Which EOS models are vulnerable to the problem of blank photos caused by a sticky (oily) shutter?
EOS film cameras made from the late 1980s to early 1990s are vulnerable – the 600 series, EOS 10/10s, 100/Elan, 1000/early Rebels, etc. All of these cameras have an internal foam rubber shutter bumper which deteriorates with time, turning into a black shiny glue-like oil which gums up the shutter blades. A stuck shutter will often result in blank or wildly underexposed photos being taken. In my experience the problem is exacerbated by high temperatures. Unfortunately most of these oily shutters show up long after the warranty period has expired, so Canon will not replace the shutter for free. You have to clean the shutter yourself (see my brief article on the topic) or have it replaced at your expense.
