Canon FD Camera Recommendation

[dave_haskel]

<p>Hi Guys,<br>

I have been working with a Canon AE-1 (non-program) for about a year now and it's really grown on me. Now that my skills have improved, I want to upgrade to a model with aperture priority mode and I was considering buying the AE-1 Program. However, at this point, I would consider going a different route (maybe another brand?) so long as there is a camera out there that suit my needs. Here is what I am looking for, maybe you can recommend a favorite model for me:</p>

<ol>

<li>Full frame (either film or digital)*</li>

<li>Compatible with <strong><em>cheaper</em></strong>, possibly older lenses (I am a fan of the second hand ;-)</li>

<li>Aperture priority mode</li>

<li>Clear and bright viewfinder</li>

<li>Preferably faster than 1/1000 shutter priority</li>

<li>The lighter and easier to handle the better</li>

</ol>

<p>*Film is definitely cheaper, but I prefer digital for convenience and speed. The most I would be willing to pay for a used digital body is about $1000 (the only one I was able to find is the Canon 5D for about that price (on ebay). If you could think of other full frame digital cameras to check out I definitely will<br>

Essentially, the only drawbacks to my current AE-1 is that there is no aperture priority mode, the fastest shutter is 1/1000, and it only works with film so there is slow turnaround time for pics. Digital would be a great solution but most cameras are incredibly expensive, and would no longer be compatible with my cheap, old FD lenses.<br>

I have tried the EOS Rebel G -- it's a fantastically light and capable camera but only takes more expensive EOS lenses. Adding an EOS-FD converter crops a noticeable portion of the screen. Also the viewfinder is very dim and small so it ends up straining my eyes.<br>

Let me know what comes to mind. Thanks for the input!</p>

[Farkle-Mpls]

<p>Dave,</p>

<p>Sticking to the Canon FD family of bodies and lenses, you could certainly find many happy shooting years with a Canon F1 with AE prism, which permits aperture-priority shooting. And no matter how old you are, the camera would probably outlast you: they're built like tanks (and they still look very cool!) Of course, you're still shooting film with an F1.</p>

<p>Top shutter speed is 1/4000s I think (others can verify that for me), as least on the final version of the F1, commonly referred to as the F1N.</p>

[Farkle-Mpls]

<p>Dave,</p>

<p>I just checked and the F1N goes to 1/2000s on the shutter speed dial. Aperture priority shooting will show speeds in AE viewfinder down to 1/1000s but I THINK the camera will still select a speed down to 1/2000s -- again, I'm hoping others can verify that statement for me.</p>

<p>In regards to your requirement for a clear, bright viewfinder, the F1 will satisfy you in that regard as well. You'll find replaceable focusing screens for it as well -- those screens also offer different metering modes too (spot, averaging, center-weighted)</p>

[dave_s]

<p>I agree with Carl-- the F-1N would be a great choice if you want to stick with manual focus. To me, the F-1N handles like an overbuilt 'A' series camera, so the transition from your AE-1 will be fairly easy. You can get a decent user F-1N for under $300 now, but factor in the fact that it's an old camera, and it will need maintenance and probably a CLA.<br>

<br /> Incidentally, the AE-1 Program doesn't do aperture priority AE. It does shutter priority or 'program'.</p>

<p>Having said that, if I were buying a new camera or expanding my system, I'd give serious consideration to going EOS. That won't be a popular viewpoint here! For myself, I'm still 100% film, but the outlook for 35mm film photography is getting very limited.</p>

[thomas_goehler]

<p>Yes, F-1NEW would satisfy your needs, but of course it's not digital. Shortest exposure time is 1/2000, if you want to stay in Canon FD-land and still go faster, than you should consider the Canon T-90, which gives you 1/4000 and a built-in motor winder with 4,5fps. Both cameras, however, need to bechecked thoroughly before buying, as the F-1 used to be a professional model which might show signs of very heavy use, whereas the T90 might suffer from sticky shutter problems now, which can be reapired (here in Germany this cost me 200$ last year).</p>

<p>AE-1program does not offer aperture priority, in fact not many Canon FD-system cameras do. Only the aforementioned T90, A-1, AL-1 and AV-1 do so apart from F-1 (only with AE-finder) and the often overlooked T60, which is a rather cheap model made by Cosina for canon and is not very sturdy. It also offers 1/1000 as the fastest time.</p>

[rick_janes]

<p>Dave, it sounds to me like you're leaning towards digital- if so, maybe soldier on with that AE-1 awhile longer and save towards a D$LR. Don't make the transition more expensive by half-measures.<br>

And besides, your AE-1 is capable of aperture-priority metering...in the manual mode, at no extra cost!</p>

 

[thomas_goehler]

<p>But the manual mode on AE-1 is rather clumsy, as is also with A-1, AE-1p.</p>

[User_502260]

