Fix Old Cameras: Canon AE-1 With Squeaking Release
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Canon AE-1 with a squeaky shutter release. This tutorial shows how to lubricate the source of the squeak with minimal disassembly.
classic camera repair - www.phototronic...
A few tools and books -www.amazon.com...
Just took it sitting overnight after oiling but fixed a Canon A1 !!! many props to you!
local camera store said they would charge 100$ for this repair. I'm very tempted to tell them I made it myself after seeing your video tutorial. Thanks!
Good to hear of your successful repair.
The mirror box disassembly was invaluable to my mental model. Fixed mine, thank you very much!
This was greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. I just fixed the squeak on my AE 1 Program with a syringe and sewing machine oil. Coming through the bottom plate. Worked perfectly. I am a happy man
Very good to hear of your success. Thank you for you interest in FOC.
Is sewing machine oil ok? Will a silicone lubricant work safely for the camera? Thx!
Thank you so much for this video! I have successfully fixed my camera because of you! On my first go around i missed the thing though so something else in the camera is now oiled up
Another Conon AE-1 Program is squeak free. Thanks for the very detailed tutorial. You guys are truly awesome!
Good to hear of your success. Thank you for your comments and interest in FOC.
Many thanks for this video. I just bought an AE1 that had new light seal put in, but had that squeal sound in the shutter. It took me a while to bend the hypodermic needle to the right shape, and now it sounds like my AE1 program that I already have. Now I will be more confident to stick with that series of camera in the use market.
I went through the bottom and my needle was 34mm exactly so I was worried I wouldn't be able to reach. I attempted adding oil twice because the squeak continued so I added too much oil I'm sure...although I gave up and then was about to go through the lens mount and then...THE SQEAK WENT AWAY! Thank you for helping sombody that really has no idea what they are doing with such clear directions!
THANK YOU for this video!!!!!! I have lived with the dreaded Canon squeal for years and could never make it stop.... This took like 5 minutes and now it's like new again!!!!
Very, exceedingly well done and narrated. One of the best how-to videos ever posted on any subject. Now I'm off to fix my AE-1!
Thank you so very much. Good luck with the repair of your AE-1.
@@FixOldCameras where did you get the needle and syringe from? :)
Worked like a charm on my A-1. I like the approach of coming in from the front screw hole. Using a fine gauge needle for the oil also helped in using the minimal amount to fix the problem. Thanks!
Good to hear of your successful repair.
It took me a bit to pull the right spot but I eventually got it! Thank you som much, this is the best video for this problem on RUclips!
Thank you, I have looked at a great deal of videos and pages dealing with this and believe this is the best. The shots of the oiler placement from the inside view really help me understand where I was aiming for. I have just done two A1's both are sounding fine now. Next on to the light seals.
You are welcome and thank you for your interest in FOC.
Thanks for the tutorial. Had this AE-1 for a few years and did not even really realize this was a issue just thought that was how it sounded.
You are welcome. Sometimes it is not an issue, other times it will get to the point where the mirror is so sluggish it will jam the camera or slow down the release sequence.
@Flawrence Isenhart www.amazon.com/shop/fixoldcameras
Please be advised that the link provided is an affiliate link and a small commission is received by the creator of this channel if you choose to make a purchase using this link. This adds no extra expense to your purchase. Your support of this channel is greatly appreciated. Thank you for making any purchases through the link on this channel.
Thanks for the great description on how to fix the shutter squeak got it on the first try! Thanks again
I just picked up an AE1-program with the squeak. Fist thanks for the JIS screwdriver advice. I picked up a set online and I can't believe I've been wrestling with cross-point and Phillips over all these years. What a difference on Japanese cameras. As soon as I pick up a needle oilier I'll give this a try.
Excellent to hear. The sharing of knowledge goes both ways and brings new insights to all who care to look. Thanks again for your interest and comments.
