Canon A-Series SLR models- Guestbook/Message Board

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Canon A-Series SLR models - Archived Messages/Guestbook Entries

Canon AV-1 (1979) Canon AT-1 (1978) Canon A-1 (1978)
Canon AL-1 (1982) Canon AE-1 (1976) Canon AE-1 P (1981)

| 1001-1050 |

From Carol (Sun Jan 9 04:09:12 2000 ):
I have inherited a Canon AE-1 camera with a Canon FD75-200 mm lenses, and a Hoya 52mm Skylight (1B) lenses 50mm, a cleaning kit, a camera lens hood, an item that is silver and about 12" long (don't know what it's called) but I know that it's use to click a photo. It also has a very nice padded camera bag that holds everything. There is also a battery. NO MANUELS. I know nothing about cameras so can anyone tell me where I could find the mauals for the camera and lenses or where on the internet I can go to perhaps sell the camera. It looks in good condition, lenses look great and camera bottom has minor scrathes. I've been told it is a good working camera. Any info or assistance would be greatly appreciated. Send email to iam2tall@breezenet.net or 2talls@breezenet.net
From T G OMOREGIE (Fri Jan 7 22:36:20 2000 ):
I have had an A-1 for the last twenty years and recently I have been having difficulties using the autoexposures facilities. If I try positioning the Fd lens at A position I get EEEEEE appearing. It becomes impossible to trigger the shutter or perform any other autoexposure function. I have sent the camera to a number of repair centers in the UK but sofar I have not had any joy. Has any other A-1 owners encountered this problem?. The repair centers all told me that relevant part for repair is no longer available in the UK The part as I understand it is referred to as the SLAVE PLATE or something to that effect. I would be most delighted to hear from any one who has had this perculiar problem. Please feel free to email me at OMOREGIE49 @ hotmail.com Many thanks.
From Dr S (Fri Jan 7 14:23:01 2000 ):
Jay: I have for mucho years used a Vivitar 285HV with an A series camera. It doesn't automatically set shutter speed to 1/60 if that's what you got to have, or have a signal in the viewfinder, but the flash exposure is still "automatic." So what you heard about losing all automatic features is not correct. Not to prolong this babble, but if you look back in the history here and there you will find that Speedlites made by Canon called the 199A and the 155A was especially designed to be used with the AE1 and the A1. I see these flashes available used quite often. I was always a Vivitar 285HV true believer and still am. It is versatile, powerful, has more than two aperture choices and is rugged and has lots of accessories. What else can I say. Happy 2K. Dr S as in Prodigious Propagator Strangelove.
From Joe (Fri Jan 7 08:15:20 2000 ):
Marion Brady - What's a film turn switch?
From Jay Krishna (Fri Jan 7 07:02:54 2000 ):
I have a Canon AE-1 that I still like very much. Can anybody tell me what types of flash units I can buy today that will work in the automatic mode with this camera? The Vivitar flash units that I had used with this camera don't work any more, and last time I checked at local camera shops for a compatible flash, they either said they don't carry flashes for this camera model or they had something which would only work in "manual" mode.
From Rick List (Fri Jan 7 06:22:23 2000 ):
I have shutter sqeak in my A-1. I only have two camera shops in my area. Both are not interested in repairs. One even said that all Canons sound like that.I am not to far from Chicago. Does anyone know of a good repair facility in Chicago.
From Ray (Fri Jan 7 01:53:16 2000 ):
Has anyone else had any problem with the light meter on the AT-1. Everytime I shoot a roll of slide film it comes back under exposed. Even with new alkalide batteries.
From Mike (Thu Jan 6 13:59:34 2000 ):
I'm looking for accessories for my AE-1 Program, especially a focusing screen. Please email if you have something to sell.
