Operations carried out
Cameras and lenses
Canon IV
A new lease of life.
This Canon was given to me as a gift.
At first glance, it was only good for parts or for the bin, given its general condition.
Particularly weathered, the mechanics forgotten and the curtains totally unusable.
A gift should be respected and bringing this old box back to life was a challenge.
It was dismantled, cleaned, lubricated, the curtains and ribbons renewed and the gears adjusted,
the rangefinder and focal length selector cleaned and adjusted.
It has retained its well-worn appearance.
Canon IV
Changing the curtains
This Canon had faulty curtains, stiff and perforated.
A previous intervention had already done some camouflaging…
Extensive dismantling was required to reach the curtains and carry out the mandatory lubrication and gear adjustment.
The old curtains were removed without forgetting to mark the marks for the gluing of the curtain and the tapes on the large drum, which is the most important.
The new curtains were cut exactly to the original measurements.
The metal ties were cleaned of the old glue and repositioned identically.
Repositioned according to the markings, and the tension adjusted, the shutter works again as it did when it left the factory.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Canon 7s
A little forgotten
The Canon 7 and 7s use the same mechanics. What makes the difference is the evolution of the metering system.
The Canon 7 is equipped with a selenium cell, the Canon 7s with a battery-powered CDS.
Canon 7s broken down and a bit forgotten.
As is often the case with cameras that are not in use, a major overhaul is required to ensure maximum performance.
This Canon 7s had a deteriorated curtain tape, no doubt the reason for its abandonment.
Very extensive dismantling to carry out an internal cleaning. Repair of the curtains, dismantling mainly of the gearbox,
Partial reassembly, lubrication, speed control of curtain translations, speed adjustment, metering adjustment,
cleaning the viewfinder and rangefinder, adjusting the focus. Final reassembly.
This 7s is back in operation, almost as good as new.
Canon P
In the sand
The Canon P often replaces the Leica M, which gives it some credentials.
Much less expensive, it has “almost” all the advantages of the Leica.
Perhaps a less discreet shutter, it’s a great approach to rangefinder aiming.
You can bring your viewfinder closer to it, cluttered with multiple frames, which, it must be admitted, is a matter of getting used to it.
Metal shutters are sensitive and frequently marked when loading.
Certainly, the Canon LTM lenses do not have the finesse of the Leitz, especially at full aperture, but for those who appreciate a slightly “vintage” look they are perfect.
And yet… Isn’t the Canon LTM 50mm f/1.4 nicknamed “the Japanese Summilux”?
This Canon P was therefore completely stuck in the sand and blocked (this is common for seaside devices).
Damaged curtains and broken ribbons had to be changed.
Disassembly is relatively simple and does not require very specific tools, other than a flat screwdriver and spanner.
You should know that, to remove the cover, the height adjustment of the rangefinder must be completely removed.
On the one hand the screwed protection, then remove the rotary adjustment which is simply held in force
and finally, the adjustment support which is screwed to the body of the device.
The hot shoe, the speed button and the shutter release cup are held in place by very accessible screws.
The flash socket is disassembled using the spanner tip,
The very big advantage of the Canon is that the front part and the back are held together by the hinge of the back.
There is no need to disassemble the self-timer lever. We dismantle the optical mount (4 screws) then behind it, the two baffle fixing screws. 4 screws at the front and the whole thing can be removed.
You have to be “very careful” with the small connecting part between the internal self-timer and the lever.
The sole can also be easily disassembled using a screwdriver and spanner tip.
We then have access to the internal mechanics. In this case, before any operation, it is necessary
imperatively and thoroughly clean the mechanisms by careful dismantling.
Removing curtains and replacing them is classic.
The only particular point is that you have to recover the original ties and remove the old curtains and ribbons.
The tie rods must be spaced far enough apart to place the new curtains with a little glue and tighten them while the glue hardens.
Once this is done, conventionally, we adjust the tension of the curtains to a minimum and we check with the shutter tester that the scrolling time is as identical as possible for each of the curtains.
Once the rangefinder is dismantled, it is thoroughly cleaned, knowing that the correct adjustment can only be made with the height adjustment replaced.
Canon 50mm f/1,8 - 50mm f/1.4
Detachment of a group of lenses. Identical procedure
Dismantling.
Removal of the group of defective lenses, creation of a position mould, oven treatment to separate the lenses, cleaning of the lenses (removal of Canada balsam).
Cleaning of surfaces, application of optical glue, positioning of lenses, curing of glue under UV light.
Matt black paint on the periphery, surface cleaning.
Reassembly.
Canon 58mm f/1,2
Multiple deformation.
Canon 58mm f/1.2 in poor mechanical condition.
Probably following a violent impact, the guides of the helicoidal ramps were bent and so was the diaphragm drive.
Dismantling, straightening, partial reassembly, functional check, complete reassembly.
Canon not just Leica clones
I decline all responsibility if you damage your toys !!! There are also professionals to do this work !