I lubricate the mirror damper of all my Canon A-Models that I sell in my shop. In my experience the first method shown (lubricating through the top left mirror cage screw) works best, as least oil is required. For oiling I use high quality watch oil with a viscosity of 100 mm²/s.
Thank you for your comments and interest in FOC. Keep'em going.
Hell yeah, did the bottom plate method and boom! No mo' squeak. Thank you!
Tried this with a very small syringe and the first time i put my knife oil in it would sound right on every 10th photo so i tried again after watching the internal shot in the video a few more times i got it right, every photo shot sounds perfect thanks to this video.
Good job. Did you use the bent or straight syringe method?
Contact cleaner works just as well to fix this problem. Enjoyed the video guides tremendously. Happy cleaning and looking forward to more guides in the new year.
Thank you so much. I tried 3 other videos but yours really helped me fixing two ae1 p. I did it from the bottom and it worked perfectly.
Very good to hear.
Even worked with my Revueflex SD1. Thanks alot for the tip, it made my camera sound much healthier now!
Thanks as always! Where to find a needle and syringe like this?
Damn it took me 4-5 attempts i think it was because I didn't have a long enough needle to do the latter approach, so I had to bend the needle, then use the little hole by the mirror, it worked like a charm.. thanks so much!
Impressive persistence and patience. Good to hear of your successful repair.
Hi and thank you for this amazing video. Is there any alternative to the oil you're using ? Wich one can do the job well ?
Thank you !
Thanks for the great video with good angles on the torn down chasis. Removed the top cover of my AE-1 Program using the service manual and lubricated from the top with nyoil. 1-2 drops problem solved.
Good to hear of your successful repair.
I went from the bottom. It didn't work right away(possibly due to my accuracy). About an hour of being frustrated, "my patience was rewarded." But along the way I broke the battery door(I found your video to fix that).
Just wanted to mention that the issue with it squeaking also affected the shutter speed accuracy due to the mirror taking longer to come down.They are both good now so thanks.
+DoctorMindo
Patience and persistence sometimes trumps experience. Good to hear of your success.
I recently got an AE-1 Program with the squeak, but the shutter speeds all appear correct in my measurement.
Always the best repair videos! thank you!
Thank you! I just fixed the shutter squeal on my AE-1 and my A-1 using the first procedure.
Good to hear of your successful repair.
I managed to fix the sqeak sound that came from the mirror mechanism (with silicon oil) but i also hear the same sound from the apperture mechanism especially if the apperture is small, from 11 to 22... I cannot figure out how to fix this one. If the apperure is 1.8 there is not sqeak... Also i observed that when i choose 22 for the apperture it does not fully close but closes like i have choosen 11 or 16.. Any ideas?? Thx!!!
You can access the gear responsible from under the baseplate, on the opposite side of the squeaky mirror fix. Unscrew the plate that the shutter magnet sits on top of, and gently pull it back. By moving the aperture lever you'll easily be able to see the noisy gear that needs oiling.
Thank you for the comprehensive video! One question: I followed the instructions and have repaired two A-1 cameras over the last few year - all went fine.
Now I did the same approach on an Canon AE-1 Program, but the squeak just will not go away, is just appears less frequently. If I let the camera sit, then the first two shutter presses sound fine, but the squeaking returns pretty soon - could it be that there is another gear that is causing the issue?
I used german Ballistol Gun oil for the repair (worked like a charm with the a-1) - allthough I think i have used a bit to much after doing the procedure for a second time - the wall of the mirror box seems to be soaking up some of it - but I doubt it will cause problems.
Do you have any advice for my situation? Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
Well it does sound like you missed the sweet spot of the mirror dampening escapement. The excess oil might eventually migrate to were it will silence the little bugger and hopefully not migrate to a magnet surface. You can remove the oil stain from the mirror box surface with alcohol. It you can get a junk AE-1 to pull the mirror box it will help you develop your technique for better accuracy of application.
hello, I dropped a drop of oil through the lower compartment, after which I clicked the shutter twice and then it stopped working altogether? What could be the reason? maybe I dropped too much oil or it got in the wrong place? what can be done now?
