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)

| 451-500 |

From Winston (Thu Sep 14 20:20:38 2000 ):
Tony: Yes that sounds like the light seals are bad, open the film door and next to the hinges and, on the body they are 2 strips of black rubber, put your finger on then if they are sticky or crumbling you need to replace the light seals. They are more light seals on the camera but the above two are the easiest to test. Your should have the mirror foam replace at the same time too. This is a job maybe you could do yourself, check the old messages on this board, I think Terry had left the Web address of one or two places that sells the parts needed for this repair. Any camera repair shop can do this service for you, If you have problem finding a repair shop e-mail me, My friend is a camera mechanic and does this service for $30.00 plus return shipping, All the best Winston
From TonyM (Thu Sep 14 09:22:05 2000 ):
i also have a A1 that was/is in very good condition, except recently i have been experiecing "a red/orange haze across some of the pictures". for some reason i think its a light leak but its odd its never in the same spot on the roll. is this a coomon problem. would service help? where would i send it?
From Hilary Hage (Thu Sep 14 07:37:29 2000 ):
I have recently purchased a Canon AT-1 model and love it. I bought it on eBAy for a very nice price and now I would like to add on lenses. However, I am unexperienced with the price of lenses. I would like something with a little "zoom" on it. If someone more knowledgeable than me could tell me what kind of price I could expect on a lense and how to choose one which will fit my camera please let me know. Can you buy other brands as well? Thank you!
From jim5618 (Tue Sep 12 22:53:41 2000 ):
Terry Rippy, You can usually pick one up off Ebay for $150 to $225. You might want to plan on additional $ for a CLA. Agood source for used prices is KEH.com
From Terry Rippy (Tue Sep 12 11:42:11 2000 ):
I am trying to find out what the a used A-1 in really good condition is worth today? My first camera was an A-1 and I would like to replace it. I was areally great camera. If someone could tell me todays value of that camera I would relly appreciate your help. By the way great website, I'll be back to visit! Thanks!
From Terry Carraway (Mon Sep 11 20:40:59 2000 ):
Tltart - There are a lot of places that can service your camera. I use Strauss Professional Technical Services in Washington, DC. They are not the cheapest, but the work has been VERY good. Other common recommendations include Horizon Electronics in CA, and Japan Camera Repair in GA. Also read back messages here for other places.
From Terry Carraway (Mon Sep 11 20:39:12 2000 ):
Robert - Is that a 15 no questions asked return or a 15 day warranty? Sometimes they will have a period of return and then a longer warranty, where they have the option of fixing. A-1s seem to be going for mid to upper $200 range, so under $200, without shutter squeek is not bad. As Irwin said, a CLA will run $100 - $150, but then you have great camera. Only you can decide whether this is a good deal. If it is 15 days no questions asked, try it, see how it works.
From Tltart (Mon Sep 11 13:33:41 2000 ):
I recently found your site on the web and was fascinated with it's depth of knowledge, appreciation for the quality of exquisite old technology and the promotion of such. I have used an AE-1 program since the 1980s. My husband is a working artist and I photograph his work, make his slides, and also take photos for his reference library. I began using the AE-1 program after my first AE1 was stolen on a trip to Memphis, TN (insurance replaced it with the newer "program" model). I have some trouble with the shutter from time to time and suspect that the camera should be "serviced" much as you would service a finely made mechanical Swiss watch. If you can direct me to someone or a source for that service, I would appreciate it.
From Irwin (Mon Sep 11 06:48:30 2000 ):
Robert, I wanted to clarify what I meant by an overhaul. Not a broken camera that wont fire or a display that has gone bad. I just mean the cost to strip down the camera, replace the light gaskets, clean it inside and out by a technician that has some idea how to put it together without parts left over, that's all. I called recently to get that estimate on my A-1 which is 15 years young. I.S.
