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I've just been given a couple of old SLRs from my grandad and my dad. One is Canon AE-1, and the other is Olympus OM1. Checked on the net, and both cameras seem to have quite a heritage, and I would like to try using them, along with my newly acquired D80 dSLR.
The problem is that they both have been stored away for years, and now there are fungus inside the lenses, and there seem to be some fungus inside the Olympus view finder as well. I assume that they are serviceable, but wanted to make sure that it is financially viable to do so.
Also, does anyone have experiences with either of these cameras? What's your thoughts on them? Thanks
I have 2 Canon AE1's in my collection so can comment on those. After no use the lubrication goes hard in the shutter and it develops the 'Canon Squeak'as the shutter fires. Also, be sure another fault doesn't develop which I have with the last AE1 I got ( £ 50 with 3 lenses ). There is something goes wrong with the electronic circuit cut-off whereas the needle keeps moving about in the viewfinder when you THINK you have switched it off; the circuit remains ON and wears out the battery. With the faulty one I have to leave out the battery until I want to use it.
Quote: One is Canon AE-1, and the other is Olympus OM1.
Shame. Both cracking cameras - especially the OM1. Not sure of the names (search of the Forum will find 'em) but it must be worth getting quotes to have the bodies serviced by a repair company - lenses too thinking about it... but lenses will always be available in good condition somewhere - eBay, Ffordes et al...
Luton camera repairs (I think that's what they're called) Used to service my OM kit before I changed to Nikon. If they still exist then give them a try for cleaning and repair. Their service, which included changing the film chamber light trap sponge and changing the battery compartment to a modern fit (the old battery is discontinued) was around £100 but that was some time ago. Olympus zuiko lenses are all over the place second hand and are a real bargain as they are of good quality. I particularly like the aperture ring on the front of the lens.
You've got me all nostalgic now..
Just a little tale of woe. In bygone days I purchased a lens for my AE1. cost £85. I accidently dropped it causing the zoom to be a bit stiff but nothing broken. Got a quote from a very well known repairer, £100. When I queried the charged compared to the new price "Labour charges old boy"
I've got an old Canon A1, with the cough/squeak, when I first got it, I looked at getting it serviced, Luton camera repairs said it would be about £60/70 to correct the cough and replace the foam light seals....they sell for about £90+ so I didn't bother in the end.
Shot maybe 100 x 36 exp rolls of film before going digital with no noticeable problems.
This site is a great source of info
Well, got a quote from a local camera shop. For the Canon 50mm lens and the body, it will cost about £150 to repair and service. I think I will hold it off for a while, since I've already spent near a grand on camera this Christmas, and I still have to buy a tripod! Maybe next year. I've seen some shots taken with the AE1, and have to say, they look wonderful. When I do eventually get it repaired, I think I would like to try a lot of b&w shots with it.
Quote: Well, got a quote from a local camera shop. For the Canon 50mm lens and the body, it will cost about £150 to repair and service. I think I will hold it off for a while, since I've already spent near a grand on camera this Christmas, and I still have to buy a tripod!
If you have a look at ebay you'll see that an AE1 with lens rarely goes for over £45 in good nick. Spending £150 to make the one you have serviceable seems an awful lot. OM1s go for similar money.
I have an OM1, being a former Olympus user prior to going dgital. It's a cracking wee camera, almost silent in operation. I never got on with any of the Canons of the AE1 era.
£150 sounds very expensive - the camera shop may be farming it out and taking a cut.
I use an excellent independent chap in Birmingham.
To give you an idea he will service a Hasselblad kit (80mm planar lens, body and film magazine) for £85.
And he does know what he is doing, he just has low overheads.
I would imagine a complete service on an OM1 would be around £40 - £60 (inc lens.)
If you want his details PM me.
Matt
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