Still the Best instruction video.
Thank you so much for your continued interest in FOC.
As for now my Canon AE-1 sounds good, but who knows? Maybe in future i'll need this video. Thanks guys, are awesome :)
Hopefully you won't need it. Thanks for the comment.
Hi! Just found this awesome channel. I have a Canon AE-1 with broken light meter, it works for the battery check, but not for exposure. A video on the argument would be so helpful because i can't find anything on the internet! Thank you👍🏻
If the galvanometer is moving with the battery check the simple replacement of the galvanometer will not correct the issue. It operates separate from the actual exposure circuit and it is possible that the camera is still exposing correctly. Or it could be that circuitry issues are causing both readout and exposure issues.
@@FixOldCamerasThe camera light meter always indicates under exposure with intermittent LED light and the indicator all down (Even in direct sunlight). What could be the issue in this case? Thank you for the immediate reply!
With the details you added to the problem description it is possible that the link to another FOC video might help you.
ruclips.net/video/hJUidgM6LoI/видео.html
@@FixOldCameras Thank you so much!
Great! Worked on my A-1 as well. Would you consider making a video showing how to remove the top and clean inside the eyepiece window and prism?
There are two screws holding the eyepiece window frame in place. Access them after removing the top cover. On the A-1 the viewfinder screen can be dropped for dust removal via the clip at the top of the mirror box frame. However the AE-1 is a sealed prism and the entire upper circuit needs to be lifted to allow just the beginning of the access procedure. There are FOC videos that demonstrate the removal of both the top covers of the A-1 and the AE-1 should you want to access the screws that retain the eyepiece.
@@FixOldCameras My AE-1 (bought new in '79) came complete with a visitor - a small bug who seemed to be between the top of the focussing screen and the bottom of the prism. I had to suffer him running around for the first month or two of ownership. What he was feeding on I have no idea - the camera worked fine, and after all these decades, still does!
Your videos are great and very informative.
I recently was gifted an AE-1P and it has the squeaky shutter release issue. My question is, does the squeaky shutter release affect the cameras performance?
I plan to take the camera to a shop here in LA, but in the meantime I'd like to shoot some film.
Thanks in advance.
Typically, it does not, although it can make the mirror rise sluggishly and on rare occasions prevent the mirror from completing the up cycle. If the mirror does not rise completely, it would then prevent the shutter from releasing.
Fix Old Cameras Thank you for the information. I'll burn a roll of film just to see how the images turn out. I plan to bring the camera to specialist in the LA area to service it. I don't have the right tools for the job.
Thanks again and look forward to more videos.
Best tutorial
About to give it a try, but wondering can I use the 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil? Or do I have to use a synthetic oil? Thank you!
I put the tiniest amount of 3-in-1 technic oil in my AE-1 Program camera yesterday night. So far so good... 🤞
Where did you get that curved point oiler tip? I have been searching all over the Internet and have come up empty. I love your videos!. I have already fixed to squeaky shutters with the “from the bottom “method. I would like to try the method of putting the oil through the screw hole. Thank you in advance.
The oiler needle was custom formed (bent) around a small bottle. Good to hear of your successful repairs too.
I put too much oil in to fix the squeal of my dad's AE-1P and now I have oil droplet in the viewfinder and focusing screen. I remove oil from screen using a drop of dishwasher and hot water with artist brush and rinse it with distilled water. For the oil inside of viewfinder (on eyepiece on the side next to prism), I really have no idea how to clean it. I assume that I might have to remove the top cover first. Do you have video on how to remove/reinstall viewfinder of AE-1 Program?