From Irwin Schmedrick (Mon Sep 11 06:33:06 2000 ):
Robert, excuse me, but 15 days return is not much of a warranty,even if it came from a family friend. I would rather get a six months warranty and pay fifty dollars more from a company that has a national reputation. That's me. Why you ask? Because, an overhaul for an A-1 nowadays goes for about 125.00 plus shipping. So, assuming your camera is only so-so, you are looking at $350.00 for this camera. The other choice is to buy from private seller who can show an invoice for a recent CLA on the camera. When you think on it three hundred dollars or less for a camera body is beer money nowadays. And 8 is a camera that has had some wear and tear and is ready for disassmbly, replacement of gaskets, oiling of the mirror damper, and cleaning of the finder. So Irwin says set your sights a little higher. Stay well, Irwin S. Always an informed but opinionated opinion,and its worth to you what it costs of course :-)
From Larry Von Dran (Sat Sep 16 13:40:39 2000 ):
I am looking for an EX+ grade Alkaline Battery pack for the A Series Motor Drive MA.
From Winston (Sat Sep 16 03:14:01 2000 ):
AW:That statement is correct, the scratch on the mirror will not affect the image quality on the film. All the best,Winston
From AW (Sat Sep 16 02:11:51 2000 ):
Can someone verify this for me regarding an AE-1 Program? The mirror, inside the camera is for relecting the image up to the eyepiece and has nothing to do with the actual or eventual quality of the photo? So, if a mirror happens to have a small scratch, that should not affect the photo quality, right?
From TomR (Fri Sep 15 03:06:32 2000 ):
Robert Brooks, The A-1 manaul pages can be downloaded, but you should ask KaiPin if you may. If he says ok, be ready for a long tedious process if you want to take the picturs down with the text, unless you have the appropriate image acquisition software. The A-1 display: With the camera set to an AE mode, you will see shutter speed and aperture readings; With camera in AE flash mode you will get the foregoing plus a flash ready indicator (lightning bolt); with lens off the auto mark, you'll see shutter speed, a recommended (but not set) aperture setting (set it on the lens) and an "M" for manual indicator. There's more in the manual, but that should get you started. Tom.
From Orestes Maurell (Fri Sep 15 02:17:24 2000 ):
A note regarding the Canon Data Back A ... As mentioned in this cool website, "Year" wheels installed on the Data Back A are now out-of-date (curiously, mine stopped at "91" , not "87"). Fortunately, Canon also included the digits "0" to "9" on the Year wheel. So, since we have now begun the year 2000, those who still own one can get another ten years' worth of "legitimate" looking dates out of it (up to 2009).
From Robert Brooks (Fri Sep 15 00:31:40 2000 ):
Can the online manual for the A series cameras on this site be downloaded. I recently purchase an A1 and it didn't come with a users manual. Another question- exactly what information should I see displayed in the view finder when I partially depress the shutter button. Thanks Bob
From Angel M. Lopez Nerys (Fri Sep 15 00:31:03 2000 ):
Is there any kind of polariod back pack for Canon AE-1 Program? Thanks ... Angel
From Winston (Thu Sep 14 20:41:04 2000 ):
Hilary: Any lens that says canon FD will fit your camera, other brands will work too but please look at the old message on this board for more info on this subject, All the best, Winston
From Terry Carraway (Thu Sep 14 20:24:50 2000 ):
TonyM - It could be that the lights seals in the back are going bad. The reason it moves around is that the light comes in based on the direction of the light, and how the camera back has pressure applied. In other words, different places leak light depending on how tightly the back is pressed. BTW it may be from other causes. If it is mainly the beginning of the roll, the light leak may be in the film cassettes, or it could be a processing/lab problem. BTW the light seals are not hard to replace.
From Terry Carraway (Thu Sep 14 20:22:14 2000 ):
Hilary - Canon made a LOT of different lenses for your camera. What you are looking for is any form of Canon FD lens. Canon EF lenses will not fit. At the bottom of this page is a link to another part of the site with information on just about (maybe actually every) Canon FD lens. You can see what is available there. As to prices, some of the cheaper Canon zooms can be had for $100 - $150. Most of the really good ones are $250 - $500, and they go up from there. Probably the single best all around lens (both for the zoom range and the quality/performance) is the Canon 35-105 f3.5 (not the f3.5-4.5). This lesn is awesome. Used figure on $300 +/- in excellent shape. I like it so much, I have two. The f3.5-4.5 version is nice, and does a fine job, but not quite as good as the f3.5 version. The f3.5-4.5 is smaller and lighter, and takes smaller (less expensive) filters. I would stick pretty much with Canon lenses. They are very good, and hold their value well. And in side by side comparisions, I find they perform much better, especially with regards to flare control.
