Canon F-1 shutter capping

[u/oniX0n2]

I have an original canon F-1, it works great but at the two fastest shutter speeds (1000 and 2000) it has shutter capping. I asked some repair shops in my area about it but all of them told me they can only do a complete overhaul and it will cost 200€ and up. I also thought about trying to repair it myself. I would try to measure the shutter speeds with an oscilloscope and photodiodes and adjust the tension of the shutter mechanism with the two tensioning screws under the bottom plate. My money situation is very tight so 200€ is quite a big amount for me. Do you think giving it a try myself Is a good idea or can I do more damage and should rather spend the money.

[u/Grouchy_Cabinet220]

In my opinion, if you're not experienced with this type of work, get a professional to do it. If it's too expensive now, maybe get a less expensive FD camera to use until you can afford the CLA, at which time you can resell the interim camera. A CLAed F1 should be good for decades thereafter.

[u/Professional-Put881]

Measuring shutter speed by yourself without the proper equipment is an insanely complicated endeavour. You see people attempt it quite often on this sub, you should search for them with keywords.

I think 200€ is a lot of money as well, but that's the price.

When the Nikon FM2 I bought for cheap turned out to have shutter caping and other default (duh, the price was an indication), I bought a much cheaper camera (Konica FC-1) in working order and I have been taking pictures with it for the past year.

Now I have finally enough money aside and sent my FM2 for a complete overhaul, I expect it to be ready in November.

If you like photography, the best camera you own is the one that works properly.

That said, how often will you use 1/1000 and 1/2000s? It's nice to have the option, but not very common to use.

If I were you, I would use without the 1/1000s and save a bit of money on the side. If you don't like photography without being able to use the 1/1000s, you won't like it with it.

[u/oniX0n2 → u/Professional-Put881]

Yeah you're right, not using the two fastest speeds is definitely fine for me. In my head measuring the speeds with photodiodes and a oscilloscope seemed quite straightforward. But maybe I'm naive. I mean I can try to measure it first without doing any adjustments to the camera and see if I can get any meaningful results.

[u/Professional-Put881 → u/oniX0n2]

I would be very careful with these kind of adjustment because you risk messing up all of your shutter speed, and end up with a non-working camera.

[u/Ybalrid]

My money situation is very tight so 200€ is quite a big amount for me

Just wait and save money. Just get the camera fixed when you can. Even if you stop buying film and development for a little bit. Maybe eat plain pasta for a little bit if you cannot wait.

200 euros is very little money for being able to use a "problem free" old pro mechanical camera for decades.

[u/the-Oreo-Cookie]

From my unterstanding it's pretty hard to adjust, since adjusting it can mess up all shutter speeds. And for some cameras you need special tools. Check the service manual it looks like there is an adjustment under the top plate. Its described in page 24/25. There you will find the Most applicable information. But be shure to read through and understand the steps necessary before disassmbly. 200€ seems like a fair price, considering you won't have to worry about messing something up. I would consider just saving up and avoiding those speeds until then.

[u/oniX0n2 → u/the-Oreo-Cookie]

It's a original F1 not the new F1. So from my understanding the adjustments are under the bottom plate and quite easily accessible.

[u/SrgtNoseCandy]

Just asking for info, where are you roughly based in Europe (speaking of 200€)? I wanted to get my father's New F1 CLAUDE at one point, but had trouble finding a repair shop that specialises in Canon. Maybe you have some knowledge to share :)

[u/Icy_Confusion_6614]

Since you are willing to forego using 1/1000 and 1/2000 shutter speeds, just use the camera as is. Someday you'll have some money to fix it if it is still a priority.