Quick test of new old camera

[Rob MacKillop]

Bought Rhona a Canon AE-1 from a local charity shop for £35, including a Sigma "mini zoom" 35-85, 2.8-4 lens. Before sending it off to her in London, I thought I'd quickly run a film through it, a cheap Fuji Superia 200. Being me, I forgot to set the ISO to 200, and shot at 400. I didn't realise this until after getting the film developed at Boots. But, as this was just a test run, it doesn't matter. The camera works.

It's a really beautiful camera, that somehow convinces you it is all metal, which is not the case. The controls are simple and easy to use. I just set the lens on A, set the speed to 250, and started firing as I walked into town to Boots for processing. I wouldn't mind having one of these cameras. With a better lens and some decent film, it would be very enjoyable to use. The FD lenses are not expensive either.

The shots were not really composed, just a quick glance, and fire. But I quite like some of them. Some colours came out better than others. I hope for more from the reds, but the film was inexpensive. In no particular order:

1. Aids Bench - to remember those no longer with us:




2. Road Bike:




3. Pansies or primulas?




4. Grasses:




5. Hire me. I boosted the yellows in this one. Sorry, I couldn't stop myself, as the yellow was really dull. But it has unbalanced the picture.




6. On The Road:




7. Modern Art Gallery:




8. Show Me A Sign:

 

[Brian Moore]

Nice purchase.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Brian.

 

[Pete Askew]

Yep, a bargain. As you say, with a better lens it should be fine indeed. Love the gate!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, Pete. As I like the camera so much, last night I bought one on eBay for £65, but the slightly upgraded AE-1 Program, with 50mm 1.8 lens, allegedly in excellent condition.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

. Nice clarity and contrast in some of those images Rob. I have the FTb here which is slightly earlier, built like a tank and feels as heavy. But they certainly look the part and of course the FD lens works well on digital cameras.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I've not come across the FTb, Julian. Nice to shoot film again. I took 300 shots with my DPOQ while in London for three days earlier this week, and I can't be bothered sitting ploughing through them with SPP then Lightroom. I'll get around to it someday. I did one, the hotel room shot, then got bored. A change is as good as a rest.

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

Good bargain there Rob and a nice test. I believe you'll send her the latter one with the 50mm, right? Had one myself way back and have one on the shelf here, a Canon EOs 650 in mint condition. The very first Canon with autofocus and as you say, built as a tank. Beautiful and heavy. There sits an EF 85mm/1,8 on it. Wonder what I'll get for that one?

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Lovely stuff Rob - you're lucky that Boots still do dev

Most places her in CA have killed their film labs due to lack of business - not many left now

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Who are you?!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Who are you?!

Rob - had some work done on my arse, as you can tell!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Suits you, sir!

 

[Pete Askew]

Rob - had some work done on my arse, as you can tell!

Otherwise you're looking pretty much as I remember!