Canon AE1 Query

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madmardle

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Ken
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Hi Folks,
I have agreed to help sort photographic items donated to our local "Help the Children" shop. The first camera I checked was a Canon AE1, which wouldn't wind on and the shutter wouldn't fire.I am assuming the battery is flat, but does that mean nothing will work, or does it sound like the camera is cream crackered. I think the AE1 was one the first, if not the first, electronic SLR, but I can't remember to what extent the camera relied on the battery.
Any help would be appreciated.
 
You can wind, but the shutter won't fire without a battery (a 6V battery in a compartment to the left side of the lens mount, looking front on). When you do test it, check to hear if there is the classic Canon 'squeal', a very common problem with Canon models like the AE-1 due to dried up lubricant.
 
Ok, thanks very much, I assume therefore that if the camera had been wound on and the shutter not released, and then just left and the battery expired, that is probably why neither now operate. At least your answer has giiven me the confidence to purchase a new battery. Thank you again.
 
You assume correct. Many stories about people buying 'non-working'/'broken' AE-1s (and AE-1 Program) cameras for cheap, then popping a battery in them and they spring to life. The batteries are around, but they aren't as cheap as a normal watch battery - here's an example of one, 7dayshop tend to be competitively priced: http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=6893

They are nice cameras, not too weighty and the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens that came with most of them is a good performer - they sold in large numbers for good reasons.
 
cheaper than 7dayshop AND much faster delivery .....''here''
 
OK Guys,
Thanks very much for responding, I am much obliged. There is a 50mm 1.8 on the body which I assumed was probably worth more than the camera, there is also a 28mm 2.8 Sigma and a 70-210mm Kiron zoom which is a real heavy beast and probably not worth a lot, if anything. Being a Nikon man, and knowing older Nikkors can be used on modern DSLRs, with some limitations, I am wondering if the same can be said of Canon lenses. Obviously I don't know how old they are ( the Canon 50mm & the Sigma 28mm) but they are not the older breechlock lenses that I remember Canon using. When I have a bit more information I will ask on the appropriate forum about what they might be worth.
Thanks again
 
The AE-1 and Canon cameras of the time used the FD mount - when they transitioned towards autofocus and electrical communication between body and lens, they changed to the EF mount, which lives on in all the EOS cameras today. You can get adapters for use on EF mount cameras, although I've heard people haven't been that satisifed with the results. With micro 4/3rds cameras, which can have a whole range of old mount lenses attached to them with various adapters, there is a resurgent market in old primes for those looking for good old glass on the cheap.
 
have a look at ebay 'completed listings'

the Canon FDn 50mm 1.8 was a bog-standard ''kit'' lens usually going for about £20+ on eBay
a nice lens but sooo many of them

the Sigma 24mm is going for stupid high prices - worth checking on the 28mm
unfortunately Canon 28mm 2.8 FDn is still readily available - so that will knock the price of the Sigma down

ditto the 70-210 Kiron as the Canon FDn 70-210 f4 is selling for about £35-45
 
I wonder what an AE1 is worth now? Don't tell anyone, but it was one of... if not the first SLR I bought (and still have)
 
V8burble said:
I wonder what an AE1 is worth now? Don't tell anyone, but it was one of... if not the first SLR I bought (and still have)
Click to expand...

check out eBay completed ...:D

sorry to disappoint you, but i just got a mint Canon AE-1 body for £19 delivered

needs new seals and mirror buffer ....DIY at $10 from Interslice, USA
.
22617851.jpg
 
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