A question about the make up of my kit

<p>I am going to be downsizing my collection soon and in the process I'm trying to decide what to keep and what to let go.</p>

<p>If I plan on keeping</p>

<p>1) F1N body and a full set of accessories (viewfinders, screens and Winder FN)<br>

2) T-90 bodies (1 with the command back)<br>

would you keep an A1 with Motor MA or would you keep an EF (granted only real advantage is the shutter and the MLU)?<br>

I won't be keeping my FTB or any of the AE-1P's (Only mentioned so you know what other capabilities I will be retaining).<br>

I like both the A1 and the EF a lot but really don't need more then 4 bodies for what I do with the FD kit.</p>

<p>Pretty sure I have the lens and accessory part of this figured out (man do I have a lot of FD stuff LOL)</p>

<p>So thoughts on the EF or A1 debate? Oh both are current on their CLA's</p>

<p>AND I'm <em><strong>NOT SELLING </strong></em>anything yet so don't go getting excited and start emailing me.</p>

 

<p>OK ... the first thing I did think of was ... <em>HE'S SELLING! </em>... but you've addressed that in your last sentence. My second thought -- now a polite request -- is, can we see a picture of the current collection? You've posted them in the past but I'd love to see what you've currently got in your collection.</p>

<p>This is a photo forum so, please, <em><strong>post a picture!</strong></em></p>

The EF should be grandfathered into your plan, and the younger body gets laid off.

Since when does NEED have anything to do with the contents of your FD kit?

Keep it all. All the urchins need a good home. Ted

<p>If I could keep only one body (I have just about every F and A series body) it would probably be the EF.</p>

<p>I hope it never comes to that. ;-)</p>

<p>Ed</p>

<p>I recently downsized my kit too but most of the stuff was EOS instead of FD!<br>

Of course I kept the F1N's and all accessories.<br>

Kept the T70's (3) & Ae1p (1) because there are many times when I want to travel light and the market has priced them as virtually worthless.Kept my AT1 because it was my first 35mm camera.<br>

Kept all the FDn glass except for a few fast primes that still command a decent resale price and are unnecessary with fast B&W films.<br>

Basically I'm back to where I was approx 25 years ago and happy with less stuff that will get used more often.I guess that is the goal in a digital world.<br>

Shooting more B&W too because the cost of E6 is starting to get out of hand.<br>

I'd think real hard about what you unload because after a few years of EOS film or digital you will long for those simple FD days.It usually kicks in during your mid 50's when your shooting a digital and can't remember how to use the damn thing.............Or when you just lost a bunch of images because the computer,camera,software,transfer,etc,etc choked.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Sorry, redundant post.</p>

<p>Since you're keeping your T90's, Mark, I can see no good reason to keep the A-1. But I would keep the EF, if I were you.</p>

<p>But what about your F-1 and F-1n? I'd definitely keep those bodies in addition to your F-1N, EF, and T90's. They are, after all, <em>the</em> classic FD bodies.</p>

<p>Mark, I always advocated keeping a F1N for film for the long haul. Maybe a T90 for backup with all it's bells & whistles. The EF for MLU. The more you have , the less you're likely to use. Or just keep everything & open a museum. :D</p>

<p> </p>

<p>sorry Mark P haven't had a F-1 or F-1n for 6-7 years</p>

<p>And owning stuff to sit on a shelf isn't good for the toys or the budget of the guy who plays with the toys.<br>

I have other hobbies and it makes no since to have stuff sitting on a shelf unused while I try to invent funds for the other hobbies.<br>

I have for 3 years now been trying to figure out how to best get down to a working kit without loosing any real abilitys and I'm about to the point of doing just that.<br>

Douglas the only Digital I use is a Canon S3 IS I don't own any EF mount anything film or digital. And if I do sell off part of my 11 bodies and 38 FD lenses the funds would not be going in that direction but into another hobby. One I have enjoyed longer then photography (which I started as a High School Junior).</p>

<p>I have had an EF since I bought it new in 1974.<br>

I have owned more Canon models than I can remember but the EF has been the most dependable and has had the most accurate metering I've ever seen on a Canon (or most other cameras). But back then I shot a lot of Kodachrome and now the exposure accuracy is not much of an issue with color negative material.<br>

I still have two A-1's but I think they are going to go at some point. I will probably leave the EF to someone in my will. And maybe my Pellix.<br>

The T-90 was a great model but today if I want to pick up a nice sculpted plastic camera I reach for my Sony Alpha.</p>