<p>I find use the F-1N mostly in match needle mode. I have the AE finder but there is no exposure lock and I find using match needle metering easier than using the exposure compensation dial. The AE-1 or AE-1 Program models do not have aperture priority automation, as has been mentioned. Their finders are not terribly dim but their focusing screens make using a macro lens or other slow lens more difficult. The AE-1 Program has interchangeable focusing screens so this could help. Aperture priority automation is helpful if you are using a mirror lens, for macro work and for landscape photography. For most other purposes, shutter priority is preferable. If you want cameras that have high top shutter speeds and that will meter with manual focus lenses you might consider a Nikon N8008, N8008S, N90 or N90S. These cameras cost very little now. They meter with AI or AIS manual focus lenses, have a top shutter speed of 1/8000 and work in TTL flash mode with some sophisticated flash units. These cameras also have interchangeable focusing screens and built-in motors. </p>

[JDMvW]

<p>I am astonished that no one else has suggested what some people feel is the best film camera ever: The Canon T90. It is a fantastic camera.</p>

<p>Mind you the old Canon film EOS cameras offer some fantastic things for few bucks, but you need lenses that are still 'new' and usable on EOS digital cameras (i.e., are still very much sought after in the marketplace and therefore more costly).</p>

[SCL]

<p>I won't comment on digital, although you indicated you "sort of" preferred it....there are too many choices,,,and your FD lenses lose some of the qualities they are prized for when you use a converter to non-FD cameras. I left the FD land many years ago...went digital and opted for Nikon, Leica, and Bronica gear. About 7-8 years ago I discovered the Canon T90 (good old film!) and have to say that it brought back my love for the quality FD lenses...and they are pretty inexpensive these days. You just can't go wrong with the T90, assuming you get one in good shape...and you can go on for a long time using your FD lenses.</p>

[mark_pierlot]

<p>F-1/F-1n if you want a manual exposure body<br>

F-1N if you want more exposure and metering modes<br>

T90 if you want all of the above and more, such as multi-spot metering, at the "flick of a switch," so to speak</p>

<p>My favourite "consumer" FD body is the A-1, though I daresay that since I picked up my first T90, I haven't used my A-1 <em>even once</em>.</p>

[exabetal]

T90 all the way! The only thing I don't like about the T90 is the plastic body.

[thomas_goehler]

<p>@JDM von Weinberg: I DID mention the T90 just 4 posts above yours ;-)</p>

[ridinhome]

<p>What JDM said about the T90 - superb body. Metering is excellent, the shutter is possibly the best film shutter Canon ever made, 1/4000s top shutter speed (not that I've ever had occasion to go that high), virtually indestructible body and ergonomically fantastic design. Yes, it does suffer from the infamous "EEEE" error from a sticky shutter magnets but if you a) buy from a reputable seller (B&H, Adorama, KEH) and b) make sure you exercise the shutter every few weeks or so you can get avoid that problem quite easily. Some T90s have suffered from LCD bleed issues but that's to be expected with electronics that old.</p>

<p>As for the full-frame DSLR - while I wholly advocate sticking with film if you don't mind the turnaround times (if for no other reason than I selfishly want the film market to stay as healthy as possible) I have to say that you'll have no regrets buying a 5D (Mark 1) if you decide to go that way. I have one and it's an outstanding camera. IMHO, the IQ is more than enough for the average user and for all but the best pros. I've shot mine at 3200 ISO with very acceptable results. Unless you shoot in extreme low light situations (in which case the extra ISO on the 5DII or 1DS4 will be more appropriate), shoot a lot of sports (go with a 7D) or extreme weather conditions (1D probably better but I hope you work out a lot because that sucker is heavy) there should be no reason to upgrade from a 5D for a long, long while.</p>

[mark_pierlot]

<blockquote>

<p>The only thing I don't like about the T90 is the plastic body.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Actually, only the T90's skin is plastic. Its body is made of titanium alloy, just like the better EOS bodies are.</p>

[dave_haskel]

<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>The responses have been super helpful in the decision making process. Sounds like everyone in this forum is a diehard Canon fan (go figure, it's the FD forum).</p>

<p>What are your thoughts about other brands that might offer the same (or better) combination of features? Jeff Adler mentioned a few of the Nikons out there that sound quite appealing. I suppose that Nikon's had the advantage of not changing the lens mount system in the early 90's and losing compatibility with all of the wonderful older lenses</p>

[mwmcbroom]

<p>Dave, if I were to go with a semi-modern Nikon, I'd go with an F4. You can pick one up for $300 or less nowadays. It will accept any Nikon lens made. It has the capability of mounting the old pre-AI lenses, whereas other modern Nikons don't. Plus, the F4 is AF, so you can add AF lenses to your collection as you can afford them. Now, the F4 was generally regarded as being rather leisurely in its AF abilities once Canon came out with a faster EOS-1. But if you ask me, it's all relative. Unless you're going to be filming race cars, it should do just fine. Heck, it'll even do just fine photographing race cars, once you develop a technique for it.</p>

<p>But I would be most inclined to stick with Canon FD. Since aperture-priority AE is something you feel the need for, then I agree with all the rest who have recommended the T-90 . . . and the F-1N, far as that goes. Either way, you will have a great camera that'll get the job done. Even the A-1 will do most of what you need, too. It lacks in two primary areas -- 1/1000 top shutter speed and no metering patterns other than centerweighted, which I've found to be problematic when shooting slides.</p>