Fortunately the AE-1 top cover removal is not to bad. A FOC video demo
of this procedure is in order. Using a crosspoint screwdriver remove the
four screws that hold the front name plate the surrounds the lens
bayonet. Remove name plate. Next remove all top cover screws. Remove
the rewind knob. Remove snap ring under rewind knob, Remove ASA plastic
cover plate under snap ring. Remove rubber cover around shutter release
button. Removed two screws now visible. Remove advance lever retainer
with spanner. DO NOT remove shutter speed dial. Proceed with top cover
removal.
Hello, my AE-1 Program squeaking, so I will probably have to do this sooner or later. What type of oil should I use?
what oil was used?
thank you so much 😊
Easily removed the first 4 screws on two ae-1s with this problem. But the last screw…they both appear to have a spot of glue on them and I can’t get them loose!! Help!
What kind of oil is that
Do you think 3-in-1 cleaning oil would be acceptable to use? Thank you!
Hiya. My AE-1P doesn't squeak, but if it hasn't been used for a while the first shot has a bit of a delay before the shutter fires. It sounds as though the shutter is slowed down, but there's no problem with the photos and the mirror is down during the delay. Couldn't find anything about this online so thought I'd see if you had ideas. It's not a problem that affects the performance of the camera, I just worry it might turn into a bigger problem later.
+Tom Box
It could be the release magnet is sticking... see the FOC video on the Canon AE-1 Release Magnet. Clean the magnet surface and the magnet linkage lever.
What type of oil should I buy? I saw that I can use vegetable oil is that a good choice?
Vet oil? Crazy
Nyoil
Will you make a video on how to fix the self timer on a canon AE-1? The switch seems to go past its last position and the self timer does not function.
The tabs on the timer switch that engage the notches of the the timer lever are probably broken. ruclips.net/video/I-aicNc4puY/видео.html as seen at 1:20 on the this video link
Could you let me know what size screwdriver you used?
What kind of oil are you using?
What kind of oil should I use? Great video as always!
A light oil. NyOil is used nearly exclusively in Fix Old Camera videos. From local sources, you can try oils such as sewing machine oil or clipper oil. You can spray an aerosol silicon lubricant into a small container then use the needle applicator to apply. DO NOT spray the lubricant directly into the camera it will go a hundred places you do not want it! You may also get a good oil here - astore.amazon.com/fixoldcam-20?node=1&page=5
thank you so much for the reply. I live in italy and i don't think there's an italian / european official importer for the product therefore a bottle of nyoil has a crazy price even if bought from amazon.it for some reason. I worked around my limitation by using a thin needle syringe loaded with a bit of sawing machine oil. it worked fine but after it started working i went with a second application ( one drop for each gear pignon on the shutter timer) and by working the mechanism i got a bit on the shutter blades and they started sticking. this made for a complete teardown of the shutter and a thorough cleaning. I guess i should follow the heuristic "if it ain't broke don't fix it". btw i was fiddling around on an italian camera, a Ferrania Condor 1. the good news is that by following your videos and working around the different assembly of the shutter it seems to be in good shape now. Thank you for your precious work, keep it up!
Right on... a little goes along way. Sometimes after a unsuccessful application of the first drop of oil simply waiting overnight allows the oil to migrate to the point where it eliminates the squeak. Also good to hear of you success with the Ferrania Condor 1. Your comment is the first mention of that particular camera on FOC. Thank you for your comments and interest in Fix Old Cameras.
Could this problem cause the mirror to be slow in action?
Hello, many thanks for your videos. I'm trying to fix one AE1, already solved problems with magnets, now is the Canon squeak turn and then replacing foams. Just a question regarding the oil: is the famous Singer Oil suitable for this repair? Thanks and Ciao from Italy Andrea
Sewing machine oil is not ideal but is suitable.
Many thanks for your reply. So NyOil - Thin Film Lubricant as I see in you Amazon suggestion is best ?
Ciao
Andrea
@@Andrea-sn9ne A very good choice.
