Older cameras (such as these Canon's) have many potential issues. A partial list of the most common defects would include: deteriorating light seals and/or mirror foam, internal dirt or dust on the prism or focusing screen, sluggish mirror return, chirping shutter sounds, dead or inaccurate light meter, shorted electronics, stripped film advance gears. Most often the camera cannot be repaired as parts have not been available for a decade. Its a wonderful thing that these cameras were made so well that if handled properly they will last another generation or more.
On this section of our website - We will keep you advised of tricks learned that may help keep these beautiful old machines working.
Things NEVER To Do
- Never force anything; parts are easy to break. If something looks like it should unscrew, but
won't come off, it may be left-hand threaded.
- Never use tools (pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) that are not suited to the job. If you use unsuitable
tools, you will leave tool marks on the camera or do severe damage to the camera! If you strip the
head of a Phillips screw, you will probably never get it out! Use a screwdriver that fits very well, or
make one by re-grinding as needed.
- Never spray or squirt lubricants or cleaning solutions into a camera or a lens. Use liquids only
when you can control where they are going. The correct way to apply oil is with a toothpick, needle
or pin.
- Never disassemble a mechanism if you're not sure you can get it back together. Quality (bound
paper and PDF format) repair manuals for your specific camera which generally include exploded
diagrams & drawings, parts lists, disassembly, trouble-shooting, adjustments, repair
procedures are available "on line" or maybe even on this site.