AE-1 is a shutter speed priority camera not a aperture priority camera as you said. The AE-1 Program was the succesor of the AE1, that's why it had some improvements. The A-1 was the top model of the A range series so that's why it has the most available options.
I actually reccomend the ftb ql for enthusiasts. Its a real underated sleeper. Its easily the most reliable among all the FD mount cameras. Being full mechanical, no electronics, no capacitors to fail. The QL system makes it easy to load film. And the build quality is superb, way better than the ae-1/t-50. The light meter can use alkaline 1.5v batteries. The only complaint i have is its too heavy and the focus screen is clumsy to use. Bought mine in perfect condition 60$ easily the best value camera.
they are pretty cool and definitely not as popular with today's shooter. I almost picked up a pretty rare black canon ql Pellix the other day but it needed to much work.
Back in the FD days, Canon didn't have anything small and light (like the EM, FM or OM1 or something similar) until the T50 / T70 models, both of which where as loud as a chain saw. So long time ago, for my tactile film photography set, I opted for the OM system. However my working camera was the Canon EOS 5, European version of the A2e. I still have that camera, all do battered and broken like it was thru at least 3 wars (what it did), but IT STILL WORKS. I did however needed to replace the shutter on it. That's about 150000 shots. Or 4160 rolls of film. Let that sink in. So it's actually quite remarkable how sturdy that plastic phantastic camera is...
I love my A-1. The eyepiece shutter is an especially nice touch that Canon removed from most of their EOS models. Sure, you can put a little rubber cover over the eyepiece, but it's way nicer to flick a little lever. It also has the finger dial for changing shutter speed: means that you can change speeds and double-check yourself with the light meter.
Nice video again, Graham! I've got about 30 Canon SLRs, lots of goodies here! My three favourites are the A-1, the most versatile, but a bit fiddly, the F-1N, a fantastic picture taking machine, and the AE-1 Program, everything is on the right place, it's sturdy without being heavy. And I haven't found any 35mm camera with a better standard viewfinder than the AE-1 Program, the camera that killed the joy of using Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, that evf... So if you love mirrorless cameras, beware! Btw, use your little finger nail to open the battery lid on A series cameras, use no tools! EOS? Not so much. But compared to any point and shoots, sure!
Thanks! That is true it is one of the best viewfinders out there for 35mm haha I can’t say I prefer it over my Fuji line though. But yes definitely don’t go shoving a tool in there, Already east enough to break, ha
Nice comment. Just got myself a Canon A-1. And by the way, for opening the battery door I use a tool. The original hot shoe cover from Canon has a little piece at the front which is designed to fit the slot of the door perfectly and I think it works great, even better than a fingernail
I've got the AE-1 because this camera is a legend, the first with a microprocessor inside. Only down: needs a battery, probably to change every two years. + I've got the F1 because it's a real legend. On the Nikon side I would propose to get: A Nikon FM (FM2), FE (FE2, FE3), F..., FG which is lovely and small. compact SLRs from Olympus and Pentax: OM1, OM2, Pentax ME, Pentax Spotmatic (a legend, too!) If you are looking for lenses, you should consider 28 or 35mm, and 50mm, of course. I own 2 cams because you can easily switch between color and b&w.
Loved the video…my first camera was a Canon AE-1…used it until the circuit board failed 30 years later…recently picked up an A-1 and had so much fun bought a new F-1…then FTb and Canon 7 and Canon P and ugh…lots of fun
I was given a T70 from my uncle who inherited it from his Dad. I haven’t used it yet, in fact I’ve had it for a good 4 years myself. Looking forward to learning now I have a bit more time.
I found 6 Canon AE-1 cameras (including 2 being AE-1 Program) in July alone. One of them came with a Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 along with the FD 28mm f/2.8 for an extra $12
At one point I had five AE1+P bodies (Colour / B&W Tri-X / Transparency / Delta 3200) I have since given 2 away. I have recenty purchased an EF which I adore. I'd like to take an A-1 off for a weekend. I tried the AE-1 - nice, gave that to my nephew. I could easily off-load another program for an EF
Great video, what collection of great examples. Just a small correction though, you can run the new F1 without batteries just like the older model. You just need to remove the battery which switches it over to fully mechanical all the way up to 1/2000.