My Canon AE-1 Program has the squeak but also a slow shutter mirror. Is this related ?
What is the best position for the camera to be left in while the oil is migrating overnight?
Gravity seems to have little affect on the surface tension of the oil and the phenomenon of capillarity. OK that maybe sounds good but not sure how much is exactly accurate, but the bottom line is that experience shows that the position of the camera has little affect on the migration of the oil. Let it set upright.
Fix Old Cameras Thank you, it was a success! Another Canon AE -1 back out on the streets.
@@mrmavstang Good to hear that your patience and persistence paid off. Keep'em going.
Hi there, as you advised, I should use only the JIS Cross Point Screw driver but you did not mention the size. Please can you advise me as all search on Amazon gives sizes that I have no idea how small or large they are as images are deceptive
Many thanks
Dinah
JIS crosspoint #0 (2.5mm) will work on most all screws encountered in classic camera repair. A JIS crosspoint #0(1.7mm) would also be nice to have for smaller screw heads.
You are a star!!! Thank you do much for replying so fast and for the information.
And need I add how helpful your video is. Nice and simply put across, so thank you
Great videos man, I'll definitely be doing this to my ae-1p, i also have a petri micro mf-1 that i cant change the shutter speed, the b mode works but there's no difference in speed between 1 second or 1/1000 of a second, any idea what it could be? The light meter doesn't work either but I already found one of your videos to fix that
Probably, the slow speed escapement in the Petri is not engaging or needs to be cleaned and lubricated.
Can I use shaver machine oil to to this procedure?
If it is a light synthetic or natural oil similar to Nyoil it should work. Remember a very little goes along way. Allow time for it to migrate.
www.amazon.com/shop/fixoldcameras
Does this fix apply to all cameras with the squeak issue
Thank you for your repair videos.
One question
I am trying some time now to find a needle oiler like yours but I could NOT find one. Do you know any online place to buy them?
The glass syringes featured in the FOC videos have been in service for over thirty years. Might be that they could still be found at a veterinarian supply store. There are some standard needle oilers available here -
astore.amazon.com/fixoldcam-20?node=1&page=5
Thanks for your answer
What oil do you use?
Hi, i have this kind of "problem" , but cannot really understand if this affect the camera functioning or by time pass will damage more the shutter/mirror mechanisms
The squeaking mirror dampening escapement will do no permanent harm. However if left unaddressed it could eventually jam the mirror lift and release mechanism.
This video seems very easy to follow but I am unable to find a "Curved needlepoint oiler" anywhere. Any suggestions? Thanks.
The "curved" point was fashion from a straight point. Be careful when bending that you do not kink the fine tubing.
Does it work with bike lube ?
Did you curve those oiler yourself? I've not seen anything at all like them.
They were "custom" made.
I have tried to access from the bayonette but stuck at the last screw. It's seemed that the screw is glued, could you suggest me how to deal with it ?
Apply heat from the tip of soldering iron for a least to the head of the stubborn screw. Canon did out a thread lock agent on some screws. The heat will soften the thread lock. Always make sure you are using a 2.5mm or #0 JIS crosspoint screwdriver to deliver maximum torque.
Great tutorial! where do i find syringes like that? the amazon link doesnt work anymore... thanks!
www.amazon.com/dp/B074W9PV1Z/?ref=exp_fixoldcameras_dp_vv_d
Affiliate disclosure: Please be advised that the link provided is an affiliate link and a small commission is received by the creator of this channel if you choose to make a purchase using this link. This adds no extra expense to your purchase. Your support of this channel is greatly appreciated. Thank you for making any purchases through the link on this channel.
Question, I have a Canon A-1 with both the A series squeek as well as a sluggish mirror. The mirror moves at about 3/4 of a second speed to compete it's cycle.
Are these issues interelated? Are they both caused by the lack of lubricant or grease migrating to parts of the camera it shouldn't be? Or could the sluggish mirror be an electrical problem?
