Canon AT-1 Repair

The Canon AT-1 was an extremely reliable camera, partly due to the modern production techniques pioneered by Canon, and partly due to the design engineering drawing on past success. If there are problems, then they are usually due to misuse, or improper usage. Dropping the camera from a great height usually results in the misalignment of mechanical components preventing reliable operation.

One of the commonest problems tends to be damage to the battery door, caused by owners not knowing how to open it. Repairing the battery compartment door can be time consuming as it has a steel pin and a spring at the hinge requiring disassembly of the camera; however, there are quick tricks such as sliding one end of the steel pin inside in order to remove it.

This camera has three electromagnets (mg1, mg2, and mg3) which provide an interface between the mechanical and electronic subsystems, and all three must be operational for the proper operation of the camera. Failure of these relays is usually very unlikely unless there was damage due to water ingress, or oxidation. You could expect problems such as the mirror not returning, or the film advance lever stuck. Here are some images of the inside showing the electronic engineering on flex circuits.

With the flex circuit, dry solder joints could develop over time and may require retouching with fresh solder. Sometimes grease can dry up preventing the mechanical linkages to move freely. A competent camera engineer, or repair shop, can resolve many of these issues at a low cost. Usually the ones listed on Google are very good.

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