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Post by keith201 on Sept 29, 2012 19:34:16 GMT -5
Just to bring you guys up to date, I have an addition to my collection, a Canon AE-1 with a 35-70 FD lens. A friend picked it up at a garage sale together with a lot of other non photography stuff for a song and as he's knows I collect cameras, passed it on to me. It's obviously had a lot of use but so far seems in perfect working order Its serial number is 1923307
If anyone has any more information about this model I would appreciate it
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Post by olroy2044 on Sept 29, 2012 21:18:09 GMT -5
Nice camera. It was very popular. If the film speed adjustment is sticky, DON'T FORCE IT!! IT WILL BREAK AND MESS UP THE METER!! Please don't ask how I know but there is a nice AE-1 in my collection that has now has a non-working meter!! A-A-A-A-R-R-R-G-H! The only redeeming thing is that the camera will still work just fine in manual mode with a handheld meter, or Bob's "meter in the head" method. You've got a lovely camera there. Take care of it! Roy
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Berndt
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Post by Berndt on Sept 30, 2012 7:17:41 GMT -5
And I have one with a broken shutter The AE-1 has been a pretty popular and common camera ... but it's also a sensitive one ( that's my personal impression ). There is always at least one in every 2nd hand camera shop here. Prices dropped a lot during the last years. However, still hard to find a perfectly working one and tough to get it repaired without having more sophisticated camera repair skills. Enjoy your find. It's a camera, that probably belongs to every collection somehow
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Stephen
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Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Sept 30, 2012 8:05:13 GMT -5
I was in the trade when they were introduced, a fine camera, but bear in mind that Canon tried to save a few pennies on the camera, not low standards, just altered the methods of manufacture to sell at a price.
They bought in the electronics, from Ferranti, (which are not made any more), and used outsourced parts from less expensive sources than their own factories.
Plastic was used extensively for the first time on a Canon Reflex, and the design was a bit sensitive to heat extremes, like the back seat of a car in sunshine! The controls also do jam, as mentioned, never force the settings.
The Standard lens was Canon made, but was not the same construction internally as earlier all metal versions. Optically, they were as good, or better.
Some photographers got worst results than older models, or other makes, as they did not trust the camera auto exposure and under exposed shots in general. The camera as standard could be trusted, it worked well for colour slides.
The main advantage was it had the standard Canon mount, and was inexpensive as a second camera body to an existing Canon user.
Stephen.
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truls
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Post by truls on Oct 5, 2012 7:02:53 GMT -5
Canon AE-1 was my first camera I had and I bought it in 1985 from a used camera shop. It worked without any problems until 1992, when I "quit" the photo hobby. Then I sold it. Last winter I got an AE-1 for $10 with the lens from tradera.com. It is in very good condition, and I think the automatic exposure works very well. Had to replace the light seals. I also have a FD m42 adapter to use screw mount lenses. It will work without light meter capabilities as aperture priority not is compatible. I like the camera very much. Gently used as a hobby photographer it will last a long time, even with plastic construction. Maybe the electronic parts is the hardest to replace. The Canon lens is also much better than my Leica 35/2.8. Here is a shot taken with the camera and lens. It is from this summer, in the middle of the night, as we have the midnight sun in our area.
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Oct 5, 2012 8:46:21 GMT -5
I got my AE-1 as a collectible item when I was still using my T-90. Nothing could have induced me to change hence I never used it. I just took it out to try it. Everything is perfect except viewfinder was foggy. Upon closer examination I discovered my window was dirty. After all the above caveats I would be afraid to use it. However, my window is now clean.
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Stephen
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Still collecting.......
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Post by Stephen on Oct 5, 2012 17:15:54 GMT -5
I would not worry about using it, there are far worse SLR's than the AE-1, the ASA setting should not be forced, but that is all really, and the standard of the lenses is very good. Many makes have quirks, Practica jam solid, Minolta had loose mounts on one production run, and early OM1 tended to seize the transport, soon cured with the MD ready version.... the problems with Zorkis were legion......
Stephen.
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