Canon AE-1 Prgm eyepiece same as on AE-1?

[BobD]

I need to replace the eyepiece on an AE-1P.
I have a regular AE-1 (non-Prgm) donor body. The eyepieces on both look identical. Are they?

 

[AgX]

What do you mean by eyepiece? Such is integrated part of the camera.

If you refer to the guides around the eyepiece to take accessories, these are the same on all A- and T-cameras.

 

[BobD]

What do you mean by eyepiece? Such is integrated part of the camera.

If you refer to the guides around the eyepiece to take accessories, these are the same on all A- and T-cameras.

I mean this assembly as shown here on an AE-1P.

 

[AgX]

Then we mean the same when speaking about eyepiece, and now your question makes sense to me.


Well, I don't know. But I assume they are the same. Have you compared both service manuals? But of course these would only be of limited value concerning details.
We got fellows here most experienced in repairing A-cameras. Maybe they will chime in.

 

[cmacd123]

best bet is to look at the parts list on both cameras, if they are the same part number, then they are, if they are not it is a case of "cut and try"

 

[AgX]

Good point. I somehow considered the parts numbers model specific. Which at second thinking of course makes no sense if models share same parts...

 

[cmacd123]

some brands did use the model number (often 4 digits) as part of the part number, and if you look at subsequent models you see a mix of numbers. Minolta is one.

 

[wiltw]

In two bodies of similar heritage (Program vs. non-Program versions of AE-1), one can assume (but not be certain) that if the optical path distance from eyepiece to focus screen is identical, and if the image area presented is the same magnification as presented to the eye, the eyepiece diopter strength is the same for both.

 

[Mamiya_Repair]

While the part numbers are different for the eyepieces, they are interchangeable on the AE-1 and AE-1P. Difference is material of the frame: AE-1 is metal and AE-1P is plastic.

 

[cmacd123]

hard to find the parts manuals. on the AE-1 Program the Lens for the viewfinder is shown as CF1-0666-000 But I can't find a parts list for the AE-1 to compare

the A-1 Uses a CF1-0255-000

 

[BobD]

While the part numbers are different for the eyepieces, they are interchangeable on the AE-1 and AE-1P. Difference is material of the frame: AE-1 is metal and AE-1P is plastic.

Thank you!

 

[AgX]

In two bodies of similar heritage (Program vs. non-Program versions of AE-1), one can assume (but not be certain) that if the optical path distance from eyepiece to focus screen is identical, and if the image area presented is the same magnification as presented to the eye, the eyepiece diopter strength is the same for both.

My thought too.
BUT as the "Program" model used exchangable focusing screens, with a built in field lens, these field lenses may be different to the one in the static screen. This just as an argument that the optics need not have remained same and thus as result a different optic in the eyepiece may have been applied too.

The indicated change of mount material may have necessitated a different form too, which then may have necessitated a modification of mounting to the body. Which both might hamper exchange.


Just some argumentation why things might be more complicated than we may think at first glance...

 

[gone]

I just bought one of those for a Canon AV-1 camera on eBay. It came from the seller below, they have a lot of them. They're exactly the same according to the seller.

Canon AE-1, AE-1 Program AT-1 AV-1 Viewfinder Eyepiece Lens Clean Parts | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Canon AE-1, AE-1 Program AT-1 AV-1 Viewfinder Eyepiece Lens Clean Parts at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[AgX]

The samples at those two photos look different to me. Maybe the metal versus the plastic model.

 

[Mamiya_Repair]

With the exception of the Canon AL-1, all the Canon A series will take the same eyepiece. Different part numbers but same shape and same cemented doublet lens.

 

[BobD]

Canon did a similar metal-to-plastic part change with the AE-1 battery door. The early AE-1s have a durable metal door and later examples have a more fragile plastic one which is now often found chipped or cracked or missing entirely. All the AE-1 Prgms have the plastic door too as far as I know but it is covered by the little finger grip that was included in that model.

 

[Mamiya_Repair]

Canon did a similar metal-to-plastic part change with the AE-1 battery door. The early AE-1s have a durable metal door and later examples have a more fragile plastic one which is now often found chipped or cracked or missing entirely. All the AE-1 Prgms have the plastic door too as far as I know but it is covered by the little finger grip that was included in that model.

Yes, Canon did make changes in the design and construction material of many parts in the A series. As you mention, the battery door is one change. With the introduction of the Canon AE-1 in 1976, the battery door was made of metal but by the third year of production, in 1978, changed to plastic. The A-1 was first produced in 1978 so it, along with the AE1-Program always had plastic battery doors. The AE-1 Program also had a change from metal to plastic in the rewind shaft bushing around the middle of the year production in 1983.

 

[BobD]

... and, don't get me started on the plastic-ization of the Pentax K1000!

 

[AgX]

Yes, Canon did make changes in the design and construction material of many parts in the A series. As you mention, the battery door is one change. With the introduction of the Canon AE-1 in 1976, the battery door was made of metal but by the third year of production, in 1978, changed to plastic. The A-1 was first produced in 1978 so it, along with the AE1-Program always had plastic battery doors. The AE-1 Program also had a change from metal to plastic in the rewind shaft bushing around the middle of the year production in 1983.

Also within the A-series the bottom cap was changed from Brass to Plastic, at least for some models.