Finding the "Right" Cheap SLR

aagiv · Feb 12, 2017

I know all the information I'm looking for would be available searching this forum and the rest of the web, but with the numerous models of consumer SLR's made in the late 70's and into the 80's, I need a little help narrowing my search for a camera. I currently have a Canon AE-1 pulled out of my parents closet, and the only reason I am looking for something different is to gain easier metering for manual exposure. With the AE-1, the only information in the viewfinder is the recommended aperture. I could meter by keeping the aperture set on a certain value and adjusting shutter speed until the needle points to my pre-chosen aperture, but I lose track of shutter speed if I have to move more than a couple of stops.

What I want is a similar class camera that uses a more conventional metering setup...either +/- LEDs or a needle type. I would also like to have at least exposure setting displayed in the viewfinder...preferably shutter speed if only one. Finally, I want at least one auto-exposure mode (shutter or aperture priority) for times when I want to just focus and shoot.

Other criteria are cheap, reliable, and easily available. Canon would be convenient since I already have a few FD lenses. I'm not tied to that though, since cameras in the class are usually easy to find paired with a 50 mm lens.

Huss · Feb 12, 2017

Nikon FE2 - fantastic camera, shows shutter and aperture values in the VF, full metered manual mode showing all that data. Cheap ($100-ish if you shop around), reliable, easy to find. The fact that its shutter runs from 1/4000 to 8 secs is nice too.

I'm not sure which Canon shows all the info in the VF and has easy manual metering - maybe the F1n? So you can use your existing lenses.

flavio81 · Feb 12, 2017

aagiv said:
I know all the information I'm looking for would be available searching this forum and the rest of the web, but with the numerous models of consumer SLR's made in the late 70's and into the 80's, I need a little help narrowing my search for a camera. I currently have a Canon AE-1 pulled out of my parents closet, and the only reason I am looking for something different is to gain easier metering for manual exposure. With the AE-1, the only information in the viewfinder is the recommended aperture. I could meter by keeping the aperture set on a certain value and adjusting shutter speed until the needle points to my pre-chosen aperture, but I lose track of shutter speed if I have to move more than a couple of stops.

What I want is a similar class camera that uses a more conventional metering setup...either +/- LEDs or a needle type. I would also like to have at least exposure setting displayed in the viewfinder...preferably shutter speed if only one. Finally, I want at least one auto-exposure mode (shutter or aperture priority) for times when I want to just focus and shoot.

Other criteria are cheap, reliable, and easily available. Canon would be convenient since I already have a few FD lenses. I'm not tied to that though, since cameras in the class are usually easy to find paired with a 50 mm lens.

I love Canon FD lenses and i had an AE-1 which I liked.

The Canon AT-1 is almost identical to the AE-1 and is designed for manual metering, if i recall correctly it is a "+/-" needle type in the viewfinder. Info:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/at1/

Older than that camera is the FTb which is a reliable manual camera that also does manual metering with a very good "partial" metering pattern. It is a match needle type (lollypop matches the needle). Older and cheaper is the FT, which is very similar but it requires stopped-down metering. That is, you need to stop down the lens to meter. They are all fine cameras that operate smoothly.

For more price you can get the original F-1 which is a superb professional camera that also is intended for manual metering. Match-needle. External fit and finish is superior to all the Canons mentioned previously and (in my experience) superior to the Nikon F, F2 and F3. A beauty.

For even more price you can get the New F-1 which is (to me) the ultimate Canon FD camera and shows in the viewfinder:
a. shutter speed
b. suggested (metered) aperture value
c. manually chosen aperture value

In the Nikon camp i could recommend cameras as well, starting with the Nikkormat FT2, FT3 or -if you can't get those- the FTN. Nikkormat EL, Nikon FE, and FM are also good and inexpensive.
If you can pay more, the Nikon F2 is the ultimate for manual metering, an absolutely superb camera for Nikkor lenses.
But if you have Canon FD lenses then stay in that camp - they are very fine lenses.

AgX · Feb 12, 2017

The idea behind the display of the AE-1 and similar displays is that you set the most apt shutter speed in advance and then leave the rest to AE-automatic.
In case you see that the the aperture range gets limited you may set the speed by feeling to the next step or two. But generally one would take off the camera to set the shutter dial at sight. But you would not re-set that dial constantly.

(I see the lacking of that information in the finder a good teaching tool for beginners.)

A total different display are those of the nulling type. Where you have to put a needle to coincide with a pointer, or even more advanced ones where in addition you get information on apeerture and shutter speed.
IF that display lets you see the degree of deviation (eg. one circle-mark diameter=1stop) and IF your camera has spot metering, then such display is benefitial in cases where you have to "place" exposure on details.

faberryman · Feb 12, 2017

Most of the SLRs are really cheap these days, so I would argue to avoid the super cheap mentality, and buy a top of the line model. For example, for manual metering, I would suggest a Canon F1 or F1n, or a Nikon F2 or F3. Buying the best in film cameras is just not expensive.