From Irwin (Fri Sep 29 11:23:31 2000 ):
Karrie, another pulse from the House of Schmedrick on when to trade in an FD camera. Some folks whose vision has gotten impaired find that the T-90 model with the laser etched focus screens are easier to focus. And the focusing aids meaning split prism and microprism help. Then too you could try a dioptric lens in front of the finder. Not too hard to find. Without probing your optical problem, I am guessing things are getting lousier. That is what usually pushes the gang to buy an EOS. And they never look back in pain. Well hardly never. For me, I got a big investment in FD lenses, like lots of folks. Good luck in your decision. I was serious about the point and shoot. Get one. Mazeltov, and stay well. Irwin
From Irwin (Thu Sep 28 05:08:13 2000 ):
Karrie, another added brainstorm from Schmedrick. Sure,absopositivelutely, you need a backup, but instead of a second body, why not a good point and shoot camera-a little Leica minilux for the offshore hiking?. That's just this one yokel's opinion. If this is the once in a lifetime trip,and you are worried you could consider a second AF body, like Canon Rebel. Light and cheap to supplement your better EOS. I.S.
From Irwin (Wed Sep 27 14:27:05 2000 ):
Karrie, boobele, make the plunge to autofocus without hanging on to the A-1 security blanket is Irwin's advice. Buy a new Canon EOS Elan or Elan 7 or EOS 5 or EOS A2E. You will probably love it soon just like you love your A-1. You can start with the kit that has a 28-105mm lens that I hear is pretty nice. Then as you grow you can add the fancier zooms. Canon AF lenses are as good as their FD line. And the cameras are well built. There are some good reviews on the www.photo.net. But smart to shop now and get used to your camera. Don't schlep the manual and the autofocus. Jump in the water and swim. And donate the A-1 and some lenses to a deserving high school camera club. Hey why not, you will have good luck down there in the Galapagos and maybe see some whales and turtles. Have a great trip. Stay well, and buy AA municipal bonds too, your friend.Irwin Schmedrick, combat veteran.
From Karrie (Wed Sep 27 11:05:05 2000 ):
OK------I'm going to the Galapagos next summer. I am taking my A-1, etc. However, I'm having some problems with focusing quickly because of some vision problems. So------if I were to consider getting an SLR with auto-focus lenses (Canon) to take along as a second camera, what would you suggest I look into? What about the new models and the lenses on the new models? I want sharp, clear photos , of course.
From Winston (Mon Sep 25 10:15:57 2000 ):
Chris/Lynette/Violet: 99 out of 100 jammed AE-1/P can be repaired for less than $50.00 Any camera repair shop should be able to fix all your problem, Jammed Cameras. If you can't find a camera repair shop to do the above Please e-mail me. Double click on my name. All the best Winston
From chris (Mon Sep 25 05:27:59 2000 ):
my ae1-p is jammed can i fix it or do i trash it
From Irwin (Sun Sep 24 12:19:07 2000 ):
Violet, you need hands on help. Meet me on the observation deck of the Empire State Building with a vise and a ball peen hammer and we will see if I can unstick the lever. No, no, I am sorry to say that you need hands on evaluation by a camera dealer. If its dead meat,try to return it to the eBay pirate. If it was sold AS IS,you can plan on an overhaul. That is a long way from saying this doesnt sound like a do it yourself project, unless, unless you misloaded the film and it got jammed. In which case, see you on the 9oth floor :-) Stay well always, your friend,Irwin.
