I just picked up my camera after 2 weeks of not using it. I cranked the lever to take a picture and it fired automatically. Also, the light meter/on switch was off. I tried a couple more times and it kept firing automatically at the end of the crank.
I am living abroad right now with limited film and no known resources for film camera repair. Please help!
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The Canon AE-1 uses a combo magnet/electromagnet to hold the shutter in the charged position.
This magnet is deactivated by a small electrical charge (electromagnet) which creates a canceling effect on the magnet causing it to let loose the bar which then allows the shutter to fire.
If something is in-between the magnet and the bar it can prevent the magnet from holding the bar causing it to release after you have wound the shutter charging/film advancement lever.
If you are careful you could try accessing via the bottom cover the shutter magnet/electromagnet and with a moistened strip of paper with reagent quality Isopropyl alcohol 85% or better, wipe the surfaces. If the magnet still won't hold you will need a new unit which will require getting to a camera repair shop.
Look online here: Canon
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What if I have done that and now the magnet doesn't separate, I have to manually move the small lever that releases the magnet. Also, the shutter button doesn't do anything.
Does it need the battery for the mechanism to work?
@eduardodes63131 - Sounds like you have the reverse!
Do you have a fresh battery installed? If not I would give that a try as well as cleaning the battery holder contacts if they appear dirty or corroded.
If the information display in the viewfinder is active then the shutter release electromagnet maybe bad and need to be replaced.
There is a magnet that grabs hold of a small metal piece when you $!^& it. You an easily see it when you open the bottom. Remove the plastic gaurd by pulling it away from the copper. $!^& the lever and when it releases hold the metalic piece to the magnet to try to remagnetize it. Worked for me.
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Thank you so much this saved me so much money at a repiar shop.
THANK YOU SO MUCHHHH!!! Currently have a half exposed roll of porta400 in mine and this just saved the roll! Had a tiny piece of the metal on one of the contacts!
It could also be the battery.
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