Good FD Canon

I'm going to be taking a couple of film based classes for my photography minor. I want to get something that I will enjoy shooting and find time to take it out on occasion instead of shooting digital.

Which FD mount Canon is the best bang for the buck? It seems the AE-1P has a large following. My dad has a broken TLb, and a good 50 f/1.8 and 100 f/2.8 in the closet. I can use his lenses for my future film camera.

Unfortunately the F1 series is out of my price range. Based on my minimal research, the A-1 has more controls than the AE-1. How does the AE-1P compare?

Input or suggestions?

You have some great EF lenses - why not buy an old EOS body instead?

That's my suggestion...

Staszek wrote in post #11367809
Unfortunately the F1 series is out of my price range. Based on my minimal research, the A-1 has more controls than the AE-1. How does the AE-1P compare?

Input or suggestions?

we inherited one of those... it looks cool but i dont know where to start... it is my wifes grandfathers... want to put film in it and have her use it!!!!! but im skeeered....

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #11367834
You have some great EF lenses - why not buy an old EOS body instead?

That's my suggestion...

That's an option. I like the look and feel of the old bodies. I have two FD Canon primes begging to be used. I'm considering it a change of pace.

What are you looking for in an FD camera?

I currently own an AE-1, 3 AE-1Ps and a T90 ahd have owned some others (TX, another AE-1P, etc)...

If you're looking for something modern, the lower T-series (T40, T50, T70) can be had for about 40 bucks and they're pretty fun/quirky cameras...I think they're pretty cool...the AE-1/AE-1Ps are also awesome, but they're a little more money in good shape...

The T90 was a pretty avant-garde camera when it was released and has some great features. Alternatively, as others have said, why not look at an Eos film camera which could then utilise your Eos lenses. The Eos3 is a cracking camera and can be had without breaking the bank.

Another vote for the T90, which has the advantage of dx coding, exposure compensation, partial, spot and centre weighted metering, 4.5fps in continuous drive and of course through the lens flash metering with the 300tl. The only weak link is the internal battery for shutter count has finally died as I believe that this was a job for Canon and may no longer be serviceable. However, mine was never replaced in over a decade of ownership.The main advanage with the FD lens mount is that there are some amazing bargains to be had. Full spec list on link below.

http://www.mir.com.my …ls/Fullspecific​ations.pdf

I have an Elan 7(EOS) and an A1. I like shooting with both but its just more fun to go out with the A1. It has AV and TV, as well as a P mode, 2 and 10 sec self timer modes, DOF preview, and yet you still have to wind and focus it manually, what more could you ask for?

Mine is missing the film rewind nob thingy, I threaded a nut and washer on there and have to carry a wrench with me to rewind it. Makes it even more fun LOL.

Id like an F1, but as you said they still command too much money for my taste.

randerson07 wrote in post #11372415
I have an Elan 7(EOS) and an A1. I like shooting with both but its just more fun to go out with the A1. It has AV and TV, as well as a P mode, 2 and 10 sec self timer modes, DOF preview, and yet you still have to wind and focus it manually, what more could you ask for?

Mine is missing the film rewind nob thingy, I threaded a nut and washer on there and have to carry a wrench with me to rewind it. Makes it even more fun LOL.

Id like an F1, but as you said they still command too much money for my taste.

I think that is what I'm after. Something fun and exciting to shoot. A change of pace from the digital stuff. True I have a good list of EF lenses and the EOS 3 does look temping (thanks for the recommendation!). I still have two FD lenses available to use, I just need a FD body. I like the way my dads old FD camera looks and feels. Its just a change of pace.

I did a little more research and it seems the A-1 is a better camera overall compared to the AE-1, I'm not sure about the AE-1P.

I had an AE-1P for years and enjoyed it greatly, but the other options mentioned here are good as well.

check out ebay, f1's are all over the price range, $140 up, some look well used but that camera is a tank.
search for f-1, f1, canon f...etc,

viktor061 wrote in post #11376210
check out ebay, f1's are all over the price range, $140 up, some look well used but that camera is a tank.
search for f-1, f1, canon f...etc,

and from my question posted here... people highly say it is good...

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=919644

corkneyfonz wrote in post #11370141
Another vote for the T90, which has the advantage of dx coding, exposure compensation, partial, spot and centre weighted metering, 4.5fps in continuous drive and of course through the lens flash metering with the 300tl. The only weak link is the internal battery for shutter count has finally died as I believe that this was a job for Canon and may no longer be serviceable. However, mine was never replaced in over a decade of ownership.The main advanage with the FD lens mount is that there are some amazing bargains to be had. Full spec list on link below.

http://www.mir.com.my …ls/Fullspecific​ations.pdf

Yeah, the T90 is a fun machine...it's basically the camera all subsequent Canon SLR/DSLRs have been modelled after...I got mine for free from a friend who likes the idea that I'm still shooting film...since it's a gift, I'll never sell it

I have the T90, the A1 and the F1n, all 3 are super cameras but the one I use most of all is the T90.

It just feels right in your hands and inspires confidence in it's abilities.
Both the A1 and the T90 have red digital readouts in the viewfinder which makes exposure info easy to see under all lighting conditions.

Weight may be a consideration as well, the A1 is 620g body only, the T90 is 800g body only and the F1n is 1080g body only.

The A1, excellent machine, light, quiet (unless it has the shutter squeal,which can be treated))and reasonably small. Shutter range 30secs to 1/1000 +B, film speed iso 6 to iso 12800, 5 AE modes + manual.


John