From Irwin (Sun Sep 24 12:12:28 2000 ):
Angel,on Polaroid backs. There is a company called NPC that makes Polaroid backs for certain cameras like the Nikons and the the top of the line EOS Cameras. They run about $700.00. I have never seen one designed for the AE-1P since Polaroid is for professionals and lets face it the AE-1 series is low end of the market. No reason you cant use a separate Polaroid camera to check lighting and then shoot with your A series camera. I know folks who do that. Sorry if this reigns on your fiesta..Stay well, Irwin Schmedrick,
From Violet (Sun Sep 24 07:39:15 2000 ):
I've purchased a Canon AE-1 Program through E-Bay. I know I could really like this camera, but am having difficulty loading and rewinding the film. Right now my problem is that the film won't advance. The lever remains stationary. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
From Lynette Spence (Sat Sep 23 09:14:52 2000 ):
I recently aquired an AE-1 camera plus power winder A2 for $50.00. But I have a problem, the film will not advance, even manualy. It has all new batteries. When the power wind is off the camera the rewind button on the camera stays pushed in. Is this going to be a major repair? Please help if can.
From Irwin (Sun Oct 8 06:38:54 2000 ):
Lin. Ok. Here's a a wild stab at ESP diagnostics, what I do best cause i am never wrong but seldom right:-). Your AE-1P most likely has a bad case of drugstoreprocessingdiplopia, how's that one huh.Look, make a test roll. Fresh 100 speed film. Do the test roll and take it- no cheating by keeping in the camera in the glove box for six months!- to the best(means not CHEAP professional lab in your part of the world for processing and get the owner (he should look normal too, no green ponytail) to study the negatives for sharpness before you write off the camera. If you don't use it much and aren't interested in the camera, I suggest a point and shoot model. They give you decent but consistent mediocre pictures and weigh less. You don't sound like an SLR person Lin. Most nice persons aren't. Not to worry. No hard feelings Lin. My ouija board says Give It Up. What you do with the boyfriend I can't help you on. Your schmoozer and photopal, Irwin Schmedrick.
From Lin (Sun Oct 8 01:14:52 2000 ):
Could anyone tell me if my AE-1 P, is worth anything (other than sentimental value). My ex boyfriend has it and I'm debating whether to get it back or not. Also what does it mean when the camera functions properly, but when you look at the pictures (after its developed) the picture has a kind of fuzzy out of focus look? Yes, the lens is in focus when the picture is taken, but the picture has (sometimes) the appearance of slight out of focus -- like I said, it's not as noticeable when you take a bright sunny outdoor picture, but I still get the feeling that it's slightly skewed. I don't use it much anymore, and was wondering if its worth having a camera shop fix, clean, repair or whatever. Appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
From Terry Carraway (Sat Oct 7 17:53:25 2000 ):
Davids - Does the A-1 compete? In what way? Would I suggest that someone without a camera at all go out and find a nice A-1 and start building a collection of lenses, No. Would I tell someone who has an A-1 and a couple of lenses to get rid of it and get a new camera, No. I would say, IN CONTEXT, it does compete. It has all the exposure modes, it has a dedicated flash system, EXCELLENT lenses available, and is pretty durable.
From Irwin (Sat Oct 7 03:11:34 2000 ):
Davids, I never used an MA, I think Terry is your replier on that item. Does the A-1 still compete. Are you saying is it still a desirable shooters camera. Absolutely. That is why there is this board for A cameras and maybe no board for old Miranda Sensorex or Honeywell Pentax or Beseler Topcon. Not to say those are not useful. The A series used batteries that you can still buy, a good thing. If the A-1 competes, it competes with manual cameras. And there are not too many left, except maybe Contax and Leica. Are there good EOS autofocus cameras. Hey, you got to be kidding. Canon makes a two grand EOS model. I suspect it beats the A-1. The A-1 is CHEAP. Irwin is CHEAP. And who needs a two grand camera when a two fifty one will do as well. SeewhatImean? Put that extra cash into AA rated municipal bonds, not cameras. Be well,be prosperous. Irwin, of the House of Irwin
From Davids (Thu Oct 5 05:20:15 2000 ):
Irwin, (thanks for your response on the MA)! Surely the A1 is more than just an icon?! Are the newer models like the EOS series, nevermind autofocus, really "better?" Doesn't the A1 still compete? Best wishes, Davids
From Bill (Wed Oct 4 12:45:15 2000 ):
I have a Canon AE-1 Program that I bought new years ago and haven't used much. I'd like to get more into it. I have a 70-210mm (I think) lens and recently bought an Optex PL POlarizing Filter. I took a couple of pictures with the filter and without and didn't notice a difference. Do I have the right filter for my camera? Any help would certainly be appreciated.
