Vintage Canon AE-1 SLR Camera
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Sure, digital is nice. It’s convenient, fast and cold. Yes, cold. When it comes to digital cameras there’s never that touch of oversaturated and grainy goodness you get from imperfections in film. It’s the difference between a picture and a photograph.
If you’ve got a digital camera then by all means keep it. It’s perfect for on-the-fly shots and candids, but when the subject means just a bit more (like that trip to Mexico or a friend’s wedding) then get yourself a true 35mm film body, like this Canon AE-1 Program SLR (circa 1981). It’s reliable, compact, built like an tank and shoots photographs that will make you look like Ansel Adams… or perhaps this and this.
Editor’s Tip: Stick with the original 50mm f/1.8 lens and forget zoom. You’ll never miss it. Pair it with Fujifilm Press 800 ($4) for inspired and luminous shots.
Cost: $150+ @ B&H
I couldn’t agree more. I started photography years ago in the digital world, but soon turned totally to film. I now shoot a mixture of 35mm and medium format, mostly contax gear.
Things may change though with my first child on the way.
Dave
I also agree with Dave. I’ve had my AE 1 since my childern were very small. They are now 24 and 26. I have all the lenses from 28 mm up to 500mm, also a 2x and a 135 to 270 zoom. I would not sell or trade them for anything. I am however getting ready to buy a digital. I have been told by a cousin, that my lenses will fit the digital. Do you know if this is true.
Thanks for any info on this.
Glenn,
Glenn,
From what I understand - the EOS lenses can work on some of the newer Canon Digital SLR’s, but you won’t gain much/any control of the lenses and I think the EXIF data isn’t available.
Again, it’s tough to tell without taking your actual lenses into a camera shop where you can take a few shots and test for yourself.
Either way, film SLR’s are definitely fantastic. I use both and love having the convenience and artistic control of both.
i own a AE 1.
it was my first camera.
bought it at a pawn shop for $90.
best decision i’ve ever made.
I bought a 1952 Canon rangefinder at a local “goodwill” for 14 bucks. From checking the Canon Museum site I couldn’t tell what model it was, but it got me 350 bucks on ebay…
twas a nice camera though…i should have kept it
The AE-1 uses the FD lens mount which is not compatible with the EOS mount in any way. Lenses are not interchangable between the old school manual focus cameras and the newer EOS film and digital cameras. Most of the lenses from the EOS series of film cameras will work on the Canon dslr bodies.
I’m sorry I have pictures in your blog canon AE-1