<p>If you think there will be a digital camera in your future someday, then you might want to do like a LOT of other Canon FD users are doing nowadays and buy a Sony NEX, either a -3 or -5, and an adapter for your FD lenses. The NEX has a shallow enough registration distance such that FD lenses can be mounted and infinity focus is preserved. Heck it's so shallow, you can use M39 (Leica screw mount) lenses too.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>Sorry Thomas, I somehow missed it. If I were less honest, I'd claim the "no one else" referred to your post... ;)<br>

Still my choice.</p>

[darin_cozine]

<p>FYI, most of the canon FD cameras are shutter-priority mode and have horizontally travelling shuuters. (this means their top speed is slower and also a slower flash synch)<br>

Here are your options:<br>

cameras with aperture priority:<br>

T90, F1N, A1, AV1, T70<br>

Cameras with shutter speed faster than 1/1000:<br>

T90, F1N</p>

<p>You can read up on them on your own.</p>

 

[drpath]

<p>Surely the answer to this question is perfectly obvious. You need both a T90 and a 5D. The T90 lacks the mirror lock up, interchangeable finders and massive overengineering of the orginal F-1, but otherwise it is the best manual focus SLR anybody ever made. The control layout is also very like the 5D, making them excellent companions. The 5D is the most film-camera like digital camera I've ever used, and its big pixels are very kind to lenses, making them all look better. Of course, you'd have to have two sets of lenses, but think about that for a moment<em>. </em>You <em>have</em> to have more lenses! Everybody on this forum should see the value of that. </p>

[kevin_omura]

<p>I too would say the T-90, for one thing they are lighter than the F1/F1n and new F1 (updated version of the F1/F1n) which can make a big difference. They also only need 4 AA batteries and are very rugged, we had these as part of our photographers kits at work prior to converting over to AF in the EOS and Nikon brands. <br>

The T-90 used to still fetch a decent price on the used market compared to the F1's which was also interesting. I recall my T-90's having excellent light meters.<br>

I would shy away from the A-1, it is a great camera and I still own a couple in my collection but with use they tended to develop a squeal when you released the shutter, the shutter stayed accurate but it was rather annoying and loud. If I recall it was an issue with lubrication and my gut feeling is that the issue should be addressed before the assembly failed.<br>

The original F1 is a workhorse camera but automation came at a real price, you would need the Motor Drive MF and the Servo EE finder in order to achieve shutter speed preferred automation. There was a way around having the motor drive but it meant having an external battery pack for the finder. <br>

The New F1 came to the party with four finders, standard, Waist Level, AE and Speed Finder. The AE finder brought aperture priority automation to the camera, Shutter priority automation was achieved by adding either the motor drive or winder.<br>

You mention digital, so I guess my question would be how much have you got invested in FD lenses? If just the 50mm stock lens then I'd also be inclined to put money into the EOS system though frankly I don't use AF that much and I much prefer the build quality and feel of the FD lenses. If Canon lost their minds and built a digital body that took FD lenses I'd buy it in a heartbeat say a T-90 digital but the odds of that are probably as high as Steve Jobs making a $100 iPad....<br>

The 5D and MK II is a great FF digital camera. I think the trap that many folks fall into is putting too much weight on the camera body and not much into the lenses. So personally I would probably go with the newer system and spend a higher proportion of my money on the 'glass' because this will last your through several camera bodies.<br>

For example, when I switched to EOS from FD I went with the best I could afford and today I still use most of the lenses I purchased originally. IS was not an option when I switched though and that is something I'm finding very useful as I get older.... </p>

[thomas_goehler]

<p>@Kevin: The shutter squeal on the A-1 can easily be fixed. There is a (German) instruction for this repair on the net.</p>

[flatulent1]

<p>Best Canon body has to be the T90 with the New F1 a very <em>very</em> close second. If you're wanting a Canon FD body that's cheap and similar to the AE-1 with aperture priority, try the A-1.</p>

<p>The Olympus 4/3's system is, to my knowledge, the only digital system that takes FD lenses.</p>

<p>Non-Canon bodies? I'll second the vote for the Nikon F4, emphatically. I have two, it's the best camera they've ever made. (That's my emotional, aesthetic opinion.) The older lenses work with the newer digital bodies, with reservations. You'll have to check out the <a href="http://www.nikonians.org/">Nikonians</a> website for further information.</p>

 

[james_turner6]

<blockquote>

<p>The Olympus 4/3's system is, to my knowledge, the only digital system that takes FD lenses.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Panasonic micro 4/3s can, too. And so does the Sony Nex system, with the advantage of an APS sensor in a body the size of a large matchbox. Drawback of the Nex cameras is the lack of an EVF, which makes focussing a tad more challenging.</p>

<p>FWIIW, here's a shot I took a week ago with my Sony Nex5 + FD 85mm f1.2L, plus a 100% crop.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.phiveas.co.uk/images/Alfred.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://www.phiveas.co.uk/images/Alf.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[thomas_goehler]

<p>But don't foregt while recommending the Olympus 4/3 system for Canon FD lenses that you suffer from a 2x crop factor then.</p>