I feel like buying an ae-1

<p>Hello everyone. I woke up this morning with an urge to buy an ae-1. I'm pretty sure I've read that they aren't compatible with ef/ef-s lenses, but there are adapters available (I have several L lenses that I would like to be able to use). I'm assuming that even with an adapter I would lose autofocus, etc. Can anyone confirm that adapters can be used, and where I can purchase one, and how much I can expect to spend on it. Also, I'm assuming that I will be able to mount a flash trigger on the hot show...any reason this wouldn't be true?</p>

<p>"hot shoe".....not "show".</p>

<p>Paul, I doubt that EF-S lenses are compatible with FD bodies, given that they're designed to be used on Canon's APS-C bodies only. They can't even be used on full frame EOS bodies.</p>

<p>As far as adapting EF lenses to an AE-1, I suppose that you could find an adapter that would enable you to do this, but why would you want to? If you want to shoot film, you could pick up a fine EOS body for very little.</p>

<p>Don't get me wrong: I love my Canon FD gear and still use it along with my EOS stuff. But if you want to get an FD body, it would be best to stick with FD lenses.</p>

<p>you wouldn't lose AF because the AE1 never had it in the first place. can't lose what you don't have ;)</p>

<p>Mark-good point. I think it's not so much the ae-1 i'm interested in, as much as maybe just shooting some film.</p>

<p>Ralf-ooops, you're right, I knew that. was typing faster than i could think.</p>

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<p>I think it's not so much the AE-1 I'm interested in, as much as maybe just shooting some film.</p>

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<p>Then get any of the early EOS film bodies starting with the EOS 650 and up. They mostly work fine, often go on eBay for less than $40.</p>

<p>Nothing wrong with having a separate film system, though, if that's what you want to do, but an early EOS body is the best idea if you want to use your current lenses.</p>

<p>There is absolutely no way to use an EOS lens with an FD body. If you want to shoot some film, even the lowly Rebel G and similar bodies can be had for the price of a good lunch. What's more, they are far better in offering photographic control than the AE-1. My favorite is the Elan II -- it has an attractive 2-tone body, nice grip, and cost me less than $12.00.</p>

<p>Note that there is also no way to adjust aperture manually on any EF/EF-S lens. Also, on the very few lens that do manual focusing electronically, there would be no way to focus either even if an adapter existed (which I doubt).</p>

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<p>There is absolutely no way to use an EOS lens with an FD body</p>

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<p>But this is not because of the lens register. In theory, an adapter could mount an EF lens, but as Larry says, you'd have to use it wide open or go through elaborate work-arounds to stop down the lens before shooting.</p>

<p>Lens register distances:<br>

Canon EOS.....................44.0 mm<br />Canon (FD and earlier)..42.0 mm </p>

<p>The same caveat applies to AF Nikon lenses on the Canons. You're pretty much limited to shooting wide open, as I did when I used a modern Nikon 8mm fisheye on a Canon 20D. Focus, of course, with a fisheye was not a big problem.</p>

<p>I have never tried it (although I own about 8 FD bodies) but the Ef lenses will probably be only usable wide open on an FD body as they lack a manual aperture for manual setting and the Automatic mode (for shutter priority or program mode) is done through pins not electric contacts.<br>

By the way I have to say that the statement that Rebels have better exposure control than FD bodies is not universally true. the T90 has a range of exposure control that beats my 5DII and is only found on the 1 series and the EOS3. It has the same modes as most EOS bodies but adds the very useful multi-spot. Of course in terms of flash control even the T90 only has A-TTL</p>

<p>I bought an Elan 7e for $50. You can get other EOS film cameras for much less than that now.</p>

<p>I own four AE-1 bodies, two "regular" AE-1's and two of the "Program" version. As has been said here previously you won't really be able to use your EOS lenses with the AE-1. As far as flash compatibility, some of the EX series flashes can't be used because they have no manual settings (420EX for example, which is exclusively E-TTL) but I believe you can use the 580EX.</p>

<p>If you decide to get one you will basically be starting a new system, with little cross-use with your EOS equipment. That's NOT a bad thing if you can spare a small amount of money to purchase some FD lenses and a flash. The FD glass is second to none in quality, and these days, prices are very reasonable.</p>

<p>And gods, they are FUN to use!</p>

<p>Not that it matters, but it's my understanding that the AE-1P is really a whole new camera under the pretty AE-1 external case. Supposed to be closer mechanically and electronically to, maybe, the T series than to the AE-1.<br>

I too quite like my AE-1P, but I was bowled over by the T-90. My favorite so far of my film EOS cameras is probably my EOS 5 (aka, A2e in USA). One of these days, I'm going to get the 3 and 1 models.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone, I just purchased an elan 7e for $56 on ebay! Thanks for the tips!</p>

<p>Cool. The 7e is a good basic camera. If you find yourself liking this "film thing" you can treat yourself to a top-of-the-line camera like an EOS3 for about $200. (The multi-spot metering is killer!) </p>

<p>Just so you know... My EOS 650 from 1987/1988 still works perfectly.</p>