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)

| 301-350 |

From Rhue Lovelaw (Thu Nov 30 03:02:28 2000 ):
There are such adapters hon. I personally would seek a wide angle made for Canon.(100-150 0r therabouts) Since you got the camera as a freebie,its a better investment I think. Sell or trade the Zuiko to help pay for it. The FD lenses preserve all the features of the camera.(see below links) And,I am prejerdiced, but I think Canon makes best lenses. Have to say an adapter is possible,and I would use one if I stumbled onto a pricey gift telephoto (by another manufacturer.) See what I mean. I hope. Rhue.
From Drew (Wed Nov 29 23:54:09 2000 ):
I have a canon AE-1 program camera. My mother bought it when it first came out in 1981. The camera works great and i love it. The question i have is.....is there any kind of adapter that i can buy to make an old olympus lens work on my canon? The olympus wide angle lens was given to me by a friend in hopes that i could find a use for it!! And at one point i do believe that he had used that very lens on his canon AE-1! But i am not sure...so if anybody can help me, please e-mail me. Thanks, DREW
From Terry Carraway (Tue Nov 28 22:29:30 2000 ):
Andrew Limiti - I just tried my 199A flash on my FTbn. No problem. I was worried about the two contacts that talk to the A series cameras, but it turns out the shoe on the 199A is slightly longer, front to back, than the shoe on the FTbn, so the two contacts on the flash hang over the edge of the camera shoe and do not make contact with anything. Pretty clever.
From Terry Carraway (Tue Nov 28 22:23:20 2000 ):
Bryan Kilbey - There are plenty of shops that can work on your cameras. For the one that was dropped, they will have to look at to to see if they can repair it. If one shop can't fix it, try another one, each shop has a different store of parts. Where are you, as that can help find a place to do the work that is closer. I use Strauss Professional Technical Services in Washington, DC.
From Andrew Limiti (Tue Nov 28 06:23:07 2000 ):
Mack, I would be reluctant to recommend a shop I haven't had experience with, but I'm sure you can find a capable shop in Manhattan. If interested, I had my AE-1 program fixed by a shop in Nassau County for a reasonable price. Email me for details if interested. Andrew
From Tim (Tue Nov 28 03:48:34 2000 ):
Need a battery magazine D for a Canon Speedlite 199A flash unit. Thanks, Tim
From Mack (Mon Nov 27 09:39:21 2000 ):
I bought an AE-1 over the summer and I love it, but recently it has been acting up. It won't allow me to take more than two or three pictures then it freezes up. I have put maybe thirty rolls through and it was working fine. Anyone with any ideas as to what the problem is, or where I can get an estimate and repair in NYC would be greatly appreciated.
From Bryan Kilbey (Mon Nov 27 04:10:38 2000 ):
Hi, I have two AE-1's. One is the Program version and one is not. One has been dropped and both probably need servicing. Does anybody know if they can still be repaired? If so, maybe a name of a respected shop. I thank you in advance in this regard. Bryan Kilbey
From Andrew Limiti (Mon Nov 27 04:09:36 2000 ):
Hi everyone. Can I use a A series type flash on my older FTB camera? I'm looking for a flash for this camera, but I'm not sure whether the ones for the A series cameras are workable with this camera. Thanks!
From Ivan Kolovos (Mon Nov 27 02:09:30 2000 ):
Thank you very much for yours answers Terry Carraway and Robert King.:)
From Tim (Sun Dec 3 14:42:10 2000 ):
I have an A-1, and need a flash. A friend has offered a Canon Speedlite 300 EZ to me for free if I can use it. It seems to send the right signal to the camera, but I don't really know if they're compatable. For instance: the 35 lite stays on even though I'm zooming, etc. Help? Thanks!
