Canon AE1 Program

[Marvin]

I have been given two Canon cameras lately but I was a Minolta user back in the day so what do you think of the AE1 program.

[dances_w_clouds]

Great cameras. I have 2 of the AE 1p models. Silver finish on one and black on the other. Not that colour means anything but with a black lens it looks great. Performance wise I have never had a problem and with a good selection of glass they can be a very good tool.

[Alan Gales]

Back in the day I sold both the Minolta X700 and the Canon AE1 Program's new. Both cameras were equally good. You couldn't go wrong with either camera. We had few returns on either brand. Optics were comparable.

I don't know how either model has aged.

[dances_w_clouds]

In fact I just picked up a Canon A1 with the MA power winder. Just finished on Eblay. You really have to shop around for the regular power winders that haven't been wore out. Another thing I found is using the Eneloop AA batteries works the best on the winders.

[Whiteymorange]

Besides the dreaded shutter squeak, I have never had a problem with either of the AE 1 program bodies I own, and they're my workhorse cameras, always in the bag, always the go-to option when shooting 35. Good, cheap and pretty reliable. FD glass is the same.

[SafetyBob]

As I recall the Canon AE-1 Program was a game changer at the time. Many people left their "favorite" brand to go over to the Canon side at the time. My Minolta XE-7 was fairly new so I didn't change.

You have camera history.......make sure you honor it and keep it alive for all to enjoy!

Bob E.

[AgX]

see this current thread on the AE-1 too
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum52/1...you-think.html


and add these as extra features:

-) program feature on the auto-exposure

-) exchangability of viewfinder screens

-) an added, screw-on grip-plate to the front

-) changed position of speed dial

-) different, and more clumsy, film speed setting

-) LED aperture figures in viewfinder instead of scale and needle

[Jeff Kubach]

Great cameras and glass. Look up KEH for good deals.

Jeff

[David Lyga]

1976 started a virtual revolution: the introduction of the AE-1 (and the incredible sales figures to follow). That said, the Minolta electronic versions are nothing to scoff at even though they were not as 'famous' as the Canon AE-1. And, best of all, no shutter squeak. - David Lyga

[Chan Tran]

Oh David, none of the other companies electronic offering were worse than the AE-1. The Minolta XE-7, Pentax K2, Nikon/Nikkormat EL series, The Olympus OM-2 they are all at least as good if not better than the AE-1. Canon made a lot of sale because the AE-1 had the lowest price.