<p>I vote EF - but then again, I am completely smitten with that camera. I had both an A1 and an EF, and now that the EF has been stolen, I only have the A1... I really, really enjoyed using the EF a lot more, and the A1 never got a hold of my heart strings - I admit, this is not a scientific condemnation of the cameras, just my own very partial opinion.</p>

<p>That's why I was so happy to see Mark Pierlot's post - it added some logic and reason to my view point - the T90's do all the electronic voodoo that the A1 does and then some, you might as well keep a really unique and soulful member of the FD family in the EF.</p>

<p>Mind you, over all, I am with Ted... what is this strange "need" thing you speak of? Is it something you eat, or wear? I am not sure, that term does not compute... ;)</p>

<p>When I was in college I knew a guy who was a championship table tennis player. He played against me just for fun. I was never that good. When I hadn't seen him for a while I was walking along the Charles River with my Konica Autoreflex T3 and I saw him sailing. It turned out that sailing was an interest he had before table tennis. A good friend of mine lives in Tokyo and we share an interest in camera collectiong and picture taking. His other interest? He's the head of a model railroad association in Japan. He is also interested in full size trains. That interest brought him to the U.S. last summer so I got to see him. People are complicated and while we may understand one interest they have, we may not understand or even know about the other ones.<br>

I always thought of electronic cameras as less classic than mechanical ones and I know that we have a separate forum for the modern classics. As I have mentioned before, I mostly use the F-1N in manual mode because there is no exposure lock. I know I could use the exposure compensation dial but I don't find that convenient. For me the best thing about the F-1N is the fast and sensitive meter. This is also what I like about the EF. With an L screen an F-1 or F-1n is nearly as bright as an F-1N. The electronics of the F-1N can't last forever and based on this I like the F-1 or F-1n more for the long term. I don't deny that cameras with electronics can be fun to use and can have capabilities that mechanical cameras don't. If I have any number of lenses in a particular mount I like to have both mechanical and electronic cameras so I can keep using the lenses even if the electronic camera dies and can't be repaired. The SLRs I use most often are the Minolta X-700 and the Canon F-1. I have enough X-700s, overhauled at different times, that I can probably shoot with them for many more years. After that I have SRTs which will also work. When I went to Alaska last summer I brought an F-1 and an FTbN. Both worked perfectly. If you like using the electronic cameras then by all means keep some but if you want to know that you will always have something that will work, keep at least one Ftb, FTbN or F-1.<br>

My brother is a cactus collector. He once remarked that I couldn't possibly use all of the cameras and lenses I have and thought that searching for, finding and getting them working was the real fun. He is at least partly right. </p>

<p>I guess the notion of "need" here is relative to the context. For example, I might say that, given that I have such-and-such photographic interests or intentions, I <em>need </em>such-and-such gear (to further those interests or to realize those intentions). It's not a question of basic or primary needs (such as those for water, food, shelter, and attachment), but rather relative or secondary needs.</p>

<p>My FD collection is not really a working kit, given that it is comprised of even more lenses, bodies, and accessories than Mark has. My "rule of thumb" is to have one (or two) exemplars of each of what I consider to be the best pieces of gear: F-1, F-1n, F-1N, EF, T90, FDn 24/2, FD 35/2 SSC or chrome nose (concave), FD 55/1.2 SSC Aspherical, FDn 50/1.2 L, FD 50/1.4, FD 85/1.2 SSC Aspherical, FDn 85/1.2 L, etc. (There are exceptions to this "rule." For example, I sold my FDn 14/2.8 L last year, and will probably eventually sell off most of my FD lenses. The prices that Micro 4/3 and Sony NEX users are offering for them these days are simply too hard to resist).</p>

<p>I understand why Mark intends to finance his other hobby by selling off much of his photography gear. My working kit is EOS (film and digital), and I've reached the point where I simply cannot justify any further lens purchases unless I sell gear to finance them. I acknowledge that I have Gear Acquistion Syndrome, and, just like alcoholism or heroin addiction, it must be managed or it will become all-consuming.</p>

<p>Looks like a lot of us are in the same boat these days!Other matters have become a priority (like filling up the gas tank and eating)and something has to give.I just can't justify spending $20 - $30 dollars for 36 images anymore and the cameras have become devices for mostly documentation of events.Don't need 10 cameras and 25 lenses to do that.<br>

