Canon F1 (first version) -- meter readout problem

[KoNickon]

Something odd happened to my F1 -- the other day the meter follower (i.e. the ring that you align with the meter needle) has just disappeared. At first it was partially visible in the meter window; now it's completely gone. I could see how a knock to the camera might jostle the meter enough to cause the ring or needle to get jammed somehow, but I'm sure it hasn't been subject to any sort of impact that might cause this. (It also has a problem with a loose frame counter window, and I've tried tapping the camera lightly to free that up, but nothing that would harm the inner workings of a professional-grade camera (or any camera, really). Has anyone seen this before? I plan to remove the left side top cover to see what's going on, but any help on what to do once I get to the meter assembly would be very welcome.

 

[Mackinaw]

Take off the lens and look into the throat of the camera. Find the little lever that is to the right of the mirror. With your finger, gently move the lever up and down. This lever should move freely (it's spring loaded). The "lollipop" in the viewfinder should move up and down when you move the lever. If not, then the problem is with the aperture linkage.

Jim B.

 

[KoNickon]

Thanks, I tried that. the problem is that I don't see the lollipop at all.

 

[Mackinaw]

Again, with the lens off, there's a "nub" just beneath the lever to the right of the mirror. If that is pressed in all the way (it should move in and out freely) you wont, or barely see the lollipop.

Jim B.

 

[p.giannakis]

is this of any use?

 

[Mackinaw]

I think your lollipop has come loose from the lever it's attached to. Reading this (figure 10) should help with a fix.



Jim B.

 

[KoNickon]

is this of any use?

I had seen this -- yes, very helpful to see how to open it up. Appreciated!

 

[KoNickon]

I think your lollipop has come loose from the lever it's attached to. Reading this (figure 10) should help with a fix.

View attachment 4815413

Jim B.

Thanks for this. I think this is exactly what's happened. Too bad that picture is rather dark and in black and white -- tough to see what it's describing. (I know; I'm looking the gift horse in the mouth.) Could be that the glue holding the "circular diaphragm indicator" (aka the lollipop) just got brittle after 50 years. Now I need to screw up my courage to go in there and see what I can do. Hopefully the lollipop hasn't fallen somewhere inaccessible!

What is this publication, by the way? Looks like a repair journal from 1974. Thanks for copying this!

 

[Mackinaw]

What is this publication, by the way? Looks like a repair journal from 1974. Thanks for copying this!

Not even sure where I got it, but the article is from the July, 1974 issue of the "SPT Journal" (Society of Phototechnologists). It's a multi-page article on how to service the original F-1. All the pictures are on the dark side, but the written descriptions are helpful. Good luck on your project.

Jim B.

 

[KoNickon]

Thanks, Jim, I'll need it! Must remember the doctor's credo -- "First, do no harm."