From LUIS TORRES (Sun Dec 3 08:17:55 2000 ):
I WOULD LIKE KNOW ABOUT PRICE OF FD28MM f/2.8 AND FD 55MM f/1.2SSC THANKS
From Winston (Sun Dec 3 05:02:50 2000 ):
Benny: I have not seen the 6.2v batteries, but I have not been looking. I don t know if the extra .2v will do any damage to the electronics. If the 6.2v works I think you would have to make some compensation on your ASA speed if you were shooting slide film. Which camera do you have? And let us know which dial has the problem. BTY as you are in Sweden do you have a Hasselblad you want to swap for a Like new Canon A-1? :-) Good luck. Winston
From Winston (Sun Dec 3 04:57:18 2000 ):
Roy: Thanks for those kind words! But as you know I am just happy to be a messenger on this board. They are many Canon A series users around and I am one. We have to be thankful to all the people who are involved with running this excellent message. Winston
From benny (Sun Dec 3 01:29:54 2000 ):
is it ok to use a 6.2v battery instead of the 6v battery? is it better to use a silver oxide (6.2v) instead of an alkaline (6v)? i think the silver oxide battery is made by energizer model # s544, fyi. i'm in sweden, and am having difficulty finding a battery at a good price. i have found alkaline and silver oxide batteries at varying prices. i would like to know of any adv/disadv. of the batteries another problem i have is that the film speed dial spins around (or was it the exp. dial) anyways, how do i solve such a problem? basically, its my brother's camera so i'm not too familiar with it, but am anxious to use it. any info you relay to me will be very helpful. benny
From Terry Carraway (Fri Dec 1 07:56:10 2000 ):
Andrew - Sorry, but sending you email answers doesn't help all the other people who read this board. If it doesn't say Program on it, check to see if there is a P setting on the shutter speed dial just past the higher shutter speed. That would also tell you that it is a Program model. As for flashes, any A series or T series (except the 300TL) will work well with your camera. The higher the number on the flash, the more capability it has. The top of the line A sereis was the 199A which is more powerful and has more features than the 155A. The top of the line T series was the 299T which is nicer in some ways than the 199A. All sorts of Canon FD accessories can be found through used equipment dealers and on eBay.
From Gary (Thu Nov 30 23:11:50 2000 ):
Brian: My experience with bouncing the FD 550 Flash has been disappointing for it seems to make 1/2 of the picture darker than the other 1/2 which is closer to the bounce. This even seems to happen when bouncing off a white ceiling so I just don't do it anymore. Using some kind of home-made diffusing film over the flash seems to work better for softening the light and shadows in the picture.
From Roy Wilson (Thu Nov 30 10:34:36 2000 ):
Bryan. I use Winston in Orlando Fl. They are very good and has a fast turn round time, very honest too. He is always giving helpful tips on this board. Don t have his e-mail right now but look at the old message.
From Brian (Thu Nov 30 04:36:16 2000 ):
Does anyone have any experience with the Vivitar FD 550 Flash? I am looking for a flash for my AE-1 Program and I am interested in this as it supposed to be a bounce flash.
From Andrew (Thu Nov 30 03:16:12 2000 ):
My sister got a Canon AE-1 (it doesn't say AE-1 P on the front, but I'm not sure if it's a Program or not) recently and is looking for accessories. I've been looking around and just found out how old the thing is, so it's no wonder I'm having trouble finding new parts. :) Anyway, she has no accessories so far, so any help would be appreciated. I'd probably prefer to get her a flash unit (155A I believe) before anything else. *please* reply to my email address instead of this board (or both, but at least to my email). Much thanks, Andrew.
From Winston (Tue Dec 5 08:40:07 2000 ):
Benny: You are welcome, This is response from Terry Caraway regarding my reply to you Winston: Any electronic camera has some form of voltage regulation if it will work with alkaline batteries. Therefore NO exposure compensation required for silver oxide batteries in an A series. Personally I use the lithium cells since they will last longer when you are not using your camera. Take a look at the messages following yours. Hasselblad is the world s most comprehensive 2 * X 2 * Format camera made in Goteborg Sweden. Yes your problem dial is the ASA film speed on the A-1, you can still use it but the exposure would be all over the place. The fix for that is a good use top cover from another A-1. If you decide not to fix it I would be interested in buying it from you. Good luck Winston
From Jaap Ebben (Tue Dec 5 04:47:02 2000 ):
Can anyone tell me if its a problem to use rechargeable NiMH batteries instead of alkalines in an AL-1?
From benny (Tue Dec 5 02:55:22 2000 ):
winston: thank you for the prompt reply. would you know where else i could find more info on the battery situation? my model is the a1 so, sorry, no swap. btw, what's a "Hasselblad?" re: dial, i forgot to check the dial, but i'm fairly sure its the film speed dial that spins.
From Robert Jackson (Mon Dec 4 11:02:13 2000 ):
Nice message board here!!!! I'm looking for the AA alkaline battery pack for the MA motor drive. Does anyone have one of these that they would like to sell? If so....let me know how much you want and the particulars. Also, if anyone has the nicd charger for the nicd battery pack off of the same drive, i'd be interested in that too. I really hope someone can help me out. Thanks alot!!