BTW Mark : My digital is a ancient Canon Pro1 point and shoot.<br>

No plans to add anything more at this point.Living more like my parents did - 1 or 2 of what is necessary to get through the day.</p>

<p>Hi Mark,<br>

Not sure how much cash a few used Canon FD cameras are going to generate. If you do sell them, it is more a "charity" thing (offering someone to get their hand on an FD-body, who doesn't have one yet) than anything else.<br>

As things stand at present (bodies get old and Canon doesn't care any more), I would definitely keep the A-1 (perhaps not the Motor). A-bodies without a drive are compact and light weight. Apart from the "screaming/coughing" they are robust and reliable. There are plenty AE-1, A-1 and AE-1P out there, butchering one to fix a few others will provide an ample supply of spares for a long time to come. Many repair people know how to work on them. To me, at present, certain A-bodies seem the best bet if you want to keep shooting Canon FD in the future. I think the only real thread to them is, if the 6V battery they use gets discontinued.<br>

The other cameras you list (including the F1 and T90) are more exotic, so finding another one to butcher for spares will not be as easy. In top of this, the T90ies have the issue of ageing LCDs where no spares are available. <br>

Not sure how much sense motor drives make these days for a user (not collector). To me using film is more planed, if I want a "machine gun camera", digital makes more sense. I think many people view it the same. I studied Nikon F3 prices recently. An F3 with an MD4 seems to costs about as much as an F3 without a drive. <br>

Enjoy Joachim</p>

<p>If the question is EF, A1 or selling both then I suggest that you think about why you would keep either. In my case the EF would go before the A1 but that is simply because of an emotional attachment to my A1 - I bought it as a Demo model in 1980 and have travelled many miles with it. I rarely use it these days but could not part with it. My EF on the other hand was something I bought much later and could part with. Like you my pair of New F1s and T90s will always stay and get the most use. My F1 is also a keeper and may be the reason why the EF is more disposable for me.<br>

For me my FD equipment is not a working kit but something I use for pleasure. Thus the mechanical feel of the F1 and New F1s is the feeling I go for when I shoot FD. My T90s get used due to guilt that they may die and their supreme handling. The other bodies can sit for 12 months or more between uses.<br>

I don't think that any of keep our FD cameras, MF cameras, rangefinders etc.. for practical purposes - we keep them for the emotional and tactile feelings we get when we use them. This is a human not a rational decision and is the same reason there is a market for art, antiques and old cars.<br>

The question you should ask yourself Mark is<br>

"Will I regret selling them?"<br>

If the answer is yes then think very hard about the economic rationale - your A1 will only bring in the price of a few pizzas.</p>

<p>I would pick the A-1 to keep. I appreciate its compactness and light weight more and more. The light camera is the camera I take.</p>

<p>My small FD kit of five bodies and a dozen or so lenses, has been plenty to do everything I want to do. I could cut it in half again and still have a good outfit. </p>

Keep all, they won't bring much money when you sell them and you will feel bad the moment they're gone.

But if you do, keep the EF!!

<p><a name="00YngP"></a><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=19165">Joachim Hein</a> in my 11 years on the net dealing with Canon FD mount cameras I can say I don't think I have ever seen anyone asking about finding a replacement for the LCD. There for I have to conclude its a non issue. Now that they have lasted 25 years I have a hard time figuring out whats going to cause them to start failing now.</p>

<p>I do love reading the various OPINIONS. All appreciated. As to the monetary value well as a single item a A-1 body doesn't bring much but as part of 40+ pieces going to eBay it all adds up.<br>

And since I will also be selling off quite a bunch of other collectable cameras while I'm taking a loss compared to what I paid for them I'll be able to get something else I want more. And won't depreciate.<br>

As to Digital being a better choice well it might be but this isn't a film vs digital thing. I use both. Just not for the same things.<br>

If I want to go out and do a weekend of Bird photography well a New F1 with a JS screen 2XA FD-15 tube and 500mm f4.5 S.S.C. go along while the wife uses the 400mm f4.5 nFD and one of her AE-1P's with a 2XA<br>

If I want to do some Forest floor stuff I rig up the cross polarized light bracket and a pair of 300TL on a T-90 with the 90mm f2.5 Tokina ATX Same rig might get used for small flowers and BUGS<br>

If I want to grab a dozen shots at my grand daughters Birthday party (they are 363 days apart so one party) I'll grab the Canon S3-IS and do the Digital thing.<br>

