Canon AE-1 Program shutter sticking

Discussion in 'Canon Film SLRs' started by Carl Carlson, Jan 31, 2026 at 1:19 PM.

  1. Carl Carlson

    Carl Carlson New Member

    Joined:
    Saturday
    Messages:
    1
    Equipment:
    Canoin F-1 Canon AE-1 Program
    Hello All!
    Strange issue with my AE-1 Program... regardless of selected shutter speed, shutter remains open for around 1 second before closing. In bulb mode, works normally. Fresh battery. Any thoughts most appreciated!
     

  2. Thumbnail

    Thumbnail Active Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2020
    Messages:
    451
    Location:
    UK
    Fortunately I have never had a problem with mine since I bought it in 1976, however, other owners I know have had shutter problems and most were related to dirty shutter magnets, others were dried-up lubrication. The magnets problem is easily resolved and there are many videos on the 'net showing how to do it. Hardened lubrication is a different matter and usually the camera needs a full CLA to resolve the issue.
     
  3. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2017
    Messages:
    3,399
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Equipment:
    60D,350D 1dmark3, T70, AV1, lenses ranging from 28mm to 600 mm, canonet Junior, Canonet QL 25, Mamiya C3 and 3 lens sets,Mamiya 645 pro TL and 3 lenses.Mamiya universal press camera and 4 lenses, Mamiya RB67 Pro S and 5 lenses, Pentax MG and various lenses, Toyoview 4 * 5 inch large format camera,Calimat C1 8*10 inch ultra large format camera.
    Carl, the first thing I would look at is the lubrication of the mecanism as with time, given the age of the camera, the gears get sticky leading to shutter issues. your camea needs a CLA , meaning it needs cleaning and fresh lubricant put on the internal gears.
     

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