Fix Old Cameras: Canon AE-1 Jammed Wind Lever

[@OCooper]

Just finished fixing a black ae-1 thanks to this video! Very happy, the ISO cable had got caught up underneath the shutter dial and contacts. The ISO dial wouldn't rotate fully, and the shutter dial was stiff. The camera would freeze with the shutter wide open when taking a photo, and the "check battery button" was the only way to release it. I slowly took the camera apart and found the tangled cable, an hour later, it's working again! Thank you

[@FixOldCameras]

Very good to hear of your successful repair.

[@merlinmarquardt]

Geez, once again impressed with the delicacy and precarious arrangement of the numerous components of these cameras. Amazed that they work as well and as reliably as they do. But then there are these “weak links” like plastic rivets that are susceptible to breakage and jamming of winding mechanism. As always, an impressive repair. Thanks.

[@FixOldCameras]

Yes, as elegantly designed as so many of the featured cameras are there are occasions when you just have to wonder... "what were they thinking?"

[@CallyKrisell]

You're telling me I've had my camera tucked away in a closet for 8 years, when this video has been out for nearly 5 years?...?? I could have been photographing things!

[@FixOldCameras]

Right on. Keep'em going and thank you for your interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@leea5123]

How do you trip the release magnet ?

[@daddysgotsweets9807]

thank you for you time and effort with this video, pulling the release arm back was enough for me, something very satisfying about fixing something yourself instead of paying to have it repaired, no matter how simple it may actually be! :)

[@PM-gy9cc]

What kind the glue is that?

[@wideeyedjustin2107]

OMG!!! thank you so much. I'm a junior in high school and in a photo class and I bought an Minolta XG-7 from the salvation army and the film lever was stuck. But thanks to you I was able to get it working. Thank you again you saved me a lot of money and my gpa!!!

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful repair and it is great to hear some teenagers are into film photography and interested in FOC. Keep'em going.

[@mistyarea4512]

Very thanks to you for helpful cotents, Can you upload about how to fix or clean pentaprizm if possible?

[@patrickmbarker]

Thank you for this video. You helped me fix my Ae-1. Turns out there was a small screw jammed between the winding gear and the aluminum camera body. I think I may have slightly botched the reinstallation of the tungsten wire, but it works.

[@FixOldCameras]

Excellent to hear of your successful repair. Keep'em going.

[@michelespinasse1763]

Thank you for that outstanding video. It gives me some hope about the jammed wind lever of my canon AV1.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your comment.

[@photodan24]

When I did repairs, we would also add a drop of super glue to all the remaining plastic rivets on the top cover to keep them in place. You don't want to have to repeat the repair later.

[@FixOldCameras]

Sure would not do any harm. (LOL... as long as that pesky super glue does not end up some place unwanted like it is so adapt to do)

[@caboose11795]

Is the ae1p similar to this mine is jamed

[@pritongkangkong96]

How can i fix its lens(canon lens fd 50mm 1:14), it has dust inside it, please make a video of cleaning it, inrealy want to restore my dads ae-1 slr, thank you

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your suggestion. This video might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGSQkJSQr9mEsLs

[@kevinx2248]

hey, i need to change a glass broken eyepiece, when you take out the top cover how you do it?, i really aprecciate your help, thanks PD: what part on ebay i need?

[@sIacker]

TI got it unstuck so I can now advance with the lever. The shutter still doesn't fire unless I short the contacts like it shows in your other magnet video. The light meter works when depressed. I'm pretty much at a loss of what to try next and was looking for some advice. Thank you

[@FixOldCameras]

A possible defective release capacitor. It the capacitor next to the release magnet. Usually blue in color.

[@SwiftGeneration]

I repaired my fathers AE-1 Program with this video, thank you

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful repair.

[@LongTimeTTFan]

Thank you very much for the very detailed step by step demonstration and explanation. I may never do such a repair. But seeing you do it is eye-opening and educational. Thanks again, master.

[@FixOldCameras]

Your interest in FOC is appreciated.

[@stevehinton3368]

Canon AE-1 camera film advance lever is causing the shutter to activate automatically. Do you know of a fix for this condition?

[@appelflap7891]

I got some questions. How do i keep tension on the wire? and is it possible that when you have not installed a working battery in the camera, the wind lever will jam?

