ??

[@김지훈-q3b]

Good video, I have AE-1 and it's wind lever never move... I tear down and try to move the gear but it's super firm to move it. do you have any idea to fix this out? thanks

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Are you also experienced with the A-1? I bought one on eBay several months back, and the advance lever stopped working. The take-up reel is not moving and the shutter's not cocking...

[@photographermugen]

Need advice: The mirror in my Argus A STL1000 has fallen out, and when I tried to super-glue it back into place (to no success) I accidentally got glue on the mirror and now it's permanently smuged/blury. How should I go about correctly installing the mirror back in place and what kind of glue do i use? And, is there a cleaning chemical out there that can dissolve super-glue residue off the mirror (off glass in general)?

[@blcny4aghst]

Man, my ae-1 stopped advancing and I need help. Do you still do repairs?

[@NumTomM]

I have recently bought an AE-1 and the shutter button won't fire. Advance lever works. I did test the contact and the magnet releases. But still no shutter button. When I hold down the shutter button. The M in the sight flashes. Any ideas what can be going on?

[@holylibations]

Same issue without the M

[@NumTomM]

@@holylibations the flashing M lets me know it has power to the shutter button. I wish I could see any corrosion. Unless it's built up inside the wiring. I found a few camera repair shops in my state. I'm just hoping it doesn't cost me an arm an a leg to fix. Spent 20 years working on cars and building minibikes and go-karts from the ground up. Never thought a camera would stump me.

[@holylibations]

@@NumTomM I tried cleaning the magnet and now when I hit the fire button, it's activating the battery meter 😔🤷

[@NumTomM]

@@holylibations from what I've gathered with all of the videos I've watched is the spring to the meter button on the top side may be sticking. One solve is to clip the nub on the underside of the button. But I hear you. I cleaned the top and bottom sides with air duster and rubbing alcohol. I don't want to take it apart too far in case I take it to a repair shop. I'm honestly shocked repair shops are still around for 35mm SLRs.

[@lyubovkustov2506]

Hey I just purchased the AE-1 program and I cannot pull back the film advance lever. Like I can pull it back just slightly but it’s like somethings jamming it from having a full range of motion. Can I send you my camera for you to fix?

[@WaitAMinute1989]

My light meter is not functioning, it starts at the top then reads everything as under exposed once I've pressed the shutter halfway. How do I fix it?

[@christinekeyser8066]

Great video! Yesterday, as I picked up my Canon AE-1, I’ve noticed that the advance lever fell off?! Luckily I found it on the car seat, but wonder why that happened? I’ve attached the pieces again, but now the lever is just turning 360’ and doesn’t get “stuck” to advance fhe film! Please help!

[@c8007]

Under the lever there is a ring with a notch that engages to the advance lever itself that allows the mechanism to turn. It must have come off at the same time as the lever

[@kristindrio2920]

hi, I have a problem with the mirror of my ae 1 when I press the shutter stays closed doesn't go down. how to fix that? thank you

[@ronnieolofsson9920]

Hi. I have an A1 with a very slow mirroraction, what Can cause that problem?

[@RandomAffectProduct]

Any advice for fixing an AE-1 with a squeaky advance lever but not shutter? I already lubricated the shutter and it only eliminated the shutter squeak, not the advance lever squeak.

[@tomsvintageoptix]

I have that same issue and another one. The camera only seems to stop down to around f5.6 or f8 in auto no matter the shutter speed setting.

[@karenflood1964]

Hi. Enjoy your videos. My son bought a Canon AE-1 camera at a rummage sale. He purchased film and a new battery, but it's still not working. The advance button doesn't move all the way to advance the film. Any suggestions? He loves to fix things, but doesn't have the necessary tools to get into the camera.

[@RompingBronco]

That's an awesome find! If you or your son would like to shoot me an email I can link to some tools I use and maybe get a bit more info on the issue so I can help with where to get started!

[@Mattyinthe978]

How much does this Cost ??? I have a Buyer who got a Camrea with this Problem and Just looking for a better way to have my Items taken care of before sold. Thanks

[@RompingBronco]

It was truly an honor!

[@aarontimm]

Do you have any tips on ae-1 program light meter repair? No experience with camera repair, specifically my model has an issue where it sometimes says I'm underexposing despite shooting in broad daylight, but it doesn't do it all the time and/or is more reliable on higher set iso

[@kaikoe2445]

Awesome video! 5:15 What would you do if the wire breaks? Is it possible to repair the wire or is it just replaceable by a spare part from a donor camera?

