Just come into possession of an old camera - anyone know any info about it?

[JeffTL]

The AE-1 is a fine camera, particularly with the 50mm lens. I have the same setup myself, though with just the 50mm f/1.8, and it's my backup for my Nikon D50 rig. It's a great camera by any definition...lovely viewfinder, and very easy to use. I think you will enjoy it.

 

[Macmonter]

I've just come into possession of an old camera and a couple of lenses. The camera body says Canon AE1 on it. One of the lenses is a telephoto lens and says Miranda 35 - 135mm 1 : 3.5 - 4.5 on it. The other lens says Canon FD 50mm 1 : 1.8 S.C.

I'm pretty clueless about cameras, does anyone know anything about this at all? I guess they are probably about 30 years old or so, but I think they were pretty high quality when they were new. Any info is appreciated.

Getting this thread back to the original post, I bought a Miranda slr back in the late 60's. I chose it over a Honeywell Pentax because Consumers Reports rated it a better value. I haven't trusted Consumers Reports since because Miranda eventually went belly-up and the Pentax is now a classic worth more now then when new.

The Mirandas never seemed to get much respect from serious photogs. I did compound my error of camera choice by buying a 2nd Miranda a few years after the 1st along with a Tamron telephoto with a Miranda mount so I'd have both color and b/w available . The shutters on both eventually stopped working, and neither camera was considered worth fixing. So I bought a used Miranda from a friend to get use of my lenses only to have that 3rd Miranda die in a short time.

If I had only bought that Pentax....

 

[Holgapics]

I have, and still occasionally use, a Canon AE1. Excellent camera but you need to be aware of the "Canon squeak." Cock the camera and fire it a few times (without film). If the shutter makes a squeaking sound, along with the mirror clunk, then it needs a cleaning and lubrication service. This is a common problem on an AE1 that old. Once done it should be fine for a number of years. Don't try to lubricate it yourself but take or ship it to a professional camera repair store. You should be able to have it serviced for under $100.00 US.

 

[erickj]

I have an extra...

I loved my AE1 when I had it back in the 70's and early 80's. It was stolen in a break-in and I never was able to find another film camera that I liked as well.

I mourned that camera.

If you'd like to have it. It's one I found online for like 5 bucks, in decent shape. Never even used it, so your want it, let me know.

Pay postage and it's yours.

 

[bootedbear]

If you'd like to have it. It's one I found online for like 5 bucks, in decent shape. Never even used it, so your want it, let me know.

Pay postage and it's yours.

Hey erickj, thanks for that offer! A few years back when I was still using film, I'd have been all over it.

Gone all digital now -- and relearning everything in the process.