Canon EF shutter problem

[camerawrecker]

Hi all, I have bought a used but beautiful black Canon EF body that has a shutter problem : even with fresh batteries the shutter always travels at the same speed, no matter what shutter speed is selected. The shutter blades also seem to be a bit sluggish. Is it something than can be tackled without professional repair skills? I will probably need to take off the top cover of the body to check for broken wires or corrosion? Are there any unpleasant surprises to be expected when lifting the hood? (things dropping out or flying into orbit)
Thanks. Benny

 

[filmtwit]

I'm assuming this is an EOS body?
If so, check the shutter for excessive oil.
If that's the case, your body will need a CLA.

 

[Mackinaw]

If it's an EF, I'm betting it's an old FD mount camera.

The EF used a Copal Square Shutter where the blades (not curtains) run vertically. Probably needs to be sent out and serviced by somebody who knows these old shutters.

Jim B.

 

[ibcrewin]

Disclaimer: I know very very little about camera repairs BUT. I bought an canon elan 7e which I use now almost everyday. IF the film door is open it will do this. One speed, no exceptions. Close the door and it fires what at ever speed you want.

If it's an old FD mount. I don't know

 

[MC JC86]

It should fire regardless of batteries, although only at one speed (I think). That's assuming this is the Canon EF from the 70's (heavy, metal body, Manual focus).

If it's an EF mount EOS camera, like the newer auto-focus and the shutter has visible oil (will show up as streaks at the edges, usually left side of the blades if I remember correctly), as another poster mentioned the problem is sometimes caused by migrating lubricants.

Either way, I don't think this is a problem that should be tackled by somebody without experience unless you're willing to sacrifice the camera in order to learn somethings about it.

Does the camera have other problems? Are the foam-rubber seals deteriorating? They will be black crumbly things at the edges of the film-door compartment as well as a mirror dampener made of the same material where you take the lens off. Although that IS a user serviceable problem, it is one of the things that will be fixed if you have it repaired professionally (along with meter/shutter adjustment).

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Even without batteries, the speeds from 1second to 1/1000th should work. It sounds like it is time for a CLA. The slow-speed escapement for the shutter must be stuck.

 

[camerawrecker]

It is indeed an older FD mount manual focus camera. Sorry for not being precise - I'm a Nikon man and I forgot there also was an EOS EF... rgds.
Some Nikon EL2 cameras with non-working electronics or without the battery also fire at the same shutter speed, no matter what speed has been selected, so I figured it could have something to do with the electronics, wiring, etc.
Thx

 

[Spavinaw]

Don't apologize camerawrecker, you were precise when you said Canon EF. There never was a Canon EOS EF. There was a Canon EF-M and it was NOT an EOS camera. Go to the Canon Museum. You will not find the EF-M in the EOS section. You will only find it in the "Other" section. It did not autofocus therefore it is not an EOS camera.

 

[camerawrecker]

Thanks.
I won't attempt to repair the camera myself. I will keep it as a showpiece or sell it. A mint-/Exc++ but broken Canon EF anyone?