Yes, as you suspect, the sluggish mirror is most likely related to the squeak in the mirror lift mechanism.
Thanks! I appreciate the response! I'll probably give it to a shop for this problem since I'm not quite at that skill level for repairs. I really enjoy watching and learning from your videos.
can i do this with film in camera and the battery inside or should i remove?
Remove the film only. You will need to fire the camera multiple times to work the small amount of oil into place.
Holy crap! It worked perfectly! 😄
Does the AE-1 and A1 have the same body? In other words, does it have the same internal design? If so, would this method also work for the CANON A-1??? Thanks
The mirror lift mechanism is the same and the procedures outlined will work on the A-1. The same precautions apply.
I thought I had an AE-1 Program that had gone beyond the squeak stage to where the mirror was moving so slowly so as to cause a delay between shutter release and the mirror moving far enough as to allow the shutter to operate (the mirror was actually never making it to the full up position). I lubricated per the video and the mirror started moving a little faster (but still not correctly). Then under very close observation with a very bright led flashlight I noticed what we called in Naval Aviation "fod" lying in the area of the mirror operating mechanism. With a toothpick I was able to push on it and it moved out of the way and now the mirror (and the camera) appear to be operating like the Canon engineers designed it to. Now the Question: The "fod" moved, but didn't fall out of the camera, any suggestions on how to find and remove it? Or is this a case of hope it found a new home out of the way and will stay there?
The best way would be to disassembly the camera to a point where you could access it, but that defeats the purpose of the short cut lubrication procedure. Some times you can change the angle of the camera as you tap its side and hope gravity helps to break it free to where you can access it. Of course it could end up lodging in a place where it could cause a problem again. Otherwise let the sleeping "fod" lay,
Works like magic! Thank you!
Very good. Your thanks is appreciated.
I hope you are still replying to comments on this 2 year old video!
So my problem is not a squeaky shutter, but a slow shutter. The shutter on my AE-1 is slow and sluggish for the first 3-5 shots, it lags for half a second or even a full second more than the shutter speed. After these "warm up" shots, the shutter behaves as normally. Other have told me this repair video will fix my problems.
I'm ready to dive into this repair method but just one glaring issue! I cannot for the life of me find a needle tip oiler that is flexible enough to be curved and long enough to reach the inside of the camera! Could you please point me in the direction of a needle oiler (with oil included would be a bonus). The ones you use in this video seem to be perfect for my needs, where did you get them?
+SL026 If the mirror rises slowly, but the shutter speed is accurate than the needle oil procedure shown in the video generally will correct the issue. Here is a link for some oil options -
astore.amazon.com/fixoldcam-20?node=1&page=4
If the mirror rises as it should and the shutter hangs up for the first couple of shots in a sequence than there probably is a film on the shutter holding magnet. This is the smaller magnet in the middle of the bottom access with the bottom cover removed. Clean the magnet surface with alcohol if the magnet is discovered to be the source of the issue.
+Fix Old Cameras Thanks for your reply! I have ordered the Liquid Bearings oil from the page above and should be receiving it soon! If I run into any more problems during the repair I will be sure to leave another comment here! Thanks again for your reply, its really cool that you guys are still helping people out 2 years after this video was uploaded.
+Fix Old Cameras So I attempted this repair I still have the same problems! I waited overnight for the oil to migrate but the problem still persists.
To clarify, my exact issue is that the shutter curtain and mirror seem to "lag" for the first couple frames after picking up the camera. The shutter curtain and mirror are both in sync, both open and flip up at the same exact time. But if my camera has been sitting for a while and I go to take a shot, the first 3-4 shots will be slow. If the shutter speed is set to 1/1000, the first frames will take about 1/2 seconds, or even 1 or 2 seconds. After a couple warm up shots, the shutter seems to speed up and operate at the correct speed.