From Kai Pin (Wed Jan 5 08:56:49 2000 ):
TO ELIZABETH BARANOWSKI: The Canon AT-1 operates the same as the Canon AE-1 camera. The only differnece between these two is that the former does not have the Shutter-priority AE feature, everything else remains the same, including operating procedures. You can find the online manual for the AE-1 by clicking its camera logo above, 2nd from right. It can be used for the AT-1. To purchase the AT-1's manual, you can try at this site: http://www.craigcamera.com/ib_c.htm
From elizabeth baranowski (Tue Jan 4 09:30:49 2000 ):
have a Canon AT-1 looking for a operations manual or information on how to aquire one need help
From Scott in Des Moines (Fri Jan 14 00:29:54 2000 ):
Thanks for the info, and sorry for breaching forum etiquette guidelines. Won't do it again... :-) It actually was an f3.5, the smallest of the three Canon 135mm lenses available, and it was only $50. I'm going to snatch it up. For all you photo-dogs out there, I plan to use this lens almost exclusively, but remember an old rule of thumb regarding minumum shutter speed and focal length, i.e. for the 135mm, maybe it's 1/125? Will I have problems shooting flash at 1/60? One of the reasons I switched from SLR's was all the lens changing, but now in my old age I don't think I'll mind as much. The first roll's almost shot (all with the wide angle) - I'll keep you posted!
From Terry Carraway (Thu Jan 13 23:56:28 2000 ):
Scott - Is that for a Canon brand lens? If so, grab it. If not, I would wait and buy a Canon brand lens. They tend to be much better, and they hold their value better. To Dr. S - Just to bug you :) the 135 f2.0 is VERY nice. I picked up a mint one in Toronto last summer.
From Winston (Thu Jan 13 21:00:24 2000 ):
To TG Omoregie They are no parts available from canon for this camera, If you can't fine a repair shop with the parts that it needs I will buy it from you. Winston
From Dr S (Thu Jan 13 09:47:35 2000 ):
Dr S to Scott: Wellkommen, Bienvenue,and so on back in the shooting world of FD and good luck hunting down steals on FD lenses. Just between us now, I kind of think, not to be a scold ok, that Photography in Malaysia wanted the buy and sell trading to be on another web page(see below). Just to add a little informational content to this schoolmarmish remark, let me ask the forum population if they could even price an" FD 135mm lens." I can't even from the ads, because I see in the FD Lens Work book (on line somewhere, where did I see it Kai Pin?) that there are three flavors of 135. An f 3.5, 2.8, and f 2.0( the hot one). And it sounds to these Vulcan ears that 85.00 US dollars for any lens even at all with no shipping is a bargain in any of focal length. If clean and smooth that is. That f2 I saw in the book, wow is one I'd like to have myself. Cheers, DR S from the War Room..
From Scott Bleggi (Wed Jan 12 02:02:32 2000 ):
Came into a near-new A-1 with a 28 mm wide angle lens recently, and after 12 years of "point and shoot", am again excited about photography. Found a "Speedlite" flash in a local shop for $15 (someone had posted an inquiry), and now need a more practical lens. have settled on a 135 mm, and would like to purchase same. The shop has one for $85 - can anyone beat that out there? I'd be happy to transact with you. Post or email me directly. Many thanks
From Terry Carraway (Tue Jan 11 22:23:37 2000 ):
Mark - Either spend timeon eBay or start searching camera stores, shows and the internet. I found two at a camera show, kept one, and sold the other. BTW Canon didn't make one of these. Another option, although you lose the auto setting of aperture and shutter is to use a PC cord (from any camera store) and the proper adapter. I don't know about the 188A, but the 199A has a couple of slots on the front that you connect to using a Canon Synchro Cord A. Or you can get a hatshot to PC adapter from a camera store or from somewhere like Porter's (www.porters.com).
From Mark (Tue Jan 11 12:00:38 2000 ):
I have an AE-1 with a Speedlite 188a mounted on an arm. I need the cable that connects the camera to the flash while the flash is on the arm. I cannot seem to find one anywhere! Any help in locating one would be appreciated. Thanks
From Rosanne (Tue Jan 11 04:21:38 2000 ):
To: Michael Paholski I can't seem to get an email through to you. How much are you asking for your A-1 kit? I am very interested in purchasing an A-1, but often, they are a little out of my price range. Feel free to reach me via email. Thanks!
