Canon A-1 35mm Film Camera with With Upper Body Separation Visible

[mr.mike]

Hello all,
Just bought a Canon A-1 film camera with a bit of visible separation between the camera body and lens mounting area. In addition there appears to be a slight opening at the top of the camera at the prism portion. I'm still awaiting delivery and will have a better look once the camera arrives. I'm wondering if anyone has seen or heard of this type of damage happening to this model? I see the lens that's attached is marked MC which I remember as being the code designated to the Minolta brand. Wondering if this could have had anything to do with the problem? Of course I'll know more once the camera arrives, but was anxious to hear from you and get your thoughts. By the way, this camera comes with a Canon Data Back as well as power winder and 80-200mm lens. The complete package was $20.00 including all the dust. Guess at that price even if it can't be fixed, it should make a very nice display. By the way, can't see from the angle the photos are arranged, but is it possible for a few loose or missing screws to have caused this problem?
Thanks for your responses,
Mike

 

[vintagesnaps]

No, and I've had some cameras that were beaters. I have one that the screws were always coming loose but that just caused a bit of a wobble with the lens mount til I tightened them up. I don't know how a camera got this much or this kind of damage. Unless it has a whole lot of screws loose! Guess when you get it you'll get a better idea.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I have a set of two Camera Repair books by Tomosy that are out of print (as far as I know). They include many manual SLRs, and if I think of it later this week when I have time I can see if this Canon is included.

 

[dxqcanada]

Looks like it was taken apart and missing screws.
Canon A-1 CLA tutorial

 

[mr.mike]

No, and I've had some cameras that were beaters. I have one that the screws were always coming loose but that just caused a bit of a wobble with the lens mount til I tightened them up. I don't know how a camera got this much or this kind of damage. Unless it has a whole lot of screws loose! Guess when you get it you'll get a better idea.

Thank you for your response. This one puzzled me as well. But for $20.00 I thought I'd take a chance. Piece by piece it's worth more than I paid. That is if any of the other items are still in working condition.

 

[mr.mike]

I have a set of two Camera Repair books by Tomosy that are out of print (as far as I know). They include many manual SLRs, and if I think of it later this week when I have time I can see if this Canon is included.

Thank you,
Looking forward to the help.

 

[compur]

"MC" on a lens can also mean multi-coated.

 

[mr.mike]

"MC" on a lens can also mean multi-coated.

Thank you,
I didn't know that.

 

[vintagesnaps]

For 20 bucks the lens anyway should be worth it. If it is missing that many screws (which I doubt you'd have on hand) and you want to fix it, try getting a camera 'for parts' to take apart just for the screws (if it's worth the time and money). Or a camera swap. Or Pittsburgh Camera Exchange, they have lots of little odds and ends.

 

[mr.mike]

For 20 bucks the lens anyway should be worth it. If it is missing that many screws (which I doubt you'd have on hand) and you want to fix it, try getting a camera 'for parts' to take apart just for the screws (if it's worth the time and money). Or a camera swap. Or Pittsburgh Camera Exchange, they have lots of little odds and ends.

Excellent information, truly appreciate your response.