What's the problem here? I tried this repair method with the oil and still no dice! I'm getting a bit discouraged because I really would like to get into film photography and it seems this small but irritating issue is standing in my way!
+SL026
Than there probably is a film of oil on the shutter curtain holding magnet surface. This is the smaller magnet in the middle of the bottom access with the bottom cover removed. Clean the magnet surface and the magnet engagement holding lever surface with alcohol.
+Fix Old Cameras In your video about the Canon AE-1 Release Magnet, you mention that if you short the circuit underneath the bottom cover, and the shutter releases, that the problem is not with the magnet. I tried this, and my shutter releases when I short the circuit, meaning that the problem does not lie in the release magnet. What else could be causing this problem?
Hi fix old camera,
I messed up really bad trying to fix the squeaking noise. I have two syringes due to an other project. One with vinegar and one with oil. I got distracted and realized only afterwards that I took the wrong one. Now the shutter speeds of my camera aren't working properly. Is there any way of salvaging my camera? I can't believe this just happened...
You will need to remove the top cover so that the trapped vinegar can evaporate. You might also have to carefully flush the area with alcohol. Be very very careful that the alcohol does not migrate into or on too the prism and viewfinder screen as it will destroy the screen.
@@FixOldCameras Thank you so much! The camera is working again thanks to your feedback.
Can I use white minral oil to lubicate the shutter?
The viscosity of mineral oil is a little heavy and over time it might become sticky. The oil used in FOC videos can be found here - astore.amazon.com/fixoldcam-20?node=1&page=5 or a light sewing machine oil should work.
Que maravilla de vídeos. Gracias
HELP! I tried to put a drop of oil through the bottom of my A1 and now my shutter won't work- button totally unresponsive now. Did I short something out? Did I ruin my camera?? 😥😥😥
Edit: It won't focus either and light meter LED is blurred. I think I got oil where it's not supposed to be 😥😥
Edit II: Ok, so a few minutes later and it focuses again, and the meter LED is no longer blurred. I'm hoping the oil will dissipate and whatever is causing it to jam will clear up. Anything I can do?
Edit III: Ok, about an hour later and shutter is releasing again 😁 Sorry for the false alarm. I guess it's just a matter of time for excess oil to migrate away from sensitive areas. But if this happens to anyone else not to despair, just wait it out.
It is good to hear that it is working for you now. If you have an opportunity to do another AE-1 with the squeaking mirror use less oil. It should not have migrated into the viewfinder. One misplaced drop will not cause a problem, but still you should practice releasing the oil into a lid or rag so that you can learn to gauge the amount of oil forming in the drop and use the minimum needed.
what kind of oil should be used? silicone? does it damage plastik parts?
Silicone is acceptable and safe to use, but not in aerosol form as it is hard to control and contain the spray. Spray the silicone into a small lid, then draw the expelled liquid into your applicator or syringe. A light watch oil or shutter oil can also be used.
what type of oil should we use?
There are some options here -
www.amazon.com/shop/fixoldcameras
affiliate disclosure: Please make note that the links provided are affiliate links and a small commission is received by the creator of this channel if you make a purchase using these links. This adds no extra expense to your purchase. Your support of this channel is appreciated. Thank you making any purchases through the links on this channel.
hello! my problem is that the mirror wont flip at all, everything works fine except when i click to take the picture the shutter just wont do anything at all. would love to hear from you soon!
Start by making sure you have a good battery delivery the required 6 volts. If still no release, check the release magnet unit as demonstrated in the FOC video AE-1 Release Magnet.
Great video, very helpful, fixed mine!
Good to hear.
What if I don't fix this. Will it be a problem in taking photos aside from the annoying sound ? Does it affect the overall photo IQ ?
It will not cause any issues with the function of the shutter unless it gets to the point where the mirror no longer will move completely through its lift cycle. The speed of the release time might be slightly compromised, but in most cases that should not be an issue.