AgX · Feb 12, 2017

The same time one could argue to buy seversal different types and try them out to see what fits best.
For the price of the models named above one could get countless models less sought after.

Chan Tran · Feb 12, 2017

That's the problem with canon back then. I think that the reason why when they moved to AF they didn't want to retain the lens mount with many of the lens to camera interfacing problems. They ended up with the best way to interface with the camera so far.

faberryman · Feb 12, 2017

AgX said:
The same time one could argue to buy seversal different types and try them out to see what fits best. For the price of the models named above one could get countless models less sought after.

Yes, you can always argue the other side. If you enjoy buying and selling several different makes and models of cameras to find out which one you like best, go for it. As you indicated, there are countless models, so you may be at it a while. Or you could just get one top of the line models and set about actually making photographs. You'll end up spending the same with all the transaction costs involved. Whatever floats your boat.

aagiv · Feb 12, 2017

I did know about the Nikon FE (and FE2) before I asked, but I left it open ended because I wasn't sure other recommendations might come up. I'm not that familiar with offerings from Minolta/Olympus/Pentax and others, but I know each brand has its devoted users.

Neil Grant · Feb 12, 2017

...as you've discovered, the Canon AE 1 is a a real 'duffer' when it comes to manual exposure. A friend of mine found this out the hard way when he 'upgraded from the AT 1. (manual only). You ought to bear in mind with old kit like you are proposing, problems like slow shutters, sticking diaphragms as well as inaccurate meters. If you're using neg film metering isn't too critical - as long as you've got sufficient exposure or more. Don't forget damaged light seals. Some years ago I found a Chinon M1 in a dustbin, and then more recently I got a few lenses for it. (suitably primitive - Domiplan and Helios 44). I just use it for b/w neg, never used the meter - just 'sunny 16', experience and a bit of bracketing. It's simplistic nature is part of it's (limited) charm, and both lenses work well - although the Domiplan needs a little encouragement sometimes.

cliveh · Feb 12, 2017

Pentax K1000

Alan Gales · Feb 12, 2017

Get a body with Aperture Priority. It's fast and easy to change apertures by spinning the aperture ring with your left hand while your eye is up to the viewfinder. It is then easy to relocate your fingers to the focus ring. With Shutter Priority you have to remove your right hand and change the Shutter Speed on top of the camera and then reposition your hand to the camera. Either is doable but Aperture Priority is faster and that is why you are using auto-exposure mode over manual in the first place.

Just my 2 cents.

TattyJJ · Feb 12, 2017

I spent a LONG time researching what SLR i wanted. Eventually i settled on a Canon A-1, and i'm totally chuffed with it!
It's very similar to the AE-1 so will know how to use it strait away, and can keep all your lenses.
Has fully auto mode, aperture priority, shutter priority or fully manual. Plus the viewfinder displays both aperture and shutter speed.

Not sure where you are, but can be found for under £100 here

fstop · Feb 12, 2017

A-1 and AE-1 both are basicly point and shoot slrs. The A-1 doesn't have a true aperture priority mode.The apeture is set with the shutter speed dial not the aperture ring its so annoying I dumped mine.. Not that they are bad cameras just that they are limited when off program mode..

I do like my F-1N.

flavio81 · Feb 12, 2017

fstop said:
A-1 and AE-1 both are basicly point and shoot slrs. The A-1 doesn't have a true aperture priority mode.The apeture is set with the shutter speed dial not the aperture ring its so annoying I dumped mine..

The A1 has aperture priority, what you call "shutter speed dial" is a multi function dial and becomes an aperture dial when changing to aperture priority mode. i find it better for aperture priority than my Nikkormat EL or Nikon FE.

Fixcinater · Feb 12, 2017

I like the Canon A1, lightweight and still takes some accessories if you could use them like a grip or winder. I prefer them to the AE1 or AE1P for more versatility. They are dirt cheap now.

The F1 range is very cool and "pro" but they are quite heavy compared to the consumer models so if you are using lighter (slower max aperture) lenses they don't always feel quite as balanced. Conversely, if you have some fast primes or zooms, the F1s can balance better than the lighter/plastic models.

