Topic: Opinions on a Camera (Page 1 of 1)

Hey guys, I would like your opinion on this camera that I kind of inherited (meaning I use it more than my parents do.) It is a Canon AE-1 Program SLR camera made about 20 years go, but for it's time it was one of the top cameras to get. The camera itself has barely been used, but when it has been used, it has taken some great photos. I was wondering if any of you guys have had experience with this popular old-timer? I can easily show some shots that have been taken over the years. Just looking for some opinions here....


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That's a fine camera. I've never used one myself.. I cut my teeth on a T-70. Canon's have always rocked. ~cue nikkor advocates~

The great thing about that cam is that it will take pictures just as sharp as any current model assuming you're capable of figuring out when not to trust the meter. That applies to all cams but metering is vastly superior these days to what it was then. Accessories should be mighty inexpensive in a relative sense. Keh.com is one of my favorite places for that, I find them hard to beat and their ratings are quite accurate. You can get some really nice lenses and stuff for that cam. That's an FD mount right?

Love to see what you've done if you're inclined to share.

Hey Wolfen.
I had a Canon AE1 about 20 (ish) years ago, in the UK. My memory's not too good (in computer terms, a nibble short of a byte), I think my AE1 was an auto with shutter priority.
Anywhoo, I loved it. It was everythink I needed, full manual override, function switches falling easily to reach, a good ttl metering system. The only reason I haven't still got it, is because of its rapid descent to the murky depths of a lake, through the "totally innocent" fingers of a child!
I agree with cyoung about the ttl meter. I found that the sensor "hot spot" was situated a wee bit below the centre of veiwfinder, so that if you moved the camera around the lightest and darkest spots of the area to be photographed, you could adjust the exposure. Has it got a "backlight" function, I think mine did?
The memories are flooding back even as I am writing this. I seem to remember I had an optional motor drive with it as well.
All in all a great camera greatly missed

Here are some shots that i have taken with that camera.
http://wolfenmedia.port5.com/volcano.jpg -- Volcano outside of Treasure Island Las Vegas (Night Shot) (1997)
http://wolfenmedia.port5.com/valley.jpg -- yosemite national forest -- 1997


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Wolfen's Sig Site