First AE-1

[Fireguy2002]

I just got my first AE-1. Most of what you guys talk about is way over my head, but I can't wait for all the info I can glean from you. Anyone wanna send me lenses or flash, feel free. HAHA.

 

[Ektagraphic]

Welcome. You chose a fine camera to start off with! I have one myself. You'll learn lots here. Don't worry even the pros had to sart somewhere.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

It's a great camera with excellant lenses, enjoy!

Jeff

 

[Fireguy2002]

Thanks to all the well-wishers. The seller rated it a "9" so we will see how he does with rating cameras. I'm working with my Holga until I get a lens and things for this one.

 

[photomem]

I love my AE-1. I had one when I was 16, it died and then was lost when I moved to college. About a year ago, I went hunting for another one and a friend had one he gave me out of his closet. Mine is the AE-1 Program, but all of them are pretty much identical. Once you get a lens, go burn a couple of rolls of film. It is my opinion that the guys here (myself included) can tell you things over and over, but until you get out and use it, all the advice is purely academic.

Have Fun!

Tommy

 

[Fireguy2002]

...and god have I stuffed my brain with the academics. I've read just about everything I can understand about this camera. MIR.com seems to be a great resource for my skill level.

 

[photomem]

If you need the manual, I do have a PDF of it, would be glad to email it to you.

 

[Fireguy2002]

I think it comes with one. Not sure. Well, I'm off to a gun show with my Holga.

 

[Vonder]

What a coincidence. I just bought one too, which is claimed to be in mint condition.

 

[Fireguy2002]

Did you at least get a lens with it? Mint usually comes in a list of 5-8 other words. My seller rated this one a 9 so I hope that's out of 10. Good luck with yours.

 

[Ektagraphic]

If you think you like film and you are using a Holga, an AE-1 will blow you off the earth!

 

[Dennis S]

Beware it does not end with just the AE-1. If you like that camera you will want to try a different one. Maybe the AE-1p. And what is a good Canon collection without the A1 ? And how about the older models FX, FT, F1 and F1N. AND have I mentioned the FD lenses. That is a whole new ball game. You my friend, have G.A.S. The only thing that holds me back are the silly things like FOOD and SHELTER.

 

[FilmOnly]

Enjoy your AE-1. I have four classic Canon bodies. FD lenses are excellent. Canon accessories are among the best.

 

[Fireguy2002]

If you think you like film and you are using a Holga, an AE-1 will blow you off the earth!

I'm not sure if one can even consider a Holga and Canon together. Again it's my first SLR but I can see a clear distinction in the styles.

Since most of these come with a 50mm lens, is that a pretty all-around lens? I guess a flash is a pretty needed accessory?

I think I should have gone with a package deal. I think I'll pay more for a lens than I did for the body itself.

 

[Vonder]

Did you at least get a lens with it? Mint usually comes in a list of 5-8 other words. My seller rated this one a 9 so I hope that's out of 10. Good luck with yours.

Body only in my case, $57. I have a small collection of a few of the more affordable Canon FD lenses so I didn't need one. The 50mm 1.8 Canon lens is simply superb, as are all camera maker's 50mm lens. The 1.4 from Canon, a 1.4 from Konica, and a Fujinon 1.6 are probably my favorites lenses of all time, all 50mm.

 

[DWThomas]

Because they don't fit Canon's film autofocus cameras, let alone the electrocuted bit stuff, the FD lenses go for embarrassingly low prices today. My primary 35mm SLR was/is an A-1, but I inherited my dad's AE-1 and between them have an assortment of lenses. The 50 mm 1.8 is excellent and probably dirt cheap, but the 1.4 is quite affordable too. They're both excellent performers and constitute a "normal" lens for the format. There is a 35 - 70 f3.5-4.5 that is of the cheaper later build quality and about the same size as the 50/1.4 that I've used a lot for walking around and vacation shooting. It was cheap even when new! The need for flash depends much on your shooting interests; an f1.something lens lets in a lot of light.

I've used the AE-1 a few times, but noticed recently it's time to replace the light seals. (Fortunately I have some Jon Goodman kit material on hand.)

They're a capable camera, enjoy it.

DaveT

 

[elekm]

You'll probably have to replace the foam seals, which is common with all Japanese cameras since the mid-1960s.

There also is an issue that afflicts the Canon "A" series SLRs having to do with the mirror, I believe. I think that the problem manifests itself in a squeak. Perhaps, others can provide information about this.

The AE-1 is a very nice SLR. It put Canon on the plastic path, which other manufacturers would soon follow. It was a hugely successful SLR, and as others have said the lenses available for it are plentiful and affordable.

 

[Pumal]

I think the squeak is more akin to the A-1. Nevertheless all these old cameras deserve a CLA before you start using them. They'll last another 50 years.

 

[photomem]

I am not sure if anyone has mentioned this. If you see any cheap non-Canon or even Canon EOS lenses, NO! They do not fit. Found this out the hard way several years ago. They will try to mount then get stuck.

Note: "Several Years Ago" was when I was a teenager.

Also: I have a friend who inherited an entire camera store inventory (three rooms of his house are filled with gear). I will go over today or tomorrow and see if I can flush out any FD lenses that are duplicates of mine. If so, Ill send you a box.

 

[Fireguy2002]

Thanks again guys. Of course, with my level of photography/camera knowledge, I'll have to take it in to get it looked at. Lucky for me, there is ONE guy in Fairbanks that seems to have a wealth of knowledge. He actually pointed me here. I'm glad all my wife sees for now is the $30 I spent on the body.

 

[Fireguy2002]

I am not sure if anyone has mentioned this. If you see any cheap non-Canon or even Canon EOS lenses, NO!

I will go over today or tomorrow and see if I can flush out any FD lenses that are duplicates of mine. If so, Ill send you a box.

Thanks, but I actually ciphered that from all the info I've read. Sounds like an easy enough mistake though.

If you found A lens, you would be my new best friend.

 

[Fireguy2002]

So, apparently I just won
1)Vivitar 70-210
2)Canon 135 mm
3)Canon 50mm and a 2X Teleconverter
And on a side note, it came with an AV-1. Still cheaper than I got the body for.

 

[photomem]

Score!

Sounds like you are set then, I do not have to go dig around in the dusty rooms after all!

Can't wait to see some of your images.

 

[Fireguy2002]

Haha. I can't wait to see them either. I just hope it was good timing rather than bad judgment that won this auction. The seller just said everything is in working order and could use a good cleaning. I got all 4 items for $21. Again, thanks for the offer.

 

[lxdude]

I think the squeak is more akin to the A-1. Nevertheless all these old cameras deserve a CLA before you start using them. They'll last another 50 years.

The squeak happens with the AE-1, too. I was given an AE-1 Program about 20 years ago with 50mm lens. I found it to be a very nice machine; after using it I could see why they were so popular. I had no other Canon stuff, so I only used it occasionally. When it developed the squeak, I stopped using it and offered it for free to a Canonite (multiple F-1's) co-worker. He said it was a minor problem, easily rectified by a CLA. He insisted on paying me, as it was in great shape, so I took $25. He was one happy guy.