Thanks Graham, wow I thought I had to many Nikons, so have at the moment 2 FM2’s, FE2, F4, F5 and looking at a F3, now after watching this video I might now look into the F2, have now subscribed to this channel now going to watch some of your other videos cheers from down under🇦🇺
I have my Dad's AE-1 and just love using it. I just continue to gravitate to it and really enjoy canon so it is nice to know what else may be available 🙂.
The canon rebel S you showed Will take beautiful photos and anything in the EOS lineup is the best of all Canon cameras for film that has been made and it always cracks me up that they Seem to be ignored and you have the best selection Of lenses especially if you shoot canon digital I shoot both and I carry a Elen 7E canon And love it and Also carry a 5D mark 4 they're always in my bag when I go
It’s just a very different experience and feel then the old metal bodies with dials. At that point I’d almost rather just shoot digital. The plastic bodies throw off the build quality I guess if they are solid internally that’s great but definitely doesn’t feel that way ya know
@@graham_white Don't get me wrong I like the old cameras and have several canon and a bunch of FD lenses with a lot of other brands also, my favorite of my old cameras is the Olympus PEN-FT half frame and I have a good selection of lenses for it. I just restored a Kodak No 2A repaired the shutter and converted it to use 120 film it was made in 1916.I just really like my canon Elan 7e and only have to carrying one set of EOS lenses for film and digital. I was born in 1955 67 years old :)
If you're shooting film these days, it's a deliberate choice: you either have a very specific need in mind (technical or forensic work, for example), or you're doing it for aesthetic reasons. Speed and automated exposure really don't enter into that for most cases. And many of the Rebel cameras will fog IR film to a certain extent; though you can shoot IR digitally, it usually requires modifying the camera.
Nice video Graham., I have my dad´s Canon Demi C from 1965, still working & also have the T70, & added AL 1 QF, Canon EF couple years ago, The T50 i've had in 1982.
Great video! Just a heads up though, I would advise against buying a T50, from the many that I've had they're almost all broken or break and are quite garbage. The T70 is a much, much better camera and is pretty much the same price. Have had many T70s and all have been reliable.
The Canon AE-1 is a Shutter Priority automatic exposure camera; not Aperture Priority. However, Canon came up one to compete with the Nikon FE in 1979, it’s the AV-1
It is solid along with a lot of other options, I just personally don’t have experience with it so didn’t want to speak without knowledge. I have heard from friends it is great though!
Great video Graham! I have the AE-1 Program and the FTb-N bodies, along with a handful of descent glass for them. I gotta say I prefer the FTb, eventhough it's uncomfortable as heck to hold or carry for longer periods of time, the build quality is astounding! The AE-1P is good to, but the plasticy feel of the advance lever in particuar is a deal breaker for me... I just can't stand it! I'm eyeing that first version F-1 though. I think it can be the one to rule them all (fully mechanical ftw)! Cheers! /Fred
Agreed, if you like the FTb I think you will really like the Old F-1. almost identical in form and function. but yes sadly it isn't much more comfortable to hold ha.
I would love it if you could give me little advice on either an AE-1 Program or FTb QL? I have the choice of both, but will only be buying one of them. I'm already a film user (I have a couple of Pentaxes - Spotmatic and KM) so I'm okay with manual cameras. As an example, can you still get batteries for the FTb? Can you advise me a little please (anyone else too)? BTW, I have a Canon 50mm 1:4 lens to put on either camera.
