First AE-1

Fireguy2002 · Oct 17, 2009

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 · Oct 17, 2009

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 · Oct 17, 2009

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

Jeff

Fireguy2002 · Oct 17, 2009

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 · Oct 17, 2009

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 · Oct 17, 2009

...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 · Oct 17, 2009

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

Fireguy2002 · Oct 17, 2009

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

Vonder · Oct 17, 2009

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

Fireguy2002 · Oct 17, 2009

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 · Oct 17, 2009

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

Dennis S · Oct 17, 2009

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 · Oct 17, 2009

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

Fireguy2002 · Oct 18, 2009

Ektagraphic said:
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 · Oct 18, 2009

Fireguy2002 said:
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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

photomem said:
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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

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 · Oct 18, 2009

Pumalite said:
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.

First AE-1

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