OH-LZA From Finland, joined Jun 2001, 1000 posts, RR: 5 Posted (11 years 10 months 1 week 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 1586 times:
I'm currently using Canon A-1 and AE-1 cameras to take pics, but when i learn all the basics in photography, what kind of new SLR body should i get? I don't want it to be too expensive. My dad's company has a Nikon F5 which i'd to use, but i don't think he'll let me so i have to get something MUCH cheaper.
AndyEastMids From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 996 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (11 years 10 months 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1536 times:
What's wrong with the A-1 and AE-1 that you already have? Having used both in the past, it actually difficult for me to see what huge benefits replacements would have other than autofocus - the A-1 has multi-exposure modes, and both cameras can be used with winders. OK, so some of the new AF cameras have slightly more sophisticated metering systems (evaluative, etc) but both the A-1 and AE-1 should do pretty well too.
Rather than say "when i learn all the basics in photography, what kind of new SLR body should i get?" why not just stick with what you have until you identify some shortcomings in those cameras that newer stuff could overcome?
Planespotter From Germany, joined Jul 2000, 106 posts, RR: 3 Reply 3, posted (11 years 10 months 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 1530 times:
I used the A-1 for 9 years and its a great camera. Do not change to a cheap AF camera. Better wait until you are willing to spend more money on a really good AF Camera.
What lenses do you own for the Canon cameras? Do you have a winder?
Ckw From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 530 posts, RR: 18 Reply 4, posted (11 years 10 months 1 week 1 day ago) and read 1521 times:
Unless your prepared to spend big money on a top of the range SLR, stick with what you've got. Canon FD lenses are superb and some real bargains can be had on the 2nd hand market. I have used Canon manual focus until very recently, and I can assure you I had to spend several thousand £ on EOS kit to get a significant improvement over my old Canon FD system.
The fact that you're asking the question pretty much confirms the point I'm making - if and when you outgrow an FD system, you'll know exactly what you want and won't need to ask!
If you want to improve your pictures, take the money you were going to spend on a camera and buy film - no camera on the market can substitute for experience, as I think is proven every day in this forum by those complaining about acceptance rates!
Ckw From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 530 posts, RR: 18 Reply 6, posted (11 years 10 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1503 times:
Zulu,
You have some fine lenses - the 35-105 is well regarded as one of Canon's best, and the 200 is also an excellent lens. You would have to pay some serious money to better these - eg. Canon "L" series costing many hundreds of $.
If you're looking to spend some money, I'd suggest looking for a 2nd hand Canon FD 300mm - the f4 is a good lens, and shouldn't cost too much, but if you're feeling flush, look for a 300 f2.8 - a fantastic lens, and with your convertor, would also give you a respectable 600mm f5.6
Sponsor Message: 
From Finland, joined Jun 2001, 1000 posts, 
to use, but i don't think he'll let me so i have to get something MUCH cheaper.
From UK - Scotland, joined May 1999, 5542 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 996 posts, 
From Germany, joined Jul 2000, 106 posts, 
From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 530 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
