Canon AE-1 Program or the Canon F1N

[Mackinaw]

I opted for the original F-1 over the F-1N because of that elusive quality of "feel." Both of my old F-1's have a silkiness to the film advance that was lacking in my old F-1N. From what I gather from reading an old 1982 Popular Photography that tore apart the then all-new F-1N, the original F-1 had polished gears and the like which were missing from the F-1N. At times, the small stuff can trump more advanced features.

Jim B.

 

[frobozz]

Absolutely true - a recently CLA'd original F-1/F-1n has the most amazingly smooth film advance I've ever used. A joy to behold. But for me, I use a motor 100% of the time, so that distinction is lost on me.

When I want to use a motorless SLR, I grab my trusty FTb, which is pretty much like an original F-1 without any of the ability to add accessories. It's also how I now get mirror lockup if I need it.

Duncan

 

[cblkdog]

I have both but haven't used the AE-1 in years. I love the F1, I have one of the older ones and its fine for my uses. I also have a A-1 which I think is one of the best cameras I've ever used. Mine is a little best up but still works fine.

 

[benjiboy]

Whatever you buy allow for the price of a CLA in the equation if you want a first class working tool.

 

[Tony-S]

Whatever you buy allow for the price of a CLA in the equation if you want a first class working tool.

Can anyone recommend a good place/person for CLA of an F-1n and an A-1? Mine are over 30 years old and neither has had any servicing.

 

[frobozz]

search on ebay for "Canon F-1 CLA" and you'll find that swordsnswords guy. He does excellent work on F-1s and will honestly assess it and tell you if it needs more than the basics, and whether that's going to be cost effective. He does the A-series even cheaper, though I don't have any personal experience with him doing those.

Duncan

 

[Uncle Bill]

I'm a big fan of the F-1n and the FTb which is a tank and I love the metering.