[@FixOldCameras]

The spring tension you wind into the main ASA resistor pulley will pull against the direction you need to route the wire and keep it taut. The next FOC video up covers the replacement and routing of the AE-1 ASA meter wire in detail. It should also help with your question.

[@makennahunter3277]

what if my camera has no tungston wire? it seems to be this exact model but the top of the camera seems to be different inside?

[@FixOldCameras]

All Canon AE-1s have the wire and pulley system linkage, if yours is missing it was taken out and the camera will not work properly without it.

[@westmunoz901]

If I lost one of the 3 ratchet springs do you know where I could get a replacement one?

[@FixOldCameras]

The best source would be a donor camera or try your local hardware store they sometimes will carry small misc. springs. A spring salvaged and cut down from a ball point pen might also work.

[@vgrof2315]

Except for some differences in removing the top cover, will these procedures apply to a Canon AE-1 "Program" camera with a jammed wind lever?? Thanks for a response.

[@skrepy15]

my lever isn’t stuck , i think it’s the exact opposite . mine can rotate almost full 360 degrees . do i just need to load some film in there and will it work ? or is it unhinged ?

[@krisun1195]

my ae1's advance lever doesn't return,how can i refix it. it's very important for me. i'm looking forwand to your reply!

[@davidsu6539]

First of all, thanks for all the videos you make, they have helped me a lot to fix my own cameras. I have a problem with my canon ae1, I had the jammed wind lever problem and I was able to release it, but now the lever moves but does not load for the shot. Do you know what the problem may be? Thank you

[@FixOldCameras]

You are welcome and thank you for your interest in FOC. You could recheck the upper wind mechanism for proper assemble and function.

[@stumpmrb9937]

Can you make a video of how to repair an AE-1 if the mirror is stuck up?

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for the suggestion and for your interest in FOC.

[@hanitone]

Can I do these steps while the film is inside? Or should I take it out first?

[@imthesupersaiyanmom3966]

How much do you usually charge for this type of repair

[@bastienb.3372]

Thanks for this video, just what I needed. I was given a AE-1 with some lenses yesterday as part of payment for a shoot and it's suffering from this issue. This will help me fix it!

[@FixOldCameras]

Persistence and patience and hopefully you will prevail.

[@jimmyhofenmeister6400]

I'm also having trouble with the wind lever. I removed the bottom plate and tripped the magnet as instructed, and it seemed to take the picture. I heard the noise and watched the shutter close as I tripped it, but when I press the shutter button it wouldn't do the same. Could you help me out and tell me what the problem may be? Or point me in the right direction?

[@FixOldCameras]

James Brasfield The following is a repost from the FOC Canon AE-1Release Magnet video comments file. Probably not going to help much, but, make sure you are getting battery + voltage at the lead on the (blue) release capacitor closest to the release magnet. Make sure you have battery + voltage at the lead of the release magnet closest to the release capacitor. If good, check coil continuity of the magnet. If no continuity, remelt solder at the test points. Also top cover can be removed and all the switches on the release side of the camera should be checked. There could be an open in the flex circuit or connections that will need to be traced. Then there is the possibility that all is for not as you could have a defective IC, the one that lives on the release button side of the prism flex.

[@Brandonlohaus2]

just a little cleaning of the magnet worked for me! Thanks so much for this video!

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear that is all it took.

[@Kinnup7]

i am experiencing the same issue with my Canon EF. I suspect this video would correct it. Is there anything different to be aware of?

[@FixOldCameras]

The EF has a different sort of wind rachet set up.

[@alhntr24]

Is this the same for the AE 1 program. My battery is good , jammed after removing film.Will not advance. THX

[@FixOldCameras]

The AE1 Program upper wind mechanism is different. Sounds simple, but make sure your battery is producing 6 volts. The release is high demand and battery dependent. If there battery is good, check the release magnet and its linkage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqvNiGyPZbyWq6s

[@x64emulator]

I have the same issue BUT with Canon A-1. Should I still use this video to fix my A-1 or shouldnt bc It is only for AE-1. Please answer because it is very important for me to know.

[@FixOldCameras]

BIKFIC. If the wind ratchet is causing the jammed condition, the wind ratchet unit for the A-1 is very similar to the AE-1, but requires the removal of considerable different parts to access it.