If I want to document a piece of woodworking or house remodeling I am doing again the Digtial gets the tip.<br>

to me Cameras are tools like my other tools they are used to create what I want as a finished product.<br>

Right now I have way to many tools in the tool chest.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Well I think the question that I would ask is, is the equipment you are planning on keeping going to be used? If so then I might go with the more current bodies such as the A-1 or T90. If you are keeping bodies that might appreciate in value then I might answer differently. In other words keep the F1's and EF since we are talking about heavier duty brass cameras vs plastic.<br>

Problem with keeping for use is the electronics in the EF aren't quite as good as those in the T90 which IMHO was the best of the FD series bodies and yes I have shot with and own the F1, New F1 and EF. The T90 is still sought after by those still shooting film and using FD lenses. The EF is built as solidly as the F1 though and why it was one of my favorites from that era of Canon cameras. <br>

And I guess we kind of circle around to what might be collectible and a quick trip through eBay was interesting. Basically these cameras aren't really fetching high prices granted I saw some pretty bad condition cameras being called very good and one F1 listed as 'new' but it was missing it's eyecup.<br>

But you have the right attitude, these guys are tools and as such I'd go with you find does the best job for you.</p>

<p>Well, Mark, you've gotten a lot of good and well-thought-out suggestions. I may as well add my thoughts into the mix.</p>

<p>Since it looks like you're planning on continuing a long term relationship with your FD gear, here's my advice:</p>

<p>Keep your F-1N and T90(s).</p>

<p>As for the EF/A-1 dilemma, this can be a rather sticky one. Your T-90 will do everything the A-1 will do and more. And since you are not interested in reacquiring an FTb or old F-1, then the EF will be your only body with MLU, and you really need to have at least one body with MLU. However, there's a drawback to having MLU on the EF, same as the FTb -- neither camera has interchangeable focusing screens. Whereas the original F-1 and F-1n does. Why is this a big deal? Because of what MLU is typically used for -- primarily to reduce mirror induced vibrations with high-magnification photography. And whether this means using a macro lens with a bellows or a somewhat slow long telephoto, chances are that the focusing screen's focusing aids (microprism, split-image, etc.) are not going to work well because the subject will be dimmer than they are optimized for. It can be quite annoying and frustrating trying to focus on a subject when the focusing aids aren't cooperating and are right there in the middle of the area you're trying to focus on. This is where the original F-1's flexibility is really needed. Canon made a few different focusing screens for the old F-1 that work well in these situations. And just so's you know, one of the main reasons why I "upgraded" from an FTb to an original F-1 was so I could have the interchangeable focusing screen capability. I already had a bellows and a macro lens, plus a couple of moderately slow telephotos (an f/5.6 refractor and an f/8 mirror), so I was more than ready for a plain matte screen when I got my first F-1. Other main reasons for buying an old F-1 were for the motor/winder option and different finders that were available. Neither of these options are available for the EF or FTb either.</p>

<p>Now having written all that, I'd still keep the EF just because of what it is. It was the original black beauty, after all. Saying bye-bye to an A-1 is, to me, no biggie, even though I shot with one for years. But I would definitely think seriously about adding an F-1 or F-1n to the stable.</p>

 

<p>Actually Michael my Bellows system is most likely going to head down the road the few times I have used it in the last 6-7 years has me wondering why I even bought it. For the type of photo's I do it has to much magnification and is way to slow to setup. The 90mm f2.5 Tokina Macro I use will with its 1-1 adapter handle all my Forest floor type work and even when I do bugs I do them in their enviroment and don't need closer then 1-1.<br>

I currently have a Black FTB so there would be no need to reaquire one I could just keep this one. But it too has been used so little as to barely warrent dusting it.<br>

Since I have all the viewfinders and screens I could ever want for the New F1 I don't see how adding that ability in a body with MLU would be something I need much.<br>

The more I'm thinking about it the A-1 and the EF might go walk about. WHEN THE TIME COMES.<br>

I need to talk with the wife seriously about what she wants to do in the future as far as the FD stuff goes Typically she only uses it when we go on adventures. Using her little Digital for the snapshots.</p>

<p>In today's NY Times Reggie Jackson speculates on whether the cars he sells go for a higher price because he owned them. I wonder what a Mark Wahlster owned camera is worth. I suppose you'll find out soon enough. Some years ago I had the chance to buy Norman Rothschild's Konica equipment. I had all of those items already but I wish I had bought at least one.</p>

<p>Keep the EF!</p>