Canon EOS 50E / Elan II / EOS 55: Repairing the door latch – Step-by-step instructions

The Canon EOS 50E (known as Canon Elan II in the USA and Canon EOS 55 in Japan) is a brilliant semi-professional film camera. But let’s be honest: it has a real Achilles’ heel. The plastic latch (door latch) on the back eventually gives out, and the door just won’t stay closed. The reason is almost always this small, brittle plastic hook that breaks off. Here I’ll show you how to easily replace this part yourself – with minimal tools and a suitable replacement part.

Quick overview: What you need

• 3D-printed replacement hook (set)
• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Optional: Fine tweezers and superglue (in case the contacts don’t hold immediately)
• A clean, well-lit workspace and a small dish for the screws (so nothing rolls away!)

By the way, we have the matching replacement hook in our shop if you want to skip printing: Order EOS 50E replacement part here.

Important precautions before you start

• Work carefully – the small screws and springs love to disappear forever.
• Do not disconnect any electrical connections except the parts described here.
• If you’re unsure: just take photos with your phone along the way; it really helps when reassembling.

Step-by-step: Replacing the broken hook

1. Remove screws on the bottom. Turn the camera upside down and unscrew the five screws on the base.

1. Loosen the lens mount cover. Now it’s time for the lens mount cover plate. It’s held by five silver screws. Put the screws aside carefully so you don’t mix them up.

1. Unscrew the side hinge cover. Remove the two screws holding the side cover. Warning: Under the cover, the old hook is under spring tension – be careful that nothing flies out at you.

1. Remove the broken part. Carefully pull out the broken plastic hook. Important: Save the metal contacts or copper clips! We need them for the new part.

1. Insert the new component. Attach the copper contacts to your new 3D-printed hook. Usually, it clicks in well; if it’s loose, a tiny drop of superglue helps fix it. Community alternative (closer to Canon’s factory assembly): Instead of glue, heat a paperclip over a lighter and briefly touch the plastic under the metal contact. The plastic melts slightly and secures the contact permanently without gluing the mechanism.

1. Hook in the spring and insert the hinge. On newer EOS 50E bodies, the spring is no longer hooked on the pin but fixed via the thread of a small screw. Unscrew the screw, place one end of the spring over the thread, and screw it back in. Then carefully insert the hinge into the guide. The part should slide freely, and the spring should pull it back to the starting position on its own.

1. Contact test and reassembly. Quickly check if the copper contact at the bottom touches the circuit board. All good? Then put the cover back on, screw it tight, reattach the lens mount cover, and tighten all screws. Done!

How should it fit?

The hinge should glide smoothly. When you open the door, the spring must pull the hook back. The copper contact is essential – only then does the camera check that the back is really closed (otherwise it won’t fire).

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Contacts don’t snap in? Sometimes light finishing on the 3D print (file or fine sandpaper) helps.
• Glue: Use sparingly! One drop of superglue is enough. Nothing should stick the mechanism.
• Problems after assembly? Usually, the copper contact isn’t sitting properly on the circuit board. Just unscrew and check again.
• Keep organized: Put screws in a dish; those little things disappear faster than you can blink.

Conclusion

Repairing the EOS 50E latch is no rocket science. With a screwdriver and the right replacement part, you can do it in just a few minutes. If you pay attention to the spring and contact, your camera will be fully operational again afterward.

If you need the replacement part, check out our shop: EOS 50E latch replacement part

Good luck with your repair – and as always: good light!

Your Vladi