First AE-1

[Tony-S]

I still have my A-1 and F-1 (old), along with two 50mm (f/1.4 and f/1.8), 100mm f/4 macro and 300mm f/4 (non-L). I tried to sell them a couple of years ago but no one was interested. I'm kind of glad they didn't sell. I might have to break them out an shoot a few rolls of 35mm.

 

[Fireguy2002]

Have fun with that.
Can anyone give me a rough idea of the differences in the lenses I got?
1)Vivitar 70-210
2)Canon 135 mm
3)Canon 50mm and a 2X Teleconverter

 

[Dennis S]

Canon FD lenses have always had a very good reputation with their consistency of their ability to give excellent shots. I have about 5 different Canon FD's which I have no complaints about . There has also been many posts about the Vivitar lenses as well. Check out the serial # on your Vivitar and compare it to the ones that are listed. I found that one of my Zooms was made by Kiron # 22314..........

 

[photomem]

Just remember one thing about the 2X Teleconverter. Usually when you use it, you will lose about 1 stop of light. Considering that your AE-1 should meter correctly considering that there is no interconnect between the lens and the camera (unlike modern camera/lens combos), it should not be a problem.. just thought you should be aware.

 

[Tony-S]

Just remember one thing about the 2X Teleconverter. Usually when you use it, you will lose about 1 stop of light.

You'd lose 2 stops with a 2x converter. One stop with 1.4x converter.

 

[Fireguy2002]

I'll take a look at the lenses once I get them. Actually, I'll get the guy at the shop to look at them(I really gotta get his name. I'm sure I'll be seein' alot of him). Go ahead and laugh before I ask...Are the longer lenses for longer shots? I'm kinda nervous about the lenses. The seller was a bit less than descriptive than most about all items. Does anyone have any experience with the AV-1? When would aperture priority come in handy?

 

[MattKing]

Longer lenses give you a narrower angle of view. For that reason, you can fill the shot with a smaller item, or an item farther away. They bring things closer than shorter focal lengths.

They are also less forgiving when it comes to blur due to camera shake. You will most likely need to use higher shutter speeds when using them hand-held.

As for the AV-1, I used to sell them (almost 30 years ago ).

The AE-1 features shutter-preferred auto-exposure - you choose the shutter speed, and the camera chooses the aperture. Some people don't prefer to work this way, so Canon offered the AV-1, which features aperture-preferred auto-exposure - you choose the aperture, and the camera chooses the shutter speed.

At the time the AV-1 came out, most of Canon's competitors were featuring aperture-preferred auto-exposure.

I cannot recall what (if any) manual exposure options were available with the AV-1.

Matt

 

[Fireguy2002]

I appreciate the insight. sounds pretty logical if I'd thought it out. I'll probably just get rid of/trade the AV-1 then.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

For the hell of it you might want to keep AV-1.

Jeff

 

[MattKing]

There is a useful wikipedia entry for the AV-1 which highlights the differences.

Matt

 

[Fireguy2002]

For the hell of it you might want to keep AV-1.

I thought of keeping it for that very reason. The only advantage I can see is shooting DOF a little quicker.

 

[flatulent1]

I cannot recall what (if any) manual exposure options were available with the AV-1.

Matt

The AV-1 does not have a shutter speed dial, so manual control is out. It does have a button on the lens mount that increases exposure ~1.5 stops for backlit situations.

 

[funkpilz]

That, sir, is a fine camera! I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it.

 

[Fireguy2002]

I'm so damn excited. Plus I'm in Alaska for another 2 years. I should be able to rack up a few decent photos. I hope these guys hurry and ship these things. I just saw some star trails taken with the AE-1 and the 50mm lens. Oh the possibilities. These SLOW 12 hour shifts make for lots of reading.

 

[Joe Grodis]

I picked up a Canon AE-1 program last week and it rekindled my interest in Canon. So, I got out my A-1 and lenses.... Then it all came back to me how much I hated that stop-down lever and switching between FD & FL lenses. Don't get me wrong I love my A1 & AE1 but that lever just bugs me.

-Joe

 

[Fireguy2002]

That's the one part that looks like it'll give me hell. I'm sure I'll figure it out. I have no idea what I'm doing so I won't be doing too much switching and button pushing for a while.

 

[photomem]

You'd lose 2 stops with a 2x converter. One stop with 1.4x converter.

This is why I need to start going to bed at night instead of sitting up browsing the internet. I did know that, just flogged it up.

 

[Fireguy2002]

This is why I need to start going to bed at night instead of sitting up browsing the internet.

Absolutely not. I work nights; I gotta have somebody to reply to.

 

[Fireguy2002]

So, I was squinting at the pics on the auction and saw the max aperture on these lenses.
Vivitar 70-210 f/4.5
Canon 135 f/3.5
Canon 50 f/1.8
I've read plenty about the 50 1.8 but looking at the other two on Ebay, it looks like I got decent lenses. Well, by prices anyway.

 

[Dennis S]

I have a few FD lenses I can give to you. I'll send a PM.

 

[photomem]

You know, if someone is giving away FD lenses, send one my way. One broke today and now I am down to my 50mm 1.8.

 

[Fireguy2002]

He had two of those.

 

[GinaMaree]

I love my AE-1! I've got two bodies. (One's sitting in storage because it needs a CLA.) First one came with a 50mm f/1.4. Lucky me. FD lenses are fantastic and cheap for the most part.

 

[Dennis S]

Actually I don't really know how many FD lenses I do have. Between lending and storage it gets to be a nightmare at times.

 

[Fireguy2002]

I can imagine. I got my first set of chemicals today. I'm gonna try them on my 120 film from my Holga. 'CEPT I DON'T HAVE ANY CLOTHESPINS!!!