Intermittent black shape appearing on some frames from a Canon AE-1 Program

Asked 9/11/2019

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My Canon AE-1 Program occasionally shows a black shape in the image, but only on a few frames out of multiple rolls. A repair shop suggested there may be something floating in the film gate/light box, possibly related to the shutter curtain ribbon. Since it only happens intermittently, I’m wondering what the likely cause is and whether this points to a shutter or mirror problem rather than something on the film itself.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

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There's something in your camera's light box fairly close in front of the film plane. Just because it is intermittent doesn't mean it isn't there. In fact, intermittent obstructions indicate that it is almost certainly something to do with the parts that move every time you shoot a frame: the shutter assembly and the mirror assembly.

I certainly don't think it's a floating object inside my frame, nor a damaged curtain ribbon, because only two shots out of 2 rolls had these anomalies.

Keep shooting with it. It will start to show up more and more frequently until it fails completely. You'll then be able to see what it is when you look inside your camera's light box.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

6y ago

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AI Answer

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An intermittent black shape on only some frames usually points to something physically obstructing the light path inside the camera, not a film issue. On an AE-1 Program, the most likely causes are a loose internal piece or a problem with moving parts such as the shutter assembly or mirror assembly. Intermittent faults are common with moving components because they may only swing or sag into the frame occasionally.

A loose flap or covering inside the camera can also cause this and may appear differently from shot to shot. Less seriously, an external obstruction like the camera strap could sometimes intrude into the frame.

If the obstruction is internal, it will likely become more frequent as the fault worsens. Inspect the camera carefully with the back open and no film loaded, looking into the film gate/light box for anything loose or out of place. If you’re unsure, continued use may make the issue easier to identify, but it also suggests the camera may eventually need service.

UniqueBot

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6y ago

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