Photography Canon A1 35mm Film SLR service

[twozeds]

hi….just a quick question for you guys….I've been thinking about running some 35mm film through my old Canon A1 film SLR camera but haven't used it in years…I think it will need a good service and maybe light seal replacement.

My question is:  Is there anywhere in Pattaya or near to where i can get this done or do i have to trip off to BKK to get it sorted? many thanks in advance

[malt25]

Let Google be your friend.

Try   http://www.canon.co.th/personal/web/contact/locations?languageCode=EN

A call to one of their stores will hopefully tell you where in Pattaya you could take your camera.

Just a thought.

[FracturedRabbit]

Nowhere in Pattaya that could do that. You could mail it to Canon service in Bangkok, but mail them first to see if they will take it. Unlikely they will have light seals in place. Alternatively, by the spares off the internet and do it yourself!

[bendejo]

For the most part film cameras have become an anachrony, like it or not.  You would probably fare better by doing your own maintenance, and I'd guess there are websites to help you on your way.

You might find the camera is in better operating shape than you expect.  About 10 years ago I sold my old Nikon SLR, a model that used no electronics for the shutter, it was like a spring-powered watch, circa 1980 or so.  I think I hadn't taken it out of its case for around 15 years.  It was still in pretty good shape. 

Maybe clean up the A1 a little and shoot off a roll, you might be surprised.  Last I looked canned compressed air wasn't easy to find in LOS.

 

 

[FracturedRabbit]

If you get stuck, AV Camera in Bangkok might be able to help you. I gave them a 1931 Leica to clean and lubricate and it came back as good as new, for less than 2,000 baht.

[twozeds]

thanks for your feedback and info…. i did take onboard advice and looked up tutorials on the net and had a go and cleaned it up myself…happy days…. many thanks to all :)

 

[dddave]

On 11/6/2016 at 2:16 PM, FracturedRabbit said:

If you get stuck, AV Camera in Bangkok might be able to help you. I gave them a 1931 Leica to clean and lubricate and it came back as good as new, for less than 2,000 baht.

Please, where is AV Camera located? I have an older film SLR that needs some attention.

Film cameras and black & white photography are making somewhat of a comeback, comparable to the current resurgence of interest in vinyl records.  Several local Bangkok universities have re-opened their darkrooms and are offering courses in film exposure and development.

To many, myself included, photography lost it's appeal as a craft when digital imaging and Photoshop editing took over.  Black & White photography was a complex but integrated and deeply satisfying process; from selection of film and the subtleties of exposure through to film development and the art of printing a rich silver image that somehow conveyed more emotional impact than a similar image would in color.  

When I invested in an expensive digital SLR with a million bells and whistles, it left me cold and soon sat unused on the shelf until a niece begged to use it.  I gave it to her without a second thought...something that never would have happened with a treasured film camera 

Weekend afternoons spent printing in my darkroom were probably my most satisfying days back in my former life: one of the few things I truly miss.

[FracturedRabbit]

3 hours ago, dddave said:

Please, where is AV Camera located? I have an older film SLR that needs some attention.

Film cameras and black & white photography are making somewhat of a comeback, comparable to the current resurgence of interest in vinyl records.  Several local Bangkok universities have re-opened their darkrooms and are offering courses in film exposure and development.

To many, myself included, photography lost it's appeal as a craft when digital imaging and Photoshop editing took over.  Black & White photography was a complex but integrated and deeply satisfying process; from selection of film and the subtleties of exposure through to film development and the art of printing a rich silver image that somehow conveyed more emotional impact than a similar image would in color.  

When I invested in an expensive digital SLR with a million bells and whistles, it left me cold and soon sat unused on the shelf until a niece begged to use it.  I gave it to her without a second thought...something that never would have happened with a treasured film camera 

Weekend afternoons spent printing in my darkroom were probably my most satisfying days back in my former life: one of the few things I truly miss.

You could have used Google...

http://www.avcamera.com/index.php/contact-us

[dddave]

45 minutes ago, FracturedRabbit said:

You could have used Google...

Yes, I could have but I chose to ask.  Just because Google is there, does not mean one is compelled to use it.

As far as I know, discourse between people is not yet forbidden.

[FracturedRabbit]

I was compelled to use Google to find the page with the map so I could post it for you.....

As far as I know, helping yourself rather than expecting other people to do it for you is not yet forbidden. Neither is saying "thank you" when someone takes the time to help you out.