From Terry Carraway (Mon Jan 10 22:59:37 2000 ):
Ray - It may be due to the way you are metering. The A series uses a center weighted metering, and the scene you are shooting may not work well with that. Just reset the ASA dial a little lower. Also you are talking about too dark right? Slide film is too dark when underexposed. Also some slide films work better at different EI than the ISO rating. Many people shoot Velvia at 40 for instance. This overall is also why most pros test a new film with their camera using their normal processing to find out what to really shoot at. TG - It does look like you have a problem. You will just need to keep looking for a shop that has the parts. In the US I could point you to a couple, but not in the UK. Rick - I don't know about Chicago, but I take mine to Straus in Washington, DC. They will do work via mail. There is also a guy who advertises on eBay, by putting A series shutter squeek service on bid. Carol - There are manuals on this site, or the single best source I know of is Craig Camera (www.craigcamer.com). You can also check eBay as there are normally manulas on auction.
From C.J. (Sun Jan 9 11:40:58 2000 ):
HELP. Does anyone know how many BLACK AE-1's were made? I have only ever seen them in chrome, but I have been told that there were black AE-1's made. C.J.
From Eric (Wed Jan 19 01:30:17 2000 ):
Does anyone know where I can find a date back for my AE-1 Program???
From Terry Carraway (Mon Jan 17 09:19:53 2000 ):
Hernando - There are many places in the US that can service your camera. I use Strauss in Washington, DC and have heard good things about Horizon Electronics in California and Japan Camera in Georgia. Randy - No more new Canon FD cameras. The New F-1 was sold into the 90s, and T60 was the last new design. Karen - There are parts out there for sale, the parts are in the hands of repair shops who will use them to fix your camera, but very few, if any, will just sell you a part. RIck - There are more than one reason for the EEEEE. The stopped down lever thing is very common, but there are more serious things that can go wrong and cause that indication. But of course, always check that before sending out for service.
From Rick List (Sun Jan 16 12:34:49 2000 ):
For those who are experiencing the EEEEEE problem with they're A-1, I noticed that they mention this alarm on page 64 of the Canon A-1 owners manual. It has to do with stopped-down metering.
From Hernando A. Villamizar (Sun Jan 16 10:20:36 2000 ):
Hello: I live in Colombia in South AmericaI and I have my old and excellent Canon A-1 for twenty years. I want to make him maintenance and I have not been able to find information. I can send it to it USA or Panama, I wait that to an official service. Somebody knows where I can find this information. Thank you
From Dr S (Sat Jan 15 10:25:47 2000 ):
Dr S to Randy: The Malaysian Canon historians have done such a magnificent job of chronicling the history of the Canon FD cameras that I wont duplicate their efforts. If you follow the link to T series at the bottom of this page you will see that Canon has not manufactured a camera for the FD lens mount since 1990. This also means that, with the exception of the pro model F1New, Canon does not service that line. Nonetheless a bountiful used market has been thriving in the sale and refurbishing of Canon T90's, F-1's and AE-1's. There are probably more FD canon bodies available than barnd new Contax, Leicaflex and Olympus, maybe even Minolta bodies. So if you got the FDLieb you are in the right place, just plan on buying used gear. Like good used Volvos, they have more lives than housecats :-) Dr S, on line in a mineshaft full of FD stuff.
From winston (Sat Jan 15 08:50:37 2000 ):
Randy I think the F1 was the last camera Canon sold which used the FD lens all current models use EF lens auto focus.
From winston (Sat Jan 15 08:45:06 2000 ):
To Karen unless some repair shop has some new parts stock you will will have make do with used parts. What is the problem with yours?
From Randy (Sat Jan 15 07:53:20 2000 ):
Does Canon currently sell a camera that will accept the FD lens that were sold for the AE-1 Program.
From Karen (Sat Jan 15 06:58:43 2000 ):
does anyone know what you can purchase parts for a AE-l camera?
From backstop (Fri Jan 14 12:38:47 2000 ):
Mark: Look closely at the 188a speedlite. There is no connection for a cord. The instruction book notes that the flash can only be used from the hotfoot and cannot be used as a slave. You probably need a hot shoe on your bracket from which you then attach a cord to the camera.
From Rick (Sun Jan 23 22:11:07 2000 ):
I recently ran across an opportunity to perchase a AE-1 in good working condition. I probably will but, I happen to know the the camera allways had a power winder attached to it and was probably always used this way. Does the constant used of a power winder on an AE-1 cause any problems I should be aware of?