[@RompingBronco]

Thanks for watching! I've yet to find a way to repair the wire so I typically just replace it with a donor part, I have another video covering that exact issue it's the "Canon AE-1 Repair" and if you have any further questions of how to swap them just let me know and I'd be happy to help!

[@WanderinWeske]

Any experience with an AE-1 draining the battery? I was given one and it kills new batteries within 48 hours. I popped the bottom off and didn't notice any corrosion or bridging of connections.

[@RompingBronco]

Yes! Feel free to shoot me an email with your issue and we can talk a bit more there

[@Niteliter]

Where did you get that "mat" you have under the camera with the parts from a previous takeapart that has all the neat assorted size parts retainer squares>???

[@RompingBronco]

I found it on Amazon!

[@sunnyroach8397]

How much do u charge for me to send it to u and try to fix it ?

[@fridavargas9771]

I bought a canon ae-1 for only $100 and unfortunately after sending the film to get developed it came back blank ): after further inspection, i realized the shutter curtain is not working properly. Is it worth it to get it fixed? The rest of the camera seems to be working perfectly, and cosmetically, it looks brand new. Please help ! 😭

[@RompingBronco]

I can definitely help you out! Reach out on my website rompingbronco.com and I’ll be in touch!

[@fridavargas9771]

@@RompingBronco Done! I look forward to hearing from you. 🫡

[@03toyotacorolla]

What was that thing you took out at 9:00?

[@windsor64ful]

Hey do you have a web page? I have some questions about AE-1 program mirror replacement parts. I was cleaning the top mirror, when I put the lens back over it I scratched it. Bummed.. can’t find any.?.

[@RompingBronco]

I do have a web page or you can shoot me an email at [e-mail] I'd be happy to help you get this fixed!

[@jeremymcmahon9006]

The advance lever is stuck on my AE-1 and I can’t seem to fix it, I’d be happy to pay you to fix it if you’re interested

[@RompingBronco]

I'd be happy to take a look at it, shoot me an email and we can go over it there!

[@sleishy7203]

Hi there! i have recently just picked up a canon ae1 in visually stunning condition. However when I take a photo with it, my camera shoots with the self timer setting, even if i have the shutter switch set to "A". Even when i half press the shutter button, the countdown begins for the self timer setting, once this occurs i can then switch the shutter lever to the "s" setting which will take the photo prematurely (of the 10 second count down). Every 2nd or 3rd photo i take in the "L" setting will shoot perfectly fine, but then ill have 3 or 4 shots in a row that will select the self timer option as soon as i half press the button. let me know if anyone has had this issue before orm can point me in the right direction. thanks

[@sleishy7203]

Ive also just installed a new battery inside incase that is someones first suggestion. thanks

[@mortenkrogstad4465]

Hi, got the same problem. Did you fix yours?

[@sleishy7203]

@@mortenkrogstad4465 no I have not had any response in regards to a fix for this issue.

[@mortenkrogstad4465]

@@sleishy7203 Too bad. I'll let you know if I get mine fixed. :)

[@WiiZKiiD23]

Can I send in my ae-1 program

[@RompingBronco]

Of course, reach out on my website and I’ll be in touch!

[@ohioreseller6381]

I’ll be sending you an email here soon. I need help desperately with this camera. Thank you.

[@cowboycartelproductionscow2021]

Dang, I was gifted a Canon AE-1 that a buddy of mine purchased brand new in the late 80s or so. The advance is stuck on it :( I’d really like to get it repaired as it does mean a lot to me especially since it was something he purchased new and used for years. How would I come about sending it to get fixed :).

[@RompingBronco]

Feel free to shoot me an email and I'll get back to you!

[@cowboycartelproductionscow2021]

@@RompingBronco Thanks, sent one out.

[@fotorc]

I’m I need of repairs for my ae1….. can you provide an address so I can ship it to you..

[@milo5507]

How involved is replacing the film guide sprocket?

[@RompingBronco]

It's incredibly involved, it requires a removal of the mirror box and most of the advance mechanism to access the top part of the sprocket. Definitely not a repair for the faint of heart

[@milo5507]

@@RompingBronco thx. I guess it’s not worth fixing.

[@RompingBronco]

@@milo5507 I know a guy who is really capable with that particular repair, if you'd like I could reach out to him for a repair estimate

[@SnakeEyesSOG]

I never understood y people ship camera in shredded paper. It causes such a mess. I always tell people, plastic then paper.

[@randonsmith9333]

can I send you my ae-1

[@RompingBronco]

Shoot me an email and we can set something up!

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

Hey, I have Canon AV-1 and my mirror is getting stuck. I would like it fixed. I might just know the issue but Im not sure. Ill like it repaired by you if need be. Would atleast like to have a conversation started. Can I know your email address