Canon AE-1

After 10 years of digital cameras, I felt the urge to go back in time and shot pictures with real film. I can describe in details how much I love the feel of celluloid and raw materials, but I know a lot of you think the same. What I intend to do here is to review a few cameras from the old time, and show you the results I’ve got. I hope it will give you the extra push to search the closet for that old camera you stored back then in the days when it took a few long hours between pushing the button and looking at the final result.

I just finished the first roll of my old/new Canon AE-1. This camera, manufactured between 1976 and 1984 is a great fun and not so difficult to handle. It took me some time to find her a 6V 28-PX battery, which is essential for operating, but once I got it powered up, it was as good as new.

In fact, one of the things that made this camera such a big success in the early 80′ is it’s automatic exposure when using FD Lenses. The rest of the job is been done with a very easy to learn light detector, which indicate which shutter speed is best.

When I were scheduled for a production in Kibbutz Ein-Gedi by the Dead Sea, I took it as an opportunity for some testing. I used FD 50mm 1:1.8 and a FD 75-200mm 1:4.5 lenses, and 200 ASA Kodak film.

Here are the results:

http://royalrat.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/my-photographic-time-tunnel-canon-ae-1/

I just purchased the canon XS and when I showed it to my mom she pulled out her old Canon AE-1 Program. She had it for nearly 30 years. Still has the official 1984 olympic games lens on it. I love my canon Xs but I have to say if you want to feel the joys of cameras and dont want to go digital.. get an AE-1.. She never serviced it and I think it's definitely time for one but still works like a charm.

I bought my Canon AE-1 Program in a flee market some 5 years ago. Didn't know if it worked properly or if I could work it properly.

Put in new batteries and ran a roll of film. WOW ! ! !

Since then I bought a 28mm and 100-200mm lens. All pictures turned out great.

So I just got an A-1 from ebay along with about a douzen other vintage cameras and this one seem s great also.

As a matter of fact, I just purchased another AE-1 for my niece as she loves photography as I beleive this is a better camera than the Nikon EM she wanted.

A friend gave me an Canon AE-1 body in the mid 80's, told me to buy a lens, which I did (Canon 35-70mm) and my amateur photographic career began. Its never let me down, and now with an A-1 and T-90, in my camera bag, as well as several FD lenses, I have no intention of going digital, so long as Fuji and Kodak keep making top quality film.

Have had my Canon AE-1 since 1978. It has been everywhere and has never gave anything but excellent results. Even today in 2009 I still reach for it as a first consideration when shootng film. I only reach for something else when I need functions it does not have... It is well Built. Has stood the test of time. Takes excellent photos. Only bad point is I can not buy a new one...

I do not know what else to say. If I could convert it to a digital without the expence, that would be great. I am a causual home user. The canon AE-1 I have ,has the normal 55mm lens as well as a 135mm, but I wish I had a (70/80---200/210mm) zoom lens.

I still have photos from my AE-1 and am looking to buy another. Digital is easy, I am no pro and don't need much, but the AE-1 was so simple compared to the fantastic photo results I got. Easy for amateurs. Somehow produces EXCELLENT photos even in my photographically challenged hands. Mine died and the ex wouldn't pay to repair.

The Canon AE-1 is a marvellous camera. I have had mine for over twenty-six years. I have had it serviced once, to clean it and keep it tight. I use it for personal and professional purposes, and I know of nothing better. The lenses are the best there are, and the camera has a good feel and takes the most rugged wear. Well recommend the Canon AE-1.

The Canon AE-1 is an amazing camera and I think people should look into it and buy it on ebay or a seller

My dad has a hobby store and last year someone traded him a Canon AE-1 for some model aircraft parts, then he gave it to me. It is my first real SLR and it is a beaut! I get lots of compliments on my photos, and I've only been working with this SLR for a year. When I got the first roll of film I shot developed, I was amazed at how well the photos turned out. Now, people ask me to do portraits and I only use the AE-1. In my opinion, it takes pictures way better than standard digital cameras. I love my AE-1, and I like to think of the people who may have owned it before me and probably also loved their photos. Thank you, Dad!!!