From Winston (Mon Oct 2 11:09:40 2000 ):
Bert: If that is the sprocket you have to strip down the whole camera to replace that piece, You have to get that part from another camera too. If you don t have any luck with the parts, my friend can replace that part and do a full service including all new seals,foam,and recalibrate shutter and meter for $90.00 All the best. Winston
From Bert (Mon Oct 2 05:51:10 2000 ):
i have an A-1 and there is a broken part in the guide reel that loads the film. Is there a parts list for this camera and where can i get it and the parts? Thank you.
From Terry Carraway (Sun Oct 1 20:36:09 2000 ):
Davids - I have never seen an MA service manual for sale. The problem with Canon service manuals is they are more like a parts diagram than a service manual. They just show exploded views of the assemblies, no instructions. There are a couple of people who sell repair manuals or copies of them on eBay. Youmight want to check there.
From davids (Sun Oct 1 17:16:21 2000 ):
Just purchased an MA, but it isn't operating properly. In (only)high speed mode, I hear the motor running, but the wind coupling isn't turning (clutch operated?). In all modes the trigger buttons result in triggering the A1 shutter, but no advance occurs. If I had a service manual or schematic I could probably fix it myself (I'm overseas, and service isn't really an option. Thanks, Davids
From Mickey (Wed Oct 11 19:39:43 2000 ):
Irwin, thanks for the ans wer, I got a 50 mm lens with the camera when I bought it. What if I want to get closer to the leaves or the flowers than 1 1/2 feet? What lens do I use then? thanks.
From Irwin (Wed Oct 11 12:10:34 2000 ):
Oh yeah, where to buy. If you go with the idea of a standard 50mm lens they are easy to find. They turn up all the time on eBay and on the www.photo.net classifieds section. Latter is by photographers for photographers. eBay has a lot of folks who sell baseball cards and kewpie dolls as well as lenses I seem to think. So caveat emptor which is latin way to say watch your tush (so the wife says). Me I like to go to a used dealer and squeeze the produce so to speak. That is a personal opinion, but its a big market and lots of FD lenses looking for homes. Most in good shape actually if they look good at first look. Hope this helps. Irwin Schmedrick. RCAF RET
From Irwin (Tue Oct 10 15:41:48 2000 ):
Irwin to Mickey: So. Basic you want, basic I got. The plain but yummy egg cream soda FD 50mm 1.4 lens will focus close, like 1.5 feet and boy is so sharp. I did a lot of flowers with that baby and no complaints. If you dont have one, buy for $75.00. Then add a plus 1 or plus 2 closeup lens and see what you think to get a little closer even, small change. If you have the bigger money later, look for a bargain deal like our horsetrader friend down the page,haha, in a 50mm macro or a 100mm macro. That will set you back about $150 to $300.00 but you will love I mean love with a passion those macro lenses. Canon knows macro lenses!. And guess what, you can use them for everyday stuff and they work oh boy great. Also read some books on macro and closeup and see all the choices for petal pals. Take it one bloom at a time and start CHEAP and slow. Closeups of flowers are not that tough.Keep chirpy and Stay well,Irwin S. USAF RET
From leofoo (Tue Oct 10 00:54:42 2000 ):
Although it may not be directly related to the A series but just for those who may need the manual for the T60 - Thanks to KaiPin who has spent quite sometime to locate a copy of the manual for me from the Canon office and also to a few of my staffs, Ms Mai, Wati and Mirza who has helped so much to do all those tiring and boring scanning work. The Instruction manual for the Canon T60 has finally been uploaded at: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/t60/t60manual/index.htm
From Thomas J. Mickey (Mon Oct 9 23:49:38 2000 ):
Just a got a Canon AE 1 Program 35 mm. What lens do I need to take sharp close-ups of flowers and plants? I'm new at all this so don't think you are going to be too basic. thanks. Where is a good spot to purchase the lens?