The canon AE-1 is a shutter priority camera, not aperture priority. That being said, its a good camera. BUT my favorite canon camera is the new F1, feels way more premium and nicer feel than the original F1
Very nice rundown on everything! I’ve had and sold a few AE-1s and programs, and still have an A-1 and an AE-1 program from a friend’s dad I’ll be hanging on to. They really were easy to come by for a while but now things have dried up in my area. I really regret selling my $10 QL17 and can’t bring myself to pony up for the going price now…
I really enjoyed this video, Graham! I have the Canon AE-1 and the FTb QL. Love ‘em both! I also have six other film SLRs that I use in rotation. If it’s not too confidential, what platform do you use to sell your cameras?
Correct. I read my specs wrong, is apurture priority with a flash attachment (very odd) and without flash if it’s not on “a” mode it will auto fire at 1/30
Noticed a Canon TLb on marketplace for $100 (comes with manual) from the original owner. Any thoughts on this camera as someone who is looking for something more "professional" than an Argus C-four rangefinder?
It’s a solid camera. A 100 higher than a lot you could find on eBay. It isn’t feature packed and is fully manual as far as settings and capabilities. Definitely easier to use and more user friendly than an Argus for sure. I think you can get them on eBay for 40-60
@@andrewschrotenboer9445 the AE-1 is definitely more feature packed and beginner friendly with more settings. I think the TLb will last longer since its mechanical there are less things to go wrong or electronics to fail, but yes an AE-1 is the more popular choice between these two.
Hi, nice video and collection! I am searching for an eyecup for an old F-1. Haven't found any yet. Do you know if there is another canon model with a compatible eyecup? It could help me with the search. Thanks 😊
Dear beginner film photographers, please, please do not buy Canon A-1, AE-1 or AE-1 Program or any other old Canon battery operated cameras except EOS series. Electronics in these cameras are very old and can fail in any second. There are lots of posts on Facebook groups that starts with: Hi. I just bought a A-1/AE-1/ AE-1Program and after first roll of film shutter is stuck, mirror has stuck in up position... PLEASE HELP! In reality 90% of camera repair guys can fix mechanics but not the old electronics. By the end you have stuck with dead body that cost you 100-250$/€. So dear beginner film photographer - buy any of fully mechanical cameras like Canon EF, F1, FP, FTb... For rangefinder fans: Canon 7, 7s, Vt, Vl, P, IV... For Canon EOS line I just want to suggest to choose camera by a battery type first. Buy a camera which uses most popular batteries that you can buy in any GAS station, local supermarket,... Good luck dear film friends 🙂
Same reason I stick with mechanical. There are some repair guys who will fix it but few and far between and expensive. Most often you end up scrapping another body for parts to make it work. Good luck trying to convince everyone not to use them though lol. Still a large amount in good working order today.
@@graham_white I'm not saying that there are no working ones. There are and my friend owns A-1 that he got from his dad and still shooting without issues. It's just the worst thing to suggest a beginner that Canon A-1/AE-1/AE-1Program is the best ever beginners camera. The same thing about Olympus OM10.
I've found Canon A series cameras to be surprisingly reliable. In comparison Nikon FE is not. Pentax K1000, at least the chinese made, are poor quality. I've seen lots of old "built like a tank" cameras fail, they also have mercury batteries. Praktica is cheap and solid however. For a beginner, maybe find any camera you would like to use at a local dealer, that will provide a warranty.
@@Analogbrain I concur! With 18 Canon A bodies and no failures I don't understand the failed electronics complaint! However Nikon... an F3 with a broken film door lock latch(nice boat anchor you got there) an EM with a shattered rewind crank and an F that requires surgical skill(and hands) just to change lenses...no fn thanks!
@@Analogbrain let's be realistic, all old cameras breaks or needs a maintenance. But there is 80% chance that mechanical camera can be repaired even by watchmaker (quite often simple cleaning does the magic) and there is 30% chance that you will find guy that can repair camera like AE-1 if electronics fail + it will cost you a price of another mint AE-1 + there will be a huge waiting list as this guy will be like one and only in your country or even continent and everyone brings they cameras to to this guy to fix. I personally know such a guy and he is more than happy to say no to you rather than put you on the waiting list.