From Jay (Mon Dec 4 08:17:44 2000 ):
I am looking for suggetions on a new Flash for a Canon A-1 Program. General photography since I am a greenhorn. I wouldn't be needing anything too fancy. If you know approximate price range that would be great.
From Winston (Sun Dec 3 22:26:38 2000 ):
Terry: I should have said I will get lithium in the future not alkaline, I think I need to go back to bed :-) Winston.
From Winston (Sun Dec 3 22:05:12 2000 ):
Terry: Thanks for that information. I have a box with about 10 batteries for the A series. Duracell s Alkaline, Kodak Alkaline, Varta Silver Oxide, Energizer silver oxide Energizer Alkaline all 6 volts and one Panasonic silver oxide 6.2 volts. I never seen the 6.2 V before, I will look before I open my mouth next time. Never check for silver oxide or alkaline either, I will make sure I get alkaline In the future, good idea. Winston
From Winston (Sun Dec 3 21:16:09 2000 ):
Luis: A Canon FD 28mm f2.8 go from $40.00 I saw a FD 50mm f1.2 s.s.c for $599.00 Is the 55mm FD or FL? Good luck. Winston
From Terry Carraway (Sun Dec 3 21:07:29 2000 ):
Winston - Any electronic camera has some form of voltage regulation if it will work with alkaline batteries. Therefore NO exposure compensation required for silver oxide batteries in an A series. Personally I use the lithiuum cells since they will last longer when you are not using your camera.
From Winston (Sun Dec 3 20:55:41 2000 ):
Tim: That flash was made for the Canon EOS cameras, the A-1 will fire the flash, but it will not change the flash s focal length setting (Zoom) you have to do that manually. The flash will set the correct shutter speed 1/60 second on the A-1 you have to set aperture manually. If you would like to swap it for a canon 155A I have one or maybe some else have a 199A they would swap you. Good luck Winston
From Winston (Sat Dec 9 08:36:58 2000 ):
Benny: A-1 ASA Dial Fix. Press the black button on the top of the camera next to the ASA dial and film plain marker, And turn the dial clockwise until it stop. Now press the silver/chrome lever on the ASA dial and turn it anti clockwise until it stops. When the above are done use a few spots of glue on the lose dial and line up the 8 ASA next to the white marker and glue in this Poisson. Now press the black button and set the dial to (1) and set the ASA as normal. I think you need to have the camera in front of you when you are reading the above for it to make any sense, Good luck Winston
From benny (Fri Dec 8 19:36:46 2000 ):
thanks again, terry and winston. just one more thing i would like to clarify. when i said the my exp. dial spins, i meant that the plate on top of my exposure dial spins. (oops. sorry.) so the dial actually functions, but i don't know what the actual setting is. any solutions to that?
From Ron Eaton (Fri Dec 8 12:57:15 2000 ):
I would like to find, to buy, a 80-200 mm zoom (or thereabouts) or zoom+macro lens for the Canon A-1. My son would like it as a gift for Christmas to go with his existing camera. A little late, perhaps, to be able to find one this close to Christmas, but maybe someone here knows of a possible source. I have started checking the local camera shops, but the A-1 has been such a popular camera that when one becomes available (or some add on), they don't stay around very long.
From Jimmy (Fri Dec 8 10:15:33 2000 ):
I need a Dioptric Adjustment Lens S, -1.75
From Winston (Wed Dec 6 09:42:00 2000 ):
Jaap:I have used rechargeable Nicad AA batteries in flash guns for many years with out any problem.I don't think using NiMH in your AL-1 would be a problem. Good luck. Winston
From Winston (Wed Dec 6 09:23:15 2000 ):
Tim:You may have to buy a none working speedlite 199A to get that battery magazine. check out ebay. Good luck. Winston
From Winston (Wed Dec 6 09:16:00 2000 ):
Catrina: What you describe sounds like a short in the meter circuit, Not really a D.I.Y Check you local camera repair shop, I can have that fixed for $46.00 including return shipping, if you are in the USA. I think your best bet would be to return this AE-1 and get one that is in good working order, Good luck Winston
From Robert King (Wed Dec 6 09:12:54 2000 ):
I personally would recommend taking the AE-1 back to the pawn shop and getting your money back and then buy a used one from a reputable camera store. The camera would likely cost more, but it would be in working order and probably carry a warranty (used equipment at the store I deal with has a one year warranty on it).
