HELP: Canon AE-1 Mechanical Shutter Repair

[NewbTay]

Hi all,

As per my username, I am new to film photography. I have a Canon AE-1 and my shutter will not release, and I want to repair the camera myself. I BELIEVE that I have located the issue: the connecting arm spring is non-functioning. Looking at the mechanics under the hood, when I cock the shutter, the connecting arm is not pushing the magnet to fully connect, and thus I cannot fully depress the shutter release button. I have manually connected the magnet, and tested that it releases, which it does. I ask of you, more experienced but fellow film photographers:
1. Would a broken spring on the connecting arm cause this issue?
2. Where can I acquire a replacement spring?
3. How can I clean the brown substance (rust?) off of the interior of my camera?

PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8ot8H4KpKLXWGVke9

Thanks in advance.

 

[webestang64]

Found a service manual.....hope it might help.....

http://jameskbeard.com/Photography/...AMERAS/AE-1 Camera Service & Repair Guide.pdf

 

[vintagesnaps]

Supposedly rust can be problematic to try and remove (compared to other gunk in/on a camera that's more easily cleanable, like residue from batteries).

You might try Pittsburgh Camera Exchange, they often have small parts and bits and odds & ends. I don't know if a small part would be listed on their website or ebay (seller name is onlinephotostuff) so you might have to contact them and ask. I've seen springs like that, if they don't have one chances are you could find one elsewhere.

Or sometimes cameras are listed/sold as 'parts' cameras so you might find a cheap junker you could take apart for parts.

 

[dxqcanada]

Yup, looks like the spring loads the end of the connecting arm, which pushes the magnet.
I would suggest taking it all apart and give the levers a good scrubbing.

 

[compur]

3. How can I clean the brown substance (rust?) off of the interior of my camera?

Rust inside is a very bad sign. It suggests the camera may have been dunked at some point.

 

[cgw]

It's what you can't see that would concern me. Agree that this baby has either been dunked and/or stored in high humidity for some time. With respect, I'd consider ditching it in favor of something in better shape, whatever the brand.