Canon AE-1 Film Camera

These are fantastic cameras... easy to use and they deliver incredible results... but first, understand this is a manual focus FILM camera... not a digital camera. There is no auto-focus... you have to focus. And you can not hook this camera up to your computer and download pictures. It uses film which must be developed. If you are still interested in this type of camera... keep reading for some helpful advise.

1: SEALS: The light seals keep light from sneaking into the film chamber. Even if a camera has never been used, these seals deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. Always ask the condition of the light seals. If they are worn out they will be sticky to the touch and leave residue on the film chamber door.

2: BATTERY DOOR: These cameras have a little door that covers the battery compartment. Because people rarely use the hot-shoe cover to open the battery door properly, they often break the door. Be sure to ask about the condition of the battery door.

3: SQUEAK: Watch out for the Squeak! When the internals begin the dry out and gears begin to show signs of wear the Canon A series has a tendency to make a squeak sound when firing the shutter. It sometimes sounds as if the camera is coughing. This is a sign the camera needs service. Without service the internals will wear even more and will soon fail.

4: VIEW FINDER:
Ask if the viewfinder is clear and free of scratches. While this would not affect picture quality it is kind of annoying to see specs of dust and scratches while trying to compose your shot.

A good seller should provide photos and descriptions to answer these questions, but some people do not have the time or expertise so often times you need to ask. Their answers will tell you a lot about not only the camera… but also the seller.

I bought 3 canons AE1
AE1 and AE1 program
Very affordable on eBay, do not hesitate to ask for details
Is the lens clean , prism, the view finder, how many owners etc...
It is a very good film camera, ideal for students or others
With a speed range of 2 to 1/1000th second plus Bulb and flash X-sync of 1/60th second.
A classic and top amateur SLR model
A good vintage to have and to keep

I lucked into on of these guys when I was in college. I bought it off of a professor who did not know what she had. It was a mint condition Canon AE-1 Program with three lenses and some other goodies. Picked it up for 100 dollars! =) Some say that the program option takes the fun out of photography and makes it brainless -- I say it is a good step in learning the dynamics of good photography. As you know, film is going the way of the dinosaur. But for those who still like LP's and amps with tubes, this is the camera for you. Mine has been pretty no hassle until it turned 26 years old. The photo sensor crapped out on it which broke my heart. With out the photo sensor there is not light meter and without a light meter, there really is not way of knowing what kind of light you are dealing with. In spite of the photo sensor, it has been a super durable camera with lots of options. It is like a car -- if you take good care of it, it will take good care of you. As in the other reviews do take the time to ask quetions about the camera -- the squak is a sign of a camera that needs some lub and some basic mantainace that is long overdue. As about the foam seals and request lots of pictures of the unit. If it looks clean and tight chances are you will be satisfied -- but due know that there are some things you can not see. An honest seller will disclose the bad with the good and do know that you are buying a camera that has been around since the early 1980's. This is a great first film camera for anyone who still likes to shoot film. It is pretty idiot proof in Program mode. On ebay you can get a great buy for those who are unloading their entire kits.

I bought the Canon AE-1 brand new back in 1986 when I was a photography student. I am still using it after 20 years for weddings and birthday parties along with a 50mm f1.8 lens and a Tokina 80-200mm f4 zoom lens. The picture quality has only improved over the years thanks to new developments on film and photo paper technology. The camera is a little heavier than the new ones, but after 20 years I guess I’m used to it, although I use the tripod a lot. This camera is built like a brick. It has survived several falls and the only thing missing is the battery door.

I highly recommend this camera for its ease of use, automatic and manual exposure controls, robustness, availability of high quality lenses and dedicated flash units. I’m pretty sure that I will go digital eventually, but for what I have seen, the only one that would rival my Canon AE-1 is a Canon 5D but it’s way to expensive yet. For now, I’ll keep holding on to my beloved AE-1.