Film Cameras: Canon AE-1 Program or Nikon FM3A?

[dog010]

Hello everyone,

This is perhaps unrelated to digital photography- or at least seems unrelated- but I am keen on purchasing a mechanical "classic" SLR body to learn the raw basics of photo taking- no bells and whistles. I quite like the Canon AE-1P and the new Nikon FM3A. I can find a good refurbished AE-1P for around $AUD400 which includes a 50mm f1.8 FD lens, I'm not sure about Nikon prices. Has anyone here have experience with either of these two cameras and can anyone tell me about any quirks or pros that each hold? I quite like the sound of the Nikon being free to operate without a battery in full manual mode, is the Canon capable of this? I am a Canon afficionado historically but I don't see myself stocking big on FD or F-mount lenses in the near future so I'm not really concerned about which system I get into.

Cheers,

Mike

[ivoptf]

Hi Mike,

I'm also a Canon afficionado and I've been using a Canon AE-1P for several years. It is truly an excellent camera and I just very recently moved towards digital with an EOS 10D. My AE-1P has a Canon 50mm f1.4, and a Canon 70-210 mm zoom (also have a 24 mm and a 2x extender). All in excellent shape.
It is a great system, as you put it, "to learn the raw basics of photo taking- no bells and whistles". I don't believe that the Canon can operate without a battery in full manual mode.
Please let me know if you'd be interested in purchasing the system I have or if I can be of any further help.

Cheers,

Ivo

PS - I live in Virginia (USA) and I'll be in Amsterdam all next week.

[stopbath]

The Pentax K-1000 is an old mechanical stand by. They were extremely popular, so you should be able to pick up a used one not too hard.

The Nikon is great, but you also have the Nikkor lenses with a premium price too.

Perhaps the AE-1 can operate without battery. Some mechanical cameras have 'electronic' speeds that can't be used without batteries. Like T to 1/125 are mechanical, and 1/250 to 1/2000 are electronic.

[Jim Tesseyman]

Hi Mike,
Re your enquiry about Canon AE1-P and Nikon FM3A.
I too use a Canon AE1P and find it a superb Camera considering it's age (1980-1982). I have recently had it overhauled and given a full service.
Faults to look for are shutter squeak, and decomposing seals around the film door and mirror housing in the pentaprism.
If the seals decompose, they can become sticky and small particles break away and stick to the mirror and generally make a mess in your viewfinder.
It's a relatively easy and cheap job for a camera service centre to sort out and now they use a different material for the seals. It's very common so look for it.
Shutter squeak is a common Cannon fault and can be sorted at the same time as a service.
The AE1P is a reliable and sturdy camera and there are still penty of them around.
Mine is fitted with a 50mm F1.8 and I also have a cannon 135mm F1:3.5 telephoto and a Centon 70-210mm all FD mounts.
I had been considering making the leap to Digital but just cant seem to whip up enough enthusiasm.
Like you I have also been looking at the Nikon FM3A while it's still possible to get one. With Nikon dropping their film camera manufacture for digital, they too will soon become collectors items.
I seem to prefer Retro style cameras more than the new plastic rounded look.
Nikon has a pedigree second to non and all of ther cameras seem to have a durability that just keeps on going.
One thing is for sure, if you choose either, there is still plenty to choose from in the way of lenses or accessories and good back up service.
I think I probably will get a Nikon FM3A and stay with film for now.
Llet me know what you decide.

Regards

Jim :D

[DocFrankenstein]

I'd go with nikon. You can use their lenses on canon bodies.