Canon AE-1 PROGRAM disassembly procedure introduction

The Canon AE-1 PROGRAM is a Canon SLR camera released in April 1981.

Developed as a developmental successor to the AE-1, it features a dual-mode auto exposure function with shutter speed priority AE and program AE.

In this article, we will introduce the disassembly procedure of the Canon AE-1 PROGRAM with the above features and points to note when disassembling it.

How to remove the viewfinder screen and notes

Unlock the holding parts with tweezers.

When the lock is released, the focusing screen is disengaged along with the holding parts.

If there is dust, blow it away with a blower.

＊The focusing screen is a very delicate material and should never be scrubbed with paper or cleaned with alcohol.

Scratches are caused simply by scratching with a fingernail, and if alcohol adheres to the surface, it discolors and is irrepairable.

How to remove the back cover

Shift the hinge pin down.

The locking hardware is also linked so that the back cover can be removed.

For any solid-state camera from any manufacturer that has a separable back cover, the basic rule is to remove the back cover before starting disassembly.

When performing maintenance, basically remove the back cover and focusing screen before starting.

Top cover disassembly procedure

Next, the disassembly procedure for the top cover is presented.

Please check the notes as well.

Disassembly of Film Advance lever section

The cover next to the release button is glued on, so a small amount of solvent is dripped on it.

Use a non-sharp tool and roll up from the edge.

＊When using a flat-blade screwdriver or other object with sharp edges, peel off carefully to avoid scratching.

Remove the two screws under the cover.

The place where it is fastened with two screws is made of plastic.
Be careful not to handle it roughly, as the grooves will be ground off and the screw holes will be ruined.

Remove the plastic part straight up.

Remove the metal part with four holes by turning it with non-pointed pliers so as not to damage it.
*This part is quite hard and tight.

Remove the silver washer.

Remove the white washer.

Remove the lever.

Remove the metal parts under the lever.

Remove the C-clip.

This can be done easily with specialized tools.

*I use a tool called clip pliers, but it is useless unless it is a very small size type.

The lever for switching the shutter mode is removed while checking the combination with the body.

Remove the washer.

Remove the black rubber ring.

Disassembly of Film Rewind Crank section

The two-way component that sets the film is secured with a tool.

The lever is folded down and the Film Rewind Crank is turned slightly up and to the left.

*This part of the body is often firmly fixed and tightened solid.

If you force it to turn when it will not turn, it will be damaged.

If you raise the lever and turn it by force・・・

Resin parts are easily damaged, causing the crank to crack or deform.
Note that in the worst case, it will be shattered beyond repair as shown in the image.
The damaged parts in the image are parts that were attached when I purchased the junk.
I was sad when I saw this.

If it is too hard to turn, pour a very small amount of solvent on the shaft before turning.

Remove the C-clip under the crank.

Remove the small washer.

Remove the cover.

Remove the large washer.

A hole can be seen in the center of the part with the ASA scale under the washer.

Do not turn the hole in the center, but pull it straight up.

Remove the plastic parts under it. 
When the part in the previous photo is removed directly above, this plastic part may not be found.



Sometimes plastic parts are attached to the back of ASA graduated parts.
Disassembly of Front Cover section

Remove one screw from the front.



Remove the two screws on the side.

Remove one screw on the underside.
The front cover can be removed at this point.

While pressing the silver button on the right, pull it out toward you.
The hook is on the right side, so it is easy to take it from the left. 
*Be careful not to try to forcefully pull it out by force, as it may be damaged.
Top cover separation procedure



Remove the two front screws.



Remove the two screws on the side.



Remove the two rear screws. 
At this point, all parts necessary to disassemble the top cover have been removed.

Pull the top cover straight up.

The top cover and body are connected by a wiring cord.
Pull up carefully to avoid cutting the wiring cord.
Disassembly of Viewfinder section



Remove the two screws on the left and right side.

Pull the eyepiece toward you.

After cleaning the back side of the eyepiece that was pulled out, the back side of the prism should also be cleaned.
*The mirror room side of the prism can be cleaned by removing the focusing screen, so the prism is not removed.

Check for debris caused by deteriorated moltoprene with the tip of a bamboo skewer.
Be sure to remove any debris before attaching the moltoprene.
*If this area is not adequately cleaned, dust will be introduced into the viewfinder due to shutter movement after reassembly or vibration from carrying the camera.
Notes on assembly

When putting the top cover back on, it is easy to pinch the forward cord if you only look at it from the back.

Be careful not to put the cord back in without realizing that it has been pinched, as this may cause the cord to break.




Align the protrusion on the back of the plastic part with the golden oval hole on the body side.

When putting back the ASA graduated parts, align the oval hole with the protrusion on the body side. 


As shown in the photo, cover the part so that the prongs of the part fit into the holes.

The green marker should be on the rear side of the body.
This is the normal position.

The rubber ring in the photo is an important part to stabilize the current flow.
When putting the parts back in, fit them firmly and deeply.
These are the disassembly procedures for the Canon AE-1 PROGRAM top cover.