u/Ok-Gullo

Funny story. In Morocco, I only brought 7 rolls of film in 15 days. Thanks to the local help, lovely people, I found two Portra 400s for 5 euros each. Expired. How long? I don't know. I had everything developed and scanned near my home in Italy, and this is the result... I shot with 2 stops less. I'm not unhappy with the result; it was a gamble, and that's how it was. That said, what do you think I can do to edit them a bit? Thanks everyone!

Hi everyone!

Today I’m proud to tell you that I’ve completed my first CLA on a Canon AE-1 Program that I bought on Vinted Europe for 60 euros. It came with a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8.

I started by looking at the external condition. Then I tested the battery: everything was ok, the battery check button was working perfectly.

I tried looking through the viewfinder and something was off: I could see a haze and obviously a lot of dust.

Also, when firing the shutter I could hear the usual squeak of Canon AE-1 cameras.

The shutter curtains were also full of mold.

I then opened the bottom to test the magnets: everything ok, electronics and mechanics were perfect. Zero oxidation. I still cleaned as much as possible with an air blower.

After that I opened the top part, first removing the ISO dial on the left and the shutter speed dial on the right. There was some dust and dirt but everything was fine.

After removing the 4 front screws and the 6 on the top, I proceeded with the inspection of the circuits: tested with a multimeter = perfect.

I removed the viewfinder.

I desoldered the 3 wires of the top section and the internal ones.

Then I removed the leatherette and took out the screws from the battery compartment and from the compartment that holds the 2 wires (which also had to be desoldered).

I removed the mirror unit: lubricated the mirror and AE-1 mechanism and cleaned the contacts. Now no more squeak.

With isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs I removed the mold present on the shutter curtains, and with the blower I removed dust and dirt.

After that, I reassembled everything in reverse order, making sure to clean every component while putting it back together with isopropyl alcohol (except those that need grease, which I didn’t use because I’m not yet experienced in that area).

Remember to clean the contacts of the ISO dial on the left by removing the ring and lifting the plastic piece. Same thing for the shutter speed dial on the right (it only has a central screw to remove).

For the focusing screen, I tried to clean it gently with distilled water and soap but nothing worked, so I believe it was scratched. I replaced it with another focusing screen from a donor camera; it’s a part you can find for around 15 euros online.

During reassembly, remember to clean the pentaprism (without removing it if possible) through the mirror unit (by removing the focusing screen) and through the viewfinder (by removing it of course). I always used isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs, same for the viewfinder (be careful with its 4 screws).

To clean the body, always use isopropyl alcohol: if that’s not enough, use lighter fluid (Zippo, it removes anything).

- Shutter speeds tested (not with an official tester, but I’m saving up to buy one)

- Light meter tested with an external meter

The 3 problems:

- mold on the shutter curtains

- damaged focusing screen

- mirror squeak

RESOLVED :)

Cost: 60 euros for the camera, 15 for the screen.

With 75 euros you can take home a camera in great condition.

I don’t know if a CLA like this is done the same way in a shop—surely in a better way—but everything went well and I’m proud of it.

If you have any advice on how to improve, feel free to tell me.