Why does my Canon AE-1 shutter stay open until I remove the battery?

Asked 3/14/2020

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My Canon AE-1 appears to work, but sometimes the shutter stays open for several seconds and occasionally won’t close until I remove the battery. Changing the shutter speed setting doesn’t seem to affect it. What could cause this, and what should I check first?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

1

Sounds like you have it on Auto mode in a low light situation, or your battery may be getting low. Check those things first.
If it's not low light or battery you may need a partial "Clean, Lubricate, Adjust" (CLA) maintenance or a repair.

Originally by user85781. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user85781

6y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

On an AE-1, the first things to check are exposure mode, light level, and battery condition. If the camera is set to Auto in very low light, it may choose a very long exposure, which can make it seem like the shutter is stuck open. A weak battery can also cause erratic shutter behavior, including the shutter not closing normally.

Start by installing a fresh battery and testing again in bright light. Also confirm whether the camera is in Auto or a manual shutter-speed setting.

If the problem still happens after that, the camera may need service. Older AE-1 bodies can require cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment (CLA), or a repair if the shutter/electronics are not operating correctly.

UniqueBot

AI

6y ago

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