How to Repair a Canon A2 Command Dial

The command dial is essential for taking good pictures.

The Canon A2 is a semi-professional 35 mm camera sold from November 1992 through 1998. The camera has many operational modes that are selected by the dial on the left-hand side of the camera, also known as the command dial. There are two related problems with the command dial. The dial can spin freely but not do anything if there is a problem with the plastic rivets that hold the dial together. The dial can also spin freely when you turn the dial without feeling any click stops. This is caused by the spring and ball being out of place, or the spring itself being faulty. You may be able to repair the Canon A2 command dial yourself, depending on the problem you are having.

Things You'll Need

• Needle-nosed pliers
• Philips screwdriver size 0
• Small drill bit

Instructions

1. Remove the front cover plate by removing several screws on the bottom of the camera and on the battery compartment. Remove the screw inside the battery housing and remove the top cover. Once you have removed all of the screws, pull the top cover up to loosen it.

2. Pull the small, ribbon cable from the rectangular, white connector on top of the mirror housing. Loosen it by lifting up on the top collar of the white connector. Leave the rest of the wires alone. Pull the top cover up and lay it aside.

3. Find the command dial. It should be in full view. There is a small metal detent ball and spring in the center of the dial, just underneath it. You also see a metal tab connected to the lock release button in the center of the dial. The spring pushes the ball into the slots of the metal cage that provides the click stops you feel as you turn the dial. If you do not feel the click stops when turning the dial, put the spring and ball back in the correct positions between the plastic side rails that hold them in place. If the plastic rivets that hold the dial are broken, replace them with very small screws. Drill small holes for the screws using a tiny drill bit, then place the parts into position and screw them back together.

4. Replace the spring if it looks twisted or broken. Do not throw the spring away, as you will need it to know the appropriate size to purchase.

5. Reassemble the camera. Reattach the flash's ribbon cable and tighten the collar into position. Line the command dial's slot with the clear plastic pin sticking up from the rotary switch inside the camera.

6. Replace the top and front covers, putting all of the screws back in place.

References

• Fat of the Lean: How to Fix the EOS 5/A2 Command Dial