From Winston (Mon Oct 9 20:31:26 2000 ):
Lin: You should check the lens too, Make sure it is clean and don t have any kind of soft focus/defuser filter on it. If you use the camera in Program mode it would use a smaller aperture on your brightly lit outdoor seen, so if you had dirt on the lens towards the outer edge of the lens or a clear spot defuser / soft focus filter the image would be sharp. But as the Aperture gets larger the image would get more defused. A soft focus or defuser filter is used by many when they are shooting females. So your Ex. could well have left one on the lens. It s a long shot but I would check it out. All the best Winston
From Patrick (Mon Oct 9 08:01:13 2000 ):
Hello! Can you all tell me if i got a good deal? I bought a AE1 Program, With a 35-80mm zoom, 70-210mm zoom, with flash, bag, for $150.00. I also bought a 75-250 zoom for $12.50 YES $12.50 it did not zoom, BUT it does now !!!!!!!!!!!!they wanted a $150.00 fo it but i stood my ground. it works great. Thanks to all who reply PATRICK
From Irwin (Mon Oct 9 05:19:08 2000 ):
Lin, Terry and I seem to agree on making a test roll and looking at slides or negatives rather than at a print that has been made by a machine run by friendly munchkins that get 7.50 an hour. See what we mean? Is photography expensive? What you really really ask is does a camera last forever without any maintenance of a hundred bucks. ( No)Well it aint as cheap as frisbee toss, but its less than a brake job-rear- and is less, dollar for dollar,when adjusted for inflation. Remember what it used to cost for one hour labs? As Terry advised someone else there are so many good lenses out there in the used Canon FD market.(The lenses are the eyes of Canon and so on)A for instance. I just bought a very nice FD 85mm 1.8 for $125.00,chump change. At least I think... Let me suggest you decide fast, befor the ex says he loaned it to his little brother for a science project. Know what I mean?:-) The focus screen could be off, but since they clip in to place I persinaly doubt same but possible. Try the different lab experience and let us know. I have been surprised at the quality difference lately in processing. But it costs about 20% more to get the good work so its still a bargain. I hope this explains Irwin's squint on life. Good luck, mein kind. Irwin Schmedrick, USCG RET
From Terry Carraway (Sun Oct 8 19:32:26 2000 ):
Lin - An easier way to test. Shoot a roll of slide film. Then look at the slides with a loupe. If you don't have loupe, take the 50mm lens off your camera and hold it backwards, this makes a fine loupe. If they slides are in focus, it is the lab messing up. If the slides are not in focus, you have something wrong with the camera. The AE-1P has interchangeable focuing screens. This means teh screen came become dislodged slightly, so that in focus on the screen is not in focus on the film. I haven't ever looked at an AE-1P to see how the screens go in and out, but a shop should be able to check this in about 1 minute, and most likely for free. For a full CLA (clean, lubricate, and adjust) you are looking at between about $80 - $140 depending on the shop. As to is it worth getting the camera back, I would. THe AE-1P is a nice camera. ANd why should you let him keep it. If you don't want it, send it to me, I don't have one in my collection, so it would have a nice home amoung a lot of other Canon cameras.
From Lin (Sun Oct 8 12:47:39 2000 ):
Umm, thanks Irwin...I think :-) I guess your saying bad processing? Anyway, appreciate the advice, but yes, I do like SLR, but photography is no longer a inexpensive hobby anymore..you know what I mean??

Messages : 001-050 | 051-100 | 101-150 | 151-200 | 201-250 | 251-300 | 301-350 | 351-400 | 401-450 | 451-500 | 501-550 | 551-600 | 601-650 | 651-700 | 701-750 | 751-800 | 801-850 | 851-900 | 901-950 | 951-1000 | 1001-1050 | 1051-1100 | 1101-1150 | 1151-1200 |

| Back | to Main Index Page of Canon A & T Series SLR Camera(s)
| Back | to A-Series Message Board OR explore the original Canon F-1(n), New Canon F-1, Canon T-90 site, A-Series that featured here and Other Canon T-Series Models

* The Eyes of Canon ...

Home - Photography in Malaysia

Copyright © 1999. leofoo ®. MIR Web Development Team. Credit: Richard Yeow, Simon of Canon Marketing, Message Maintainer: Terry Carraway, Irwin, Kaipin, Philip Chong, Dr StrangeLuv, Tom, Gerry, etc. Made with a PowerMac, broadcast with a Redhat Linux powered server.