[@briancalixx]

i have a problem the mirror that goes up every time you press the shutter is stuck up but i can pull it down, also the shutter and advance lever wont advance the wall that opens when you hit the shutter is open and i can see the film plate, what do you think the problem could be ?

[@FixOldCameras]

It sounds like the second curtain is not completing the cycle. If the curtain closes when the battery is removed then it is possible that the issue is an entangled tungsten ASA wire featured here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnu4mpedgpt_pas

[@InFromTheLight]

Drop a bit of glue over plastic rivets will help keep in place if degrade. White glue or contact cement sufficient.

[@ramsrock85]

So here is a headscratcher: On my AE-1 there is a little mechanical clutch the won't let the wind lever turn. I can manually push it out of the way and then the clutch will spin freely but after that it will reengage and it gets stuck. Also the mirror is locked in the up position. Already changed that battery. I even get the flashing red light on top but the wind lever won't budge because of that clutch. I've watched almost all of your videos on the AE-1 and in all of them that I have seen, even with your camera fully disassembled, that clutch isn't pushed into the shutter speed dial like mine. Any tips? Thank you for your quick awesome vids. I've been digital my whole camera life so film is very new to me lol

[@FixOldCameras]

When the mirror drops to complete the release cycle it triggers the release of the interlock lever you seem to be referring too. So the mirror could possibly handing up because the infamous squeaking mirror dampening mechanism that got to the point that it stuck. Of course there are other thing that could be blocking the completion of the cycle. Check the position of the shutter curtains too.

[@FixOldCameras]

Oh and welcome to the wonderful classic world of film and thank you for your interest in FOC,

[@freddygarcia4154]

Do you have a video,to show how to remove top cover on a Pentax ME Super??I need to clean,focusing screen on the prism side.

[@FixOldCameras]

Not yet, but at some point in the future a video showing the removal of the top cover and prism of the Pentax ME-Super is planned. Unfortunately the prism and viewfinder is sealed and requires the top cover and upper circuits to be removed in order to access the VF screen.

[@ChogerHD]

Is the AV-1 wind system similar to the AE-1 one?

[@FixOldCameras]

Similar. But not the same. Different type of wind ratchet.

[@B0balagurak]

I have a A1 and the advance lever does not return by it's self, I don't know if there is is spring or anything that I could fix. Thanks

[@FixOldCameras]

The A-1 does not have the same wind mechanism as the AE-1. If the camera is not actually jammed... on the A-1 there is a flat coil spring that returns the advance lever. It is located on the upper part of the main wind shaft under the wind ratchet plate. You will see this plate at 4 minutes in the FOC Canon A-1 mirror box removal - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pabbnYuYlKmAgbM If the camera is jammed... as in all cameras... wind gears, dislodged or broken springs, levers out of position, electronic and electro-mechanical failure all can cause release or wind / release issues. Do make sure your battery is a full 6 volts as these cameras age a slightly undercharge battery will some times check good but the camera will not release. (therefore appear to be jammed)

[@B0balagurak]

@@FixOldCameras wow, only saw this comment now 4 years later. I see now, very easy fix that I'll be doing then!

[@drag0n47]

this method works with AV-1 too ?

[@Ivanvazquez1984]

Could it just be due to the battery being dead ? I just got my AE-1 camera from a thrift store and it won't crank at all ? After drawing back on it, it lies stuck in a manipulated position.? Any thoughts ir suggestions would be much appreciated.

[@FixOldCameras]

Yes, the Canon AE-1 camera shutter release is completely battery depended . The battery is a 6 volts.

[@theodoremorgan993]

Hi there, will this be a similar repair for an AV-1? My lever gets about half way and jams and this is the only remotely helpful video I've come across. I just want to start poking and prodding unless I know I'm following the right guide.

[@FixOldCameras]

It is possible that it could be jamming in the same area, but probably for a different reason as the only plastic rivets used on the the AV-1 top cover are on the rewind side of the camera. When you first remove the top cover (which will be different procedure than the AE-1) you find that under the counter the wind mechanism is similar.

[@davidkirscher4826]

Hello, I got the same issue with a Canon AE-1 Program camera. Is there any video for it?

[@FixOldCameras]

Not yet, but thank you for the suggestion.

