Removing the Canon AE-1, AE-1 Program and A-1 squeak

This little noise is more than annoying: it is a sign of a mechanism beginning to seize. It is fairly common on Canon A-series models (A1, AE1, AE1 Program, etc.). The remedy is to lubricate a small gear in the mirror box. The repair shown here avoids removing the entire mirror box by applying a drop of oil through the lens mount.

To do this, you will need to make a small tool from a modified needle, cut and bent to the right shape so that a tiny drop of oil can be placed exactly where it is needed.

If you would rather skip making it, you can also buy it in the shop.