From Catrina (Wed Dec 6 06:57:06 2000 ):
hey everyone...i just purchased an AE-1 in a pawn shopto use in my photography class. i already had to return one camera to the store and get this one so i really dont want to drive all the way back there. so here is my dilemma...the light meter will not work. when i press the button down the needle sinks to the bottom and wont move. any one have any ideas how to fix this? please email me...i appreciate your time thank you--Catrina
From Tim Millea (Tue Dec 5 23:16:45 2000 ):
I have a Speedlite 199A for my Canon A-1, but I am missing the battery magazine for it. Anyone know where I can get one? Thanks, Tim
From Rhue (Thu Dec 14 11:53:12 2000 ):
Great question Jimmy. For the newer Canon lenses I think you need some kind of tool, like the Canon macro hood. Or maybe two end caps epoxied together with the center cut out with a Dremel tool. There may be other ways to push the pin and twist the mounting ring but my mind is blank. Too much time at the punchbowl today luv. I'll get back to you here or on the FD lens page.All the best, Rhue Lovelaw
From James Wood (Thu Dec 14 09:31:08 2000 ):
This may sound stupid, but how do I open the aperature on Canon FD lens when off the camera. I have been shopping for lenses for my A-1 and can't seem to figure it out (neither could the guy at Wolf Camera!). It would make it much eisier to look for scratches and fungus if I could get them to open up.
From Terry Carraway (Wed Dec 13 21:34:15 2000 ):
Deb - Yes. All the Canon A series (A-1, AE-1, AE-1P, AT-1, AL-1), all T series (T50, T60, T70, T80, T90) and most F series (FTb, FTbn, F-1) all use the same lenses called Canon FD mount lenses.
From Deb (Wed Dec 13 13:37:04 2000 ):
I just bought a 80-200 zoom lens for a Canon A-1. Is this lense compatible with the Canon AE-1 Program?
From Winston (Tue Dec 12 20:43:37 2000 ):
Jim: Is this red wire attached to circuit board or the hot shoe? I am thinking it s attach to the hot shoe at present, this is hard for me to explain where to solder it on the board, unless you have a copy of the wiring circuit I would take it to repair shop. Shouldn t cost more than $20.00. If it s attached to the circuit board at present solder it to the center contact (The large one) of the hot shoe. Good luck. Winston
From Jim (Tue Dec 12 05:01:34 2000 ):
The flash on my old AV-1 was not working for the longest time and traced it back to the Camara so after more than a year I took the top body off and found the red wire hade come off the conection can someone tell me or show me where it goes??
From Winston (Mon Dec 11 06:51:03 2000 ):
Tomas: Just my opinion at $219.00 for a AE-1+ 50mm f1.8 it needs to be in mint or near mint condition and don t need any work doing (Squeak, mirror foam, light seals) Good luck. Winston
From Rhue Lovelaw (Mon Dec 11 04:03:02 2000 ):
Say uh Tomas. What do you want us to say. Sure,great deal. Or no, you could have done a lot better. You pick A or B, cause they are both right. How to test before giving here the camera. Well, let's see, maybe shoot a whole roll of film with it. Hmm, that sounds too easy. I got it. Did you buy it from a pawn shop. Bad news. They fill the transmission with grease :-).Sorry, too much eggnog here, dear. I am really sorry. Rhue
From Tomas (Sun Dec 10 09:49:07 2000 ):
Hi........I just bought a AE-1 for a friend. It seems that is working fine. She is new in photography, and I'm wondering if this camera is a good one. I bought for $ 219 (with a 50mm lens). Was it a good price? What kind of things can I check to see if the camera is in perfect conditions? (but I think it is......) Thank you very much.....I would apreciate it if somebody can answer me to my e-mail adress.
From Rhue Lovelaw (Sun Dec 10 05:23:37 2000 ):
Ron, if you have some assets and not the time to waste, what you want to do is easy. I personally would call B and H Photo in NYC at 1-800-947-6628, ask for the Used Department. Then request a wide range zoom Canon lens. They are likely to have an 80-200 f4 in good shape for $250.00.With a real solid warranty, which is worth something. That's cheap for lenses nowadays as you know. And maybe a couple other focal length babies like the 70-210mm. Those focal ranges are very useful and not so hard to find as the longer 80-300 I think. FEDEX overnight and you are in business. Wouldn't wait too long now, phones get busy, and carriers get busy too. Good luck and happy holidays. Rhue

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