Best one yet!!!!
thank you
has anyone done this freehand without the needle to aid with
dropping the oil into the camera?
It would be difficult to contain the oil and would probably end up in places where it would cause problems.
Thank you so much for the video, it worked on my A-1. I used a bit of Ballistol and with your technique worked fine.
+gizmohawaii
Excellent! The product you used might be new to the Fix Old Camera community. If you think about it... in a few months, report back with the long term results. Thank you for your comments and interest in FOC.
hi would a 3 in 1multi purpose lubricant oil work for this repair?
+Nemun
Short term application should be fine. Long term it might have a tendency to migrate or evaporate as it is a cleaner and rust prohibitor as well as a light lubricant.
Would you recommend if I use it, Thanks
+Nemun preferably not... but not absolutely
+Fix Old Cameras alright thanks
I recently attempted this fix, and may have dropped an additional drop of oil - It seems ok but I noticed some oil migrated through the seam to the left of the mirror (when looking at the camera directly). Is this ok or should I attempt to clean the excess oil?
I have the same problem now, what did you do?
@@uuo3546 I attempted to absorb some with a few clean q-tips, which may have actually just pulled more oil through. So far, it's been totally fine and hasn't affected the camera's operation at all. I just checked inside, and the oil is either gone, or spread in such a thin layer that it's no longer visible. No issues at all and nice quiet shutter, so you should be fine as long as the oil is not on the mirror.
@@Purpleyamz good to know, thank you! My shutter still squeaks after my attempt to fix it :/ The needle of my syringe is a few millimeters to short that's why a little bit of oil leaked.
Thank you!!!!!
can i do this with film in the camera??
No, because you will need to fire it multiple times to work the oil into the mirror escapement and test the accuracy of your oil application.
I have an A-1. It's shutter does not open at faster than 1/30 exposures. No problem at long exposure. How can I fix it ?
The shutter holding magnet (MG3) is sticking or latch is sticking. A defective CPU-IC can also cause the shutter to be slow or stay open.
When the camera is released?
1981
Thanks, I'll use singer sewing machine oil.
It didn’t work for me, could there be another reason for the noise?
No, probably not. Give the oil you applied a little time to penetrate around the mirror escapement gear bearings. If not you might have missed the proper lubrication point.
Need to fix my ae-1 program, I can't find a needle tip oiler anywhere
+DanDrummer18 A hobby store could possibly carry needle oilers.
Here is one possible online source - astore.amazon.com/fixoldcam-20?node=1&page=4
Or you might try a veterinarian store or a farm and home store for a larger type needle for giving shots that can be repurposed as an oiler.
I just used a syringe with a needle purchased in a pharmacy. As a lube I took few drops of the motor oil I have for my Audi.
I love your videos :3
Thank you so much for your interest in FOC.
What kind of oil do you recommend?
+Kioomars Doroodi Without endorsing a particular product, you can use a very light synthetic oil or natural oil. Avoid any type of penetrating or cleaning oil combination. You can go here for the product used in the video - astore.amazon.com/fixoldcam-20?node=1&page=4
There are also have been several product suggestions posted in the comments section.
@@FixOldCameras the link isn't working for me at this precise moment. Says there is a technical issue. I have liberty brand clock oil. Will that do?
@@FixOldCameras also, is this a shutter issue or a mirror issue. I gather the latter from your commentary, but someone on youtube said it's a failing shutter which initially scared me given I'm not sure how to find a shutter. When i think shutter i think of the actual shutter and not the overall connected mechanism and mirrorbox.
@@ElGrecoDaGeek It's the mirror return flywheel that actually squeaks, which is why it can slow down the mirror's return (which you can see by taking off the lens and firing the shutter). The shutter itself can be seen clearly by opening the back and firing it on a slower speed, like 2 seconds. You'll see it in action.
Big thank you for profesional guide vido! Just fixed mine with Moebius 8000/4!:D