[Canon F-1N and AE-1P] Lightmeter needle giving wrong information

[davorzup]

Hello everyone!

I have a Canon New F-1 and an AE-1 Program. Both cameras performed perfectly, no problems EVER (well, the F-1N had a focusing issue, but I had that fixed).

A few days ago, I put a Neewer radio trigger onto the hotshoe of both cameras. Since then, my Canon New F-1 reads ASA400 as ASA3600, meaning my meter's sensitivity has moved up a lot. Funny thing is - the camera keeps exposing perfectly, thus it appears the meter needle got damaged somehow. Also, the AE-1P keeps showing me that on any given shutter speed, it will close the aperture to f/22.

For now, the New F-1 is a priority as I'm doing an important project with that camera. For both cameras, I'm using the following batteries:

• VARTA 6.2V V28PX * 4SR44 (Silver)
• Kodak ULTRA 4LR44 6V (Alkaline)

I'm wondering if there is a way to fix the needle (or the metering in general)... I'm desperate as I've invested far too much money for it to break down on a "simple" thing like a radio trigger.

Summary:

1. Two cameras with damaged meters after using Neewer FM Radio Trigger (Freq 433MHz).
2. Canon New F-1 originally had an overexposure problem of one stop - I solved it by using the exposure compensation feature
3. Canon AE-1P has the following issue: no matter the sensitivity and shutter speeds, I get different results... such as f/22 for 1/1000, but f/11 for 1/125... f/5.6 for 1/8... ridiculous.
4. Batteries are a few months old, but... worked perfectly until the issue
5. Batteries work great when used on my regular Canon AE-1 (not program!)

P.S. I live in Croatia and am a photography student... I can't afford to send the camera to someone in the USA... maybe to Tokyo since my friend is going in two weeks.

I hope someone can help. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Davor

 

[Mackinaw]

Certainly sounds like the radio trigger caused some damage. No idea how to fix, but if your friend is going to Japan, Kanto Camera has a good reputation for repairs.

Jim B.

 

[davorzup]

Certainly sounds like the radio trigger caused some damage. No idea how to fix, but if your friend is going to Japan, Kanto Camera has a good reputation for repairs.

Jim B.

Ah. I see. I will try to contact them and see about the possibility.

Anyone else maybe know?

 

[retinax]

No idea what exactly caused the problem, we usually hear about high flash trigger voltages (or currents?) causing problems with old flashes on digital cameras... But a suggestion. How about instead of a repair of the camera's meter, investing in a hand-held meter? If you're a photo student, you could certainly use it anyway at some point. And as it seems like you're diving into flash photography, a flash meter could be very useful. I don't think a good used one would cost as much as having Kanto repair the camera.

 

[davorzup]

No idea what exactly caused the problem, we usually hear about high flash trigger voltages (or currents?) causing problems with old flashes on digital cameras... But a suggestion. How about instead of a repair of the camera's meter, investing in a hand-held meter? If you're a photo student, you could certainly use it anyway at some point. And as it seems like you're diving into flash photography, a flash meter could be very useful. I don't think a good used one would cost as much as having Kanto repair the camera.

I see your point, but I really don't like using a hand-held meter. I'm used to just doing a couple of clicks on my camera and shoot. So far, in 8 years, I haven't had a problem with that kind of photography.

Not to mention the fact that my cameras are usually taken care of and it's a shame that cameras in almost mint condition can't be used fully.

 

[retinax]

I see. Then I'd look into repair people in the EU or better, Croatia. Kanto I think is competent but expensive and you might not be able to circumvent shipping and customs completely if your friend doesn't stay in Japan long enough to also bring the camera back. I have no specific recommendations but these are not exotic cameras, many of the old school people are able to work on them. The AE-1 certainly isn't economical to get repaired and you'll need a replacement soon anyway, so I'd just hunt for another of those or a FT-B or so.
Replacing the AE finder may be cheaper than repair after all...

 

[davorzup]

Right now I'm trying to find some logic... maybe doing something will trigger the needle to go back.

Because - I spent half a roll shooting after I realized that I have a strange reading from the light meter, yet everything turned out to be OK (with the New F-1).

This means - the meter is fine, the needle keeps telling me the wrong data. (I'm using Aperture Priority)

Maybe clean the contacts with some alcohol,... try to leave the camera dead for a while and then try using it again?

 

[retinax]

Take the prism off and put it on again? I don't know how the coupling between lens/body/finder works on the camera, but maybe something can be misaligned there? Also try new batteries, you never know...

Good luck and please keep us updated if anything happens, the more information in this forum, the better!

 

[davorzup]

Take the prism off and put it on again? I don't know how the coupling between lens/body/finder works on the camera, but maybe something can be misaligned there? Also try new batteries, you never know...

Good luck and please keep us updated if anything happens, the more information in this forum, the better!

I did, multiple times. I also bought a brand new VARTA battery. Same thing.

I also tested the F1N's meter vs T90 that I borrowed... difference goes in several stops... 🙁 I'm so sad that a trigger could **** up this beautiful camera!