Canon LTM OT: Canon SLR AE-1

Canon M39 M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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ruben

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Hi folks,
A friend of my son came this evening with an AE-1, he got from his father, a bit dirty but beating. I woul think it should be overhauled.

As I am absolutely ignorant of this camera, could you tell me if it is a worthy beast to send to overhaul ?

Thanks,
Ruben

PS
I think it is a very renowned camera and my question quite shamefully. Nevertheless "better be an asking a****le for five minutes, than a shy a****le for all your life"
 
I wouldn't bother with an AE-1. An A-1 or F-1, definately.

(I still have an AE-1, but for the cost of an overhaul I purchased an A-1. I always wanted one of those anyway).
 
I would disagree, respectfully, with M. Patterson. The AE-1 is a fine camera. If it's just a matter of cleaning it up and getting it adjusted - I would do so. If it requires more serious repair, I'd scrap it though. They can be purchased in good working order for a relative song these days.
 
KEH: execellent $109. I have one. Problems: Seals which can be purchased for $6 on net. Check the sound on the film advance. That is the weak point. If it sounds scratchy or funny it probably will eventually need work/replacement. Until it goes (locks up) it will work fine. Takes nice pictures. Lenses are good. Rugged camera like all from that period.
 
I have taken many great shots with my AE-1 many years ago. Give it a gentle cleaning on the outside and a new battery and see how it works. If the mirror is dirty try taking it to a local camera shop and see if they will give it a cleaning for you. Hope your son's friend has a great time with this camera!
 
Hi folks, thanks a lot on the different opinions about the controversial issue of CLA.

But you are talking to less as for what kind of camera it was at his time, what was its time, etc. Couldn't you give me a brief intro to enable me to identify the beast ?

Whas it a cheapo outfit from something bigger ? What's its league ?

Thanks,
Ruben
 
I bought my AE-1 in 1981 or so. It was the entry level Canon of it's day. The A-1 and F-1 were the next models up. At that time, my sister had a Pentax MV or MX. I can't remember what Nikon was selling at that point. It did sell a fair number, if you add the later AE-1 Program model, which was sort of a stripped down A-1. There are tons of them on ebay, very cheap.
 
Brad Bireley said:
Ruben,
I just had an A-1 cla by www.garyscamera.com here in the US. Cost was $45.00 plus $8 shipping!! Don't know what the shipping would be to you. Great work & it was finished & back to me in a week!!
Brad
Click to expand...


I have been using Garry for a year now. I am not sure that everybody understands this: you get COMPLETE OVERHAUL of your camera for 45 dollars, no matter in what condition it is. Light meter calibration, seals replacement, mirror bumper replacement, cleaning of mirror and focusing screen, whateve else iz needed. So you get a camera on E-bay for around 30 bucks as I did and add 45 dollars for CLR and you get a fully tuned camera. BTW I have one of those Canon AE-1 and it went thru Garry's shop, and I took few of my pictures with it.
I strongly recomment this route.
(I have no affiliations with Garry's camera, just a customer.
 
I'd say get the kid shooting a bit and see if he likes it. If in a month he's still into it, send it away.

Of course if you send it off for a CLA, and he doesn't use it, maybe you can get it off him cheap.

I've used an AE-1 program, learned photography and dark room stuff with an A1 and got an F1NEW when they came down in price after digital came in.

Great cameras all around. THe F1 and that viewfinder/match needle metering is simply the best. A good segway to a CL viewfinder.

Mark
 
At $45, I'd change my mind and recommend a CLA. I may just get mine done at that price. Although the backup A-1 needs work, so that would go first.
 
wlewisiii said:
Ruben,
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/ae1/index.htm
is a great place to begin to understand what an important SLR the AE-1 really was. It remains, IIRC, Canon's best selling camera (film, digital, RF, SLR, etc).

I say a full CLA. It's a worthy camera.

William
Click to expand...

Agreed. When I was growing up everyone who was into photography had an AE1. I know, silly impression of a kid, but Nikons were pro cameras, I had Minolta SRTs bought by my father and not until years later truly appreciated, but the "in crowd" all had Canon AE1s. Before Andre Agassi made the Canon Rebel a rock star, the AE1 was the hottest thing in the market.

Worthy of a CLA, sure. It is a tough question, but it is a camera that can be repaired and serve well into the future. Buying another is a solution too, but I am glad I invested the money in my SRTs to have them serviced. They are MY cameras, I like that about them.

I have had good luck as a buyer and repair customer of John Titterington. Again, he is here in the states, but if buying a new camera is the decision give him consideration. He sells Canons, weekly normally lists an AE1, which he fully services and has ready to go. His repair prices are pretty fair too, not $45, but he did my SRTs for $75, not bad.

http://www.geocities.com/~titterington/camera-repair/

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ50QQsassZtitterington
 
anselwannab said:
I think that should be http://www.garryscamera.com
Click to expand...


Sorry!!

I must say I was skeptical but it came back in top shape(my A-1).
Not only did they do the CLA, the back door was a little loose & it came back nice & snug.

I also had an AE-1 when they 1st came out. Shot 1000's of slides & never had a problem with it until it was stolen! I used it quite a bit during surf fishing trips along the Atlantic coast right in the surf(NOT IN THE WATER) but I was standing in water taking photos of fisherman & such & it never once failed!

Brad
 
Ae 1

Ae 1

Here is a link to a great deal of information on the AE1 and its role in SLR development.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/ae1/index.htm

I have inherited two cameras, one from my father and one from an aunt (AE1).
I had the AE1 serviced by Gary and am quite pleased with it, even bought a great lens. This is a good camera for the young fellow to learn on, but more importantly, at least to me, it belonged to his father. Some things have greater value than just what they are. I won't part with the two cameras I've been given by my relatives. Sentimental, I guess.
:)
 
My first 35mm SLR was a Canon AE-1.
Reliable, but I didn't like fighting the automation.
I was much more fond of the Nikon Ftn I had later.
Eventually I found Pentax, which I like best of all! :)

Chris
 
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Did you run a roll of film through it? I have an AE-1 from back when and just recently used it to shoot IR film - all the functions worked perfectly as on day ONE. I think you are one step aheah of yourself. Test the camera first - these cameras were built like tanks compared to today's DSLRs and they last a very long time. It is a great camera for someone who wants to get into photography. Buy a roll of slide film (it is easiest to see the real results with slide film - labs can screw up too much with print film) and see what the outcome is.
 
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