From Robert (Sat Jan 22 00:36:25 2000 ):
Great to find this informative site! I bought an AE-1P at a pawn shop in 1995. Near mint except for a boo-boo on the end of the top plate which I repaired quite invisibly with a few coats of auto touch-up paint (Ford silver a good match). This shop was a shutterbug's dream as nearly all their SLRs went for $125, regardless of brand,accessories, or condition. (You have to wonder what a Leica M6 would go for there!) By sheer beginner's luck I wound up with a great camera (including a case, 50mm 1.8 and dedicated off-brand flash unit) for a very low price. I am now hoping to ad a T50 to my six lens "system" as a back up camera. Anyway, I'm sure this has been discussed before, but can you determine the year of manufacture from the serial number? Mine is 3556300. Thanks...
From Chye (Fri Jan 21 23:21:25 2000 ):
what is the difference between new fd 50mm/1.4 and old 50mm/1.4 SSC in term of picture quality, funtions etc??? I'm using an AE1-program???
From James (Thu Jan 20 14:33:04 2000 ):
Does anybody know where I can get a form fit case for my AE-1 program?
From Linda (Thu Jan 20 05:40:28 2000 ):
Would any one have an extra coppy of the owner's manual for the Canon AE-1 program? Thanks, Linda
From Terry Carraway (Thu Jan 20 00:07:18 2000 ):
Steve - You just shoot that many frames, but with the lens covered. I normally set the lens to f22 (or whatever the smallest aperture is), the shutter speed to 1/1000, and leave the lens cap on. If paranoid you can wrap a towel around the end of the lens to stop any light getting around the cap. DO NOT TRY THIS WITH THE CAMERA SET IN P. Trust me. BTW the way I deal with partially exposed rolls is to make the leader with a Sharpie pen with the frame number of the last frame I shot. Dr. S - Some of the EOS cameras have this. They use a little IR LED to count sprocket holes, in fact that is how it finds the film, it winds so many holes which is one frame. They will go back EXACTLY to the same point in the roll when you go back to the same exposure number. But you can't use IR film with them, because the LED fogs the edge.
From Steve (Wed Jan 19 23:45:12 2000 ):
Steve to Dr S-- Thank you so much for responding. But I am still a bit confused (probably to my lack of knowledge of my newly purchased A-1). Anyway, how do load and roll up to the intended frame? Is this something that must be done in a darkroom with the body open? or is there a way (that I have yet to discover) to advance the film (and numbers) to that point after closing the door?
From Dr S (Wed Jan 19 09:37:57 2000 ):
Dr S to Steve. That is an easy one you ask. Ah zo, let's try first the tough one. How do you not forget that the film has been rewound and avoid the double exposing over those first frames, eh?. Answer: Dr S is too much a disorganized schlumpf scientist to remember half shot rolls. And doesn't rewind. But as to your question of picking up on the exact sprocket hole where you left off-very tricky,nein. Ah yes, you just wind on one to where you left off plus one more frame and plan on leaving one blank safety space. Some day cameras will have digital frame numbers like video cameras now have, but that will wait for digital tape to replace film. Dr S in the War Room with the flying pastry
From steve (Wed Jan 19 07:24:02 2000 ):
While reading on the A-1, I came across the following statement: "To rewind the film, press in the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera. Once you have pressed it, you can remove your finger. Unfold the film rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the small arrow until the frame counter reaches the "S " mark. At this point only the film leader will not be rewound into the cartridge. Stop rewinding here if the film is only partially exposed and you want to reload it at some other time." That all makes perfect sense, but how do you go about reloading the film and picking up on the exposures exactly where you left off?
From Ryan (Wed Jan 19 05:56:16 2000 ):
Does anyone know where I can find a copy of the manual for my canon AE-1?
From Eric Lawton (Thu Jan 27 00:28:24 2000 ):
Hello, I just found this great site!!! My wife has a Canon AE-1 Program that she purchased in the early 80's. It has started squeaking slightly when the shutter is fired. I understand that this is a known issue with these cameras. At this point we haven't noticed any problems with exposures. But I have some questions: 1. What causes the squeaking? 2. Is it o.k. to continue using the camera? 3. If it should be repaired where can I send it (I am a long distance from any large cities) and what should it cost. Thanks!! Eric Lawton
From Terry Carraway (Wed Jan 26 20:46:01 2000 ):
Sylvia - AFAIK the AV-1 takes the same battery as the other A series, which is a PX28 series battery. You should be able to get one at any camera store, K-mart or Walmart, or Radio Shack.
