Which manual Canon SLR camera is the best?
Question by Psylocke: Which manual Canon SLR camera is the best?
I have to buy a camera for my college photography class. I have become interested in the Canon models. The only problem is that I can’t seem to decide on which model is the best. I have narrowed it down to three cameras: FT QL, AT-1, and AE-1. I would like to know peoples preferences. I also plan to use this camera frequently and own this camera for a long. Thanks in advance for your responses.
Best answer:
Answer by Tobasco
The nice thing about film SLRs is that you don’t have to worry about sensor quality. The camera body, as long as it is light tight, literally has no effect on the final image; it’s all about the lens and the film.
The AE-1 was very popular in its day, so I recommend that. But really it doesn’t matter unless one has features that you plan on using and another doesn’t. I’m inclined to say it might not be a bad idea to get the cheapest body and save your money for lenses… except FD lenses are already dirt cheap on eBay.
Good luck!
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4 Comments
I would go for the FTb QL. Check out KEH Used Cameras they have good prices and a return policy.
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For manual film cameras are listed below starting with the best:
EOS-1
EOS-3
EOS-Elan 2
EOS-Elan 7
AE-1
There are older ones than these:
AT-1
FT-QL
The top of the Canon professional 35mm SLR line was the F-1 system. There were actually three F-1 models. If you decide on one of these I would suggest trying to buy a “New F-1″ (that was the model name) –nothing especially wrong with 2 previous models, but the “New F-1″ has all the updates. The F-1 may be the most VERSATILE 35mm SLR system ever produced. The FTb was a sort of poor man’s F-1. It does not accept accessories like the F-1. I consider the FTb-N (for new) marginally better than the FTb. Both have mechanical shutters so if you lose the battery you only lose the meter–you can still take photos. By the way there is a TX that is a less adjustable version of the FTb–I’ve never actually seen one.
The A system is a different animal. They are electronically controlled cameras and all the accessories basically work on all the cameras. The A-1 was the top of the line. It is the most highly automated; and is my 35mm SLR of choice. The AE-1 and AE-1 P (for Program) are very similar and good cameras. The AT-1 is the match needle option in the A series. If you’re looking for fully manual operation that’s all this one has.
The FT QL uses FL mount lenses–the FD lenses will fit, but you have to use “stop-down metering” on all the lenses. It isn’t particularly difficult to master, but less convenient than the bodies using the FD automatic lenses.
Personally, I would go with the AT-1. Match needle metering and A series accessories. They are a bit harder to find than an AE-1 or an A-1, but I think they may be a bit more practical for your college photography class. You can pick up the drives and winders available if you want them later. If you aren’t worried about drives, winders and interchangeable screens it’s really hard to beat an FTb-N. (P.S. Not all A series have interchangeable screens.)
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