Gerald C Koch · Feb 12, 2017

You might consider the Nikon EM an aperture priority camera. A very well made small camera. Here is a review. Then there are the Minolta SR family of cameras like the SR-T 101 and 201 which are also very good.

https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/the-nikon-em

John Koehrer · Feb 12, 2017

I guess folks don't bother reading the OP. He wants manual with a viewfinder display AND AT LEAST ONE AUTO MODE.
And so in Canon to utilize his FD lenses:
Canon A-1 and NEW F1. The NEW F1 needs a different meter head to achieve aperture priority OR a motor to have
shutter speed priority.

Changing lens systems gives Nikon FE,FE2 or FM3
Pentax LX
Minolta XD5 and XD11 for manual focus MD lenses

Alan Gales · Feb 12, 2017

Why only 70's and 80's cameras? How about a Nikon F100?

https://umbcphoto.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/nikon-f100.pdf

cooltouch · Feb 13, 2017

Since you already have a Canon FD camera, it would make the most sense to stay within that format. Unfortunately, the ONLY FD camera that has a meter readout that responds to both shutter speeds and apertures selected plus having at least one auto mode is the Canon New F-1 with the AE Finder, which will give you aperture priority AE. Add the motor drive and you also get shutter priority AE. Clean examples of this camera, in this configuration still sell for quite a bit on the used market. Now, if you can get by without the auto exposure mode, you have a few more choices: the AT-1, FTb (the FTbn in your case, because it displays the shutter speeds in the finder), and the original F-1. All three of these cameras use the stick and lolipop match-needle metering method. The old F-1 still sells for a pretty good chunk of change, but the other two can often be found, in good shape, for cheap. For example, I just sold a very clean AT-1 with a 50mm f/1.8 Canon FD lens for $50. I prefer the FTb(n) over the AT-1, however. Its partial metering pattern is superior to what the AT-1 has, it isn't battery dependent (except for the meter) the way the AT-1 is, plus it has mirror lock-up, and the AT-1 doesn't.

If you're comfortable moving away from Canon, I would most strongly recommend the Nikon FE, or the FE2 if you want to spend the extra bucks and feel you need the higher shutter speeds. The FE and FE2 have match-needle metering and aperture-priority AE. They are battery dependent, but x-sync and B will still work. There are other Nikons that will fill the bill also -- the FG and EL2 are two that come quickly to mind.

Paul Howell · Feb 13, 2017

I would think about a T 70 or 90 which use FD lens, many advanced features and not that expensive. The other is Konica T3n, shutter speed priority and full information viewfinder and a basic set of lens, 28 50 and 135 will run you less than a $100. Konica glass is very, very good.

Les Sarile · Feb 13, 2017

I think the Ricoh XR-7 hits all your points except I don't know if it is readily available where you are.

Here is their ad that emphasizes the viewfinder.

Since it is a Pentax mount, you will have many options for lenses.

It is small like the Pentax ME Super but with the more traditional controls.

NB23 · Feb 14, 2017

Minolta X9 (and its Brothers): best viewfinder readout ever!

Toyo · Feb 14, 2017

cooltouch said:
Since you already have a Canon FD camera, it would make the most sense to stay within that format. Unfortunately, the ONLY FD camera that has a meter readout that responds to both shutter speeds and apertures selected plus having at least one auto mode is the Canon New F-1 with the AE Finder, which will give you aperture priority AE. Add the motor drive and you also get shutter priority AE. Clean examples of this camera, in this configuration still sell for quite a bit on the used market. Now, if you can get by without the auto exposure mode, you have a few more choices: the AT-1, FTb (the FTbn in your case, because it displays the shutter speeds in the finder), and the original F-1. All three of these cameras use the stick and lolipop match-needle metering method. The old F-1 still sells for a pretty good chunk of change, but the other two can often be found, in good shape, for cheap. For example, I just sold a very clean AT-1 with a 50mm f/1.8 Canon FD lens for $50. I prefer the FTb(n) over the AT-1, however. Its partial metering pattern is superior to what the AT-1 has, it isn't battery dependent (except for the meter) the way the AT-1 is, plus it has mirror lock-up, and the AT-1 doesn't.

If you're comfortable moving away from Canon, I would most strongly recommend the Nikon FE, or the FE2 if you want to spend the extra bucks and feel you need the higher shutter speeds. The FE and FE2 have match-needle metering and aperture-priority AE. They are battery dependent, but x-sync and B will still work. There are other Nikons that will fill the bill also -- the FG and EL2 are two that come quickly to mind.

My vote as well.
Canon FTbn with the caveats that Michael has mentioned
T

Theo Sulphate · Feb 14, 2017

If you can find one, there is the beautiful Canon EF, which uses FD lenses and had both manual mode and shutter priority.

This is mine:

The viewfinder is very nice, showing the user selected shutter speed and appropriate aperture:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...Canon_ef_finder.jpg/220px-Canon_ef_finder.jpg

Finding the "Right" Cheap SLR

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