From Terry Carraway (Wed Jan 26 20:43:00 2000 ):
Tom - The Canon Postioning Guide 90, I have heard of it, but cannot find anything on it. Sorry. As to guide numbers at other than ISO 100, you can calculate those from the ISO 100 guide number, that is why they only give you the one. The formula is multiply the old guide number times the square root of the new ISO divided by the old ISO. Something like (hard to formulas) New GN = Old GN * sq root (New ISO/Old ISO). For reference the ISO 100 GN, 533G - 118 (ft), 577G - 148, 199A - 100. Yes a Synchro Cord A exists, and you can find them at many shops stashed away, or on eBay. They should run about $10 +/-. As to the Canon bags, they made them up until recently, but I think they stopped. They had two gadget bags, two packpack bags, and one briefcase style. THey came in either black or green. Many shops still have them, and many are being sold new on eBay. As to the price of a 150-600 FD zoom, sit down. The last one I saw for sale was asking $9000 US. And to think I almost bought one for $1100 in the late 80s.
From Terry Carraway (Wed Jan 26 20:31:58 2000 ):
Cleve - The two main differences between those two lenses are the mount and the fiter size. THe older 50mm f1.4 SSC is considered to be one of the best lenses made and is still used by many as the standard for optical benches. Funcctionally they are the same on your camera.
From Terry Carraway (Wed Jan 26 20:29:59 2000 ):
James and Kevin - You occasionally see the never ready cases for sale on eBay. Personally I don't use them. I get a little brassing at corners, but that is about it. And if you drop it, it is going to be hurt even with the case. Rick - Should be no difference. It just runs the wind mechanism from the bottom. My A-1 has had a motor drive on it for about 15 years. Mark - A LOT of lenses can fit your body. How much money do you have to spend? Canon made 70-210 f4, 80-200 f4 (two models), 100-300f5.6 (two models), 85-300 f4.5, 70-150 f4.5, etc. etc. Start shopping, eBay (www.ebay.com) is a good place to start.
From Kevin (Wed Jan 26 08:45:40 2000 ):
Does anyone know where I can find a protective case for my A1. The original case I have is in pretty poor shape and I need a new on or at least a decent used one. Thanx!
From sylvia (Wed Jan 26 03:38:40 2000 ):
I need to know the battery for the canon AV-1.. I am attending my first photography course tonight and need to take this camera. Your help would be appreciated.
From Tom (Tue Jan 25 21:30:46 2000 ):
Does anybody know whether the Canon Positioning Guide 90 has anything to with the A-series system? If so and it does, what does it do? And can anyone give me the guide numbers for both G-series flashes (at other than 100 ASA) and the 199A as well? And is there such a thing as the Canon synchro cord A; where could I get one? And the gadget bags Canon produced in the Eighties, like the GM-1 - do they still exist? Oh yeah, and could anyone price me a FD 150-600mm f5.6 lens?
From Dr S (Tue Jan 25 10:40:34 2000 ):
Dr S to Rick. The air in the mineshaft does not meet EPA standards, but never mind,we got new I Macs and pizza delivery now. A camera with a winder attached,so, let us see the implication. Uses more film up faster,ja. Causes some atrophy (spelling ok, Doctor M?) of the right thumb extensor tendon which gets lazy from nichts to do, ach du lieber,do you fear maybe that the AE models cant take the sturm and drang of being rapidly wound at two frames per second. No worry. That is well within the design tolerance. Enjoy, liebschen, enjoy. And boy do these cameras have lenses available Doktor M. You should have the gold nuggets to buy all the FD lenses listed in the books. Try the 35-105 zoom next. How about a nice 300mm L lens in a suitcase? A real hunkydunky piece of glasswerk. Dr S, c/o Mineshaft in Montana.
From Mark A. Messinese, M.D. (Tue Jan 25 08:23:31 2000 ):
I have an AE1 with a 50mm 1:1.8 lens. Do other lenses exist that can fit this body e.g., 28-200mm or telephoto type lenses?

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