Photog Pros: Any opinions on the Canon AE-1?

DotheDamnTHing

Platinum Member
Feb 2, 2004
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Im cleaning up my dad's old camera and was hoping for some opinions, tips, recommendaions for it. It comes with a Canon 50mmf1.8, Hanimex28mm f2.8 and Canon 70-210mm f4 and sunpak flash.
Im wondering whether purchasing a power winder is a good investment?

thanks
 

Jzero

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Those are great cameras. A lot of people are still using AE-1s that are now getting on 30 years old.
 

Anubis

No Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
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tbqhwy.com
yea its a great camera, you also have some nice lenses with it, i know alot of peopel that have them and use them for fulm, they are just like todays cameras with teh lack of auto focus, i have some friends ho have 2 of them so they can shoot 2 diff films at the same time

only thing that is annoying is that the AE-1 uses a different lens mount then teh newer canons do so you have to look for ild lenses as the new ones wont work
 

KarenMarie

Elite Member
Sep 20, 2003
14,372
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i have one. it is older than VeggieFrog! ;)

it takes AWESOME pics. I have a very expensive digital camera that it supposed to be top of the line... but to be honest.. it does not take as good pics as the AE-1.

Take a look at what they are going for on eBay.. in excellent condition. People are prepared to pay really good money for a 25-30yr old camera for a reason.

I would never part with mine.
:)
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
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The AE-1 was my first camera. Its a great little camera. I then went on to a Contax RTS-2 and Canon T-90.

I also happened to have the 70-210 F/4 lens that you have also along with the 50mm. The zoom lens wasn't very good. You get a lot of light falloff and soft focus in the corners. The 50mm was ok but when you compared images taken with that lens and my Contax 50mm f/1.4, there was no comparison.

I think my AE-1 is still in working condition somewhere in my house. My T-90 is dead though.