DOCUMENTED REPAIR · HOSTOPHOTO

A Canon A-1 stuck on Bulb mode

A quick repair for a fairly rare fault. The camera shows only B mode in the viewfinder, regardless of the speed selected on the dial.

A quick repair for a fairly rare fault. The camera shows only B mode in the viewfinder, regardless of the speed selected on the dial. The release cycle stops halfway: the mirror stays raised partway through the sequence and the second curtain does not close. The reason is a broken fork-shaped contact under the shutter-speed dial. I open the camera and replace it: quick and effective. This fault can also cause other symptoms, such as only one of the 2 AV or TV modes working. Marketed by Canon between 1978 and 1985, the Canon A-1 is a single-lens reflex camera. It was the first camera in the world to feature a built-in digital, rather than analog, computer. To repair the part, the contact fork can simply be glued back onto the dial. I prefer to use screws to make sure it will not move again. Tools and materials used Screwdrivers Precision tweezers Storage box Small drill bits Hand drill