[@adammakhk]

I have a Canon AV-1 with jammed Wind level. I open it and it is different inside. It don't has a Disk, but that is ok . I have problem to take out the 3 cross point screws because it has some wire. Do you have any video can help me out?

[@FixOldCameras]

As of yet there is not a AV-1 FOC video directly addressing the issue you described .

[@LasstUnsSpielen]

I am also having this issue with my Canon AE 1 Program and also have a different camera interior layout under the top cover. I would really appreaciate it, if you could adress this modell as well in a video! Thanks a lot for your great work!

[@toveberger1526]

I have a problem. When i wind the film forward. The winder won't stop. It just keep on winding if i wind forward. This is manually. But if i wind i hard. Then the winder lock. And i can take the picture. Any solution for fixing this

[@FixOldCameras]

+Tove Berger If you camera is an AE-1, it is likely that the latching magnet is not engaging completely. Watch the Fix Old Cameras video Canon AE-1 Release Magnet for some insight into your possible situation.

[@theramonnarias2862]

it could be if my camera AE1 program , does not shoot from the button ... and if the shot is because the abri below , but I do this by moving the lever by small coils together .... so lets just shoot and again move the lever to another take ...... ...... has new battery greetings

[@nicka.5884]

The most important part of the re-installation is how to sync the speed selector on the right with the variable resistor on the left. I have not found anyone to address it. I have tried just about every angle and position and the meter only functions for a few speed settings then goes out of sync. It is not sync'ed correctly. Does anyone have a video showing how this is done?

[@FixOldCameras]

Nick A. Set the shutter speed to bulb and the ASA to 3200 before disassembly. With the "B" of the shutter speed dial pointed to approximately 11 o'clock, slightly tilt the shutter speed dial to engage ASA linkage, then with modest downward pressure turn the dial counter clockwise until the shutter speed linkage also drops into engagement. The technique described is shown briefly at the end of this video and in a little more detail in the Fix Old Cameras video "Canon AE-1 Top Cover Removal.

[@taniadiego]

+Fix Old Cameras I cannot make the wire stay in tension to reassemble, when I release the wire in fist place it went free all the way to the variable resistor. I did put the speed dial in B and the ASA to 3200 before, is not clear for me how should I put the wire correctly on the resistor

[@FixOldCameras]

At 3:42 in the video note the wire position. Since you have lost tension on the resistor wheel you will need to reload the tension spring. Do this by turning the resistor wheel in a counter clockwise direction one and one half revolutions. Then route the link wire has shown. Freeze the frame and study it if need be to get the proper follow of the wire. Allow the back tension to pull against the wire and keep taut as you route it through the pulleys. The wheel will be pulled it a counter clockwise direction and back turn under the spring tension in a clockwise direction if the spring as been properly wound.

[@Pipp08]

would the lever of the camera be jammed becouse of the lack of battery?

[@FixOldCameras]

Yes. Without a battery producing the proper voltage needed for release the camera will be jammed.

[@Pipp08]

@@FixOldCameras i ve tried 2 batteries 1 6v and another time for batteries 1.5 v each and the camera won't switch on... I am starting to think there might be an electric problem...... :(

[@SMPLapparel]

Hello, I have a Canon AE-1 and I have had some issues with the aperture. The lenses they all work on other cameras, but when I use them on my AE-1 the they can just adjust the 3 lowest values such as F1.4 - F1.7 - F2.0 and when I try to change it to F5.6 it stays at F2.0. I have researched the web without any luck.. hope you can help me!

[@FixOldCameras]

To see if you can notice an issue with movement, study the function of the aperture stop down lever of the malfunctioning camera as compared to one of the working cameras. Make sure the lever is not bent or dragging. Gently hold you finger against the levers to compare how it effects the function. Listen to how the camera sounds as the mirror comes up.

[@bloubear2557]

My canon al 1 has the same problem, could this work with it too?

[@FixOldCameras]

The A-1 does not have the same wind mechanism. Do make sure your battery is a full 6 volts as these cameras age a slightly undercharge battery will some times check good but the camera will not release. (therefore appear to be jammed)

[@bloubear2557]

@@FixOldCameras I meant the AL-1 it's the last A-series from Canon. I'll check the magnet, btw, are the magnets from different cameras compatible as replacement?

