 Laura Roth |
Canon AE-1 Program vs. Canon A-1 Hi all, I currently have a Canon AE-1 Program ans have been using it for about 3 years. Part way through my ownership I've found that it does not like to deal with AP shoooting unless you either shoot at f 1.4 or shoot in stopped up mode, which can make focusing difficult in low-light situations. Also, the lack of feedback from the light meter irritates me. Otherwise I like the overall functionality of the camera. I have been thinking about "upgrading" to a Canon A-1. Considering my issues, would that be a wise decision? Opinions greatly appreciated...
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Kerry L. Walker |
If it is only the program mode that does not work, I would just advise not to use that mode. Shoot either manual or shutter priority. I really don't like program mode. I have two cameras that have program mode and I NEVER use it. I just don't like the camera doing all the thinking.
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Laura Roth |
I like to set the aperture myself, but frequently I want it to choose the speed since it's faster & the light meter is barely useful in that camera... oh well.
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Kerry L. Walker |
I'm sorry. I must have misread your question. I thought you said the program mode was the problem, not the aperature-priority mode. In fact, I didn't even know the AE-1 Program had that mode (never owned a Canon). In fact, the first autoexposure camera I ever had was an Olympus OM-2n (still my favorite camera). I chose it over the AE-1 (AE-1 Program not out at that time) because I wanted to set the aperature and let the camera choose the shutter speed. Of course I had control over the shutter speed by my choice of aperature. Having said all that, I would definitely upgrade if the the aperature priority mode does not work.
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Jon Close |
I have an AE-1 Program. It has full Program mode (camera automatically selects both shutter speed and aperture), and Shutter priority. It is not capable of Aperture priority mode. The body cannot tell directly what aperture you've selected on the lens. To use the camera in Manual mode you have to do stop-down metering. Focus first, then lock-in the depth of field preview switch which closes the aperture down to the setting selected. Adjust shutter speed and aperture so that the meter needle in the viewfinder scale is on "5.6". Take the picture. Be sure to unlock the DoF preview before operating the film advance. Failure to do so will limit the camera to that same aperture setting in the next shot. Setting the shutter to "Program" when doing stop-down metering is not a reliable method for doing pseudo-Aperture priority. If it works for you, it is only by luck or the wide exposure latitude of the film.
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Jon Close |
More to your question, the A-1 does have aperture priority autoexposure (set the lens to A, and select the aperture value on a dial on the camera). The T90 is also a very capable FD-mount camera with aperture priority auto exposure.
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Laura Roth |
Ok, so it seems that the consensus is if I want the same thing as what I have, but with better metering and AP funcionality, then I SHOULD upgrade to A-1. Think I'll stay away from the T90 (more expensive & plastic body)... thanks for opinions though.
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Alex Cabrall |
Laura, I've owned both of those bodies, and you'd be surprised how similar they are. Don't shy away from the T90 due to plastic content: It IS built like a tank. yes, with plastic and still a tank. Sure, it's heavy, but it spotmeters and has a built-in motordrive. That, and it works with most new canon speedlites! Of course, the A1 is lighter and smaller. There is something to be said for it being similar in operation and handling to your AE-1p. The veiwfinder info of the A1 is the same as the T90, just without the exposure compensation scale and "film remaining" window, which I liked a lot. Either way, you have an awesome body.
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Laura Roth |
Alex, the T90 has a motor drive for the film advance? In that case I definitely want to stick with the A-1... I like to be able to advance or rewind the film to my liking. Thanks for the input though.
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John P. Sandstedt |
I guess I'm missing something. The AE-1 is a fairly "old" camera, one of the auto-exposure units. I think the A-1 is even older and definitely more manual [semi-automatic, in the parlance of the 1970's.] If you're going to upgrade in the 21st century, why not consider the Canon EOS Elan 7E/7N [in film] or a digital SLR. If you select the Canon EOS line in a film camera, you'll be able to use the lenses when/if you decide to buy a Canon digital SLR. The lenses on your AE-1 will not work with the EOS line, so if you want to consider another manufacturer, you won't lose too much. Lots of folks loved the T90, but it didn't last a long time [it became obsolete.] I'd stay away from it as an upgrade, even though it's a good camera.
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Laura Roth |
From what I've seen, the A-1 is the "Pro" version of the AE-1... still has manual focus, butdoes have Aperture priority and shutter priority and full "program" modes.... It has a manual rewind - which I like. I don't mind old, in fact, sometimes older is better. I do have to admit that every-other day I think about going digital, but I just want to stick with negatives so much too. Ah well....
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