Good FD Canon

You should check with the teacher--some film classes require a manual camera. If so, that lets out the AE-1, A-1, and the whole T series (not to mention any of the EF-mount cameras). Try an FTb, which was the mid-price tank in the line back when the TX was the cheapie and the F-1 the flagship.

I own a TX, F-1, T90, and Elan II. The T90 is the most elegantly automated, and the TX has a very dim viewfinder. The F-1 is just a joy to use; always has been. But an FTb has more of the F-1 joy than the TX, for less money.

If exposure automation is okay, then find a T90. That was the best automated FD-mount camera in Canon's whole output. And unlike the F-1, it takes currently available batteries.

Rick "who was never happy with an alkaline replacement for the mercury battery in an F-1" Denney

My A1 has a loud annoying shutter, whats the remedy to that?

My A1 could be used in a church causing little disturbance, the T90 or F1 would get noticed straight away.


If yours is that much louder it may need the mirror damping mechanism lubricated, this is rod driven and gets noisy when the oil dry's up.

A Canon repair centre or specialist should be able to sort this out for a reasonable price.

A place such as this could probably do the job for you unless you have someone local

http://www.precisionca​mera.com/canon-camera-repair.html

John

Its been several months and I still haven't bought a film camera. I'm stuck on FD vs EF mount now. I have several FD lenses sitting around from my dad's collection. I also have a nice set of EF lenses.

My choice is A-1 vs EOS-3.

My main goal as mentioned in the OP is to have something different and fun to shoot. All paid jobs or serious shoots will be digital. I just want something to take out for a day and get a different experience with. I'm leaning towards the A-1 based on this and price.

The A1 is a great camera and is a lot quieter than the EOS-3.

As I said before it has a red l.e.d. readout in the viewfinder which can be seen under very bright conditions, if annoying it can be turned off.

you can also get the winder A, or motor drive MA to wind the film on if required.

Very popular with Fleet st Pro's

It is reasonably small, light and well engineered, if you don't fancy the T90 then get one of these, you will not regret it.


John

rdenney wrote in post #11384322
You should check with the teacher--some film classes require a manual camera. If so, that lets out the AE-1, A-1, and the whole T series (not to mention any of the EF-mount cameras). Try an FTb, which was the mid-price tank in the line back when the TX was the cheapie and the F-1 the flagship.

Ummm...I'm not sure what you mean by letting out (ruling out?) the cameras you mentioned, but both the AE-1/AE-1P and the T90 can be used in FULL MANUAL mode (that's how I shoot them). The only thing the T90 has "automatic" that you can't override is the film advance...

Staszek wrote in post #11907402
Its been several months and I still haven't bought a film camera. I'm stuck on FD vs EF mount now. I have several FD lenses sitting around from my dad's collection. I also have a nice set of EF lenses.

My choice is A-1 vs EOS-3.

My main goal as mentioned in the OP is to have something different and fun to shoot. All paid jobs or serious shoots will be digital. I just want something to take out for a day and get a different experience with. I'm leaning towards the A-1 based on this and price.

If you're looking to make up your mind, I have an EF-mount EOS 650 in 9.5/10 condition with a fresh battery (bought it, put it in to test it to make sure it works and that's it) that I'm willing to let go for cheap! (I have two...I don't need two haha). PM me if you're interested