[@FixOldCameras]

@@bloubear2557 The shutter holding magnet are the same through out the A-series and are compatible. There are two types of shutter release magnets the A-1, AE-1, and AE-1P are all compatible. The AL-1 has a different shutter release magnet.

[@bloubear2557]

@@FixOldCameras thank you for this information

[@isabellab617]

Okay, I separated the magnet and the lever works perfectly, but my camera has no batery, I must assume my camera has no issues?

[@FixOldCameras]

Install a good battery to confirm. (at least 5.8 volts)

[@anadc100]

Is it the same for the canon A-1?

[@FixOldCameras]

The upper wind mechanism is different in the A-1.

[@yellowchino3883]

Hi, would I be able to still wind the camera without the ratchet springs? I still have the metal spacers. I didn't realize the camera wouldn't wind at all without a battery and I'm worried I actually messed it up now.

[@FixOldCameras]

No, it needs the springs for it to return properly. You might be able to fashion some replacement springs from a cheap retractable ball point pen.

[@rossedwards24]

I wish you hadn't just skimmed right past tripping the release without sowing how to do thus. It's probably a simple procedure but when you're working with these old cameras it's not something you want to just start poking at.

[@FixOldCameras]

There is a slightly more detailed demonstration of how to check the release magnet in the Fix Old Camera video Canon AE-1 Release Magnet. Upon removal of the bottom cover, if the release magnet is in the released state, then by default we know the camera wind mechanism is jammed. If the release magnet is in the non released state, then by forcing the release we can determine if the magnet is defective. If after the magnet releases and the camera cannot be wound, then again the wind mechanism is jammed for some reason, possible the issue covered in this video. Finally, if the camera can be wound after a forced release, then the issue is in the release circuit or the release magnet as covered in the Canon AE-1 Release Magnet FOC video.

[@rossedwards24]

Found it. Thank you. Appreciate the reply!

[@rossedwards24]

...And thanks for the helpful videos of course.

[@ferost9772]

Hello people! I have a similar problem. In my AE-1. when I'm winding the film to hit the shot, before reaching the end (crank) the shutter fires alone. The shutter button itself doesn't work. Cleaned the magnets, also bought a new battery in there, but still faulty. Someone who knows anything could give me a technical guidance on the subject? Very grateful for whatever comes.

[@ferost9772]

Got it, just had to use proper isopropyl alcohol.

[@FixOldCameras]

ferost Excellent. Sounds like your persistence paid off.

[@stefanmodigh7897]

Does any one have any tips to fix the frame counter. Mine doesnt reset when I open the back cover. :/

[@FixOldCameras]

Make sure the counter engagement lever that presses against the edge of the film door is not hung up. If it is moving freely you will have to remove the top cover to inspect the counter dial, counter dial link gear and counter dial return spring.

[@OA0708]

Is it same for AE 1 program?

[@FixOldCameras]

No, the upper wind mechanism in the AE-1P is different than the AE-1.

[@Pipp08]

have u fixed the problem?

[@wodelune]

Thank you! great video

[@truelokos]

Great vid...now can I mail you my camera?

[@FixOldCameras]

If you are interested in looking into getting your classic camera repaired... start here. www.phototronic.biz/services.html

[@sirlordcomic]

Thanks very much. Got it working.

[@FixOldCameras]

Excellent.

[@CLUHVEL]

I can’t do this

[@FixOldCameras]

It often feels that way. But you never really know until you try and fail and try and fail and try one more time and succeed. Or if you never succeed at least you definitively established your original suspicion.

[@demetriuswolak5125]

You are a god

[@FixOldCameras]

Hmmm, a jest indeed... How about Hyperion? Nope, no way, no how. Aeolus? Only if you count farts. Maybe make one up. Haywireous? Alludes to the determination of the wire that used to be used to bundle hay bales to become irretrievably confused.

[@josecolon8143]

Sweeeeeet 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your comment and interest in Fix Old Cameras.

[@andrijavidovic]

Can you help me with Canon AV-1? My shutter release button was stuck, I opened it and released it manually when I opened my bottom cover, near the magnet. But now everything works fine for two shoots, but every time on the third it gets stuck. Could you tell me what can I do? Sry about my bad english.