I picked up one of these gems myself. What a wonderful camera & I agree that this camera is a keeper. I do have a couple of additions to your commentary: a) the focusing screen cannot be replaced by the user. Early models have the microprism screen & later models have the split image screen. b) there is an exposure lock button (silver button next to the rewind crank). c) the EF has a central emphasis metering pattern with less influence from the top of the frame (in landscape orientation) to properly meter when there is a bright skyline. When shooting in portrait orientation, you must meter in landscape, hold the exposure lock button, and then reframe in the portrait orientation. d) a nice feature is that the EF has a built-in voltage regulator, so the more readily available 1.5V batteries can be used without concern. Of course, you will still need to confirm that the light meter is working correctly, as with any older camera. I hope this helps other EF users. Yes, I know, I am a camera nerd. 📷🤓
Thanks for the additional input Chris! Its hard to get all the information from these old gems without spending to much time on them. the voltage regulator and landscape exposure are especially interesting to me. appreciate it!
Something I would like to add, the button in the on/off switch is to avoid film advance and therefore create double exposures. Additionally, if the lens aperture ring is set to "A", the camera operates in shutter priority mode (batteries required). Finally, the camera is compatible with the canon 133D flash for automatic flash photography.
If I understand the manual well (can be found on butkus.org), it enables the camera to use a sort of aperture priority with dedicated flash guns when using 1/125 exclusively. It stands for „Canon Auto Tuning“, wow! What will they think of next...
Batteries are no problem as the EF can take ordinary 1.5V 625A Alkalines. The camera regulates the voltage to work. The EF also has a multi-exposure button in the hub of the on-off lever. Other missed features are the self-timer, mirror lock up, stop-down metering with FL lenses and depth of field preview. All of which are operated with the multi-lever on the front. And it has a battery check red button on the bottom plate left hand side. Push it to see the LED on the top plate blink rapidly to confirm good batteries. The CAT (Canon Auto Tuning) switch on the rear left is used in the flash symbol position with the Canon Speedlite 133D to automatically choose the right aperture with the shutter on 1/125s and the aperture ring on "O" or "A" depending on your lens. A very underrated camera indeed, even by this reviewer.
@@sputumtube No, they are too narrow. I use regular PX625 /LR9 Alkaline cells. But there are adaptors if you want to use silver oxide SR44 cells. I find this unnecessary for this model as it regulates the voltage of ordinary 1,5 V batteries just fine. Cheers!
The exposure lock button is the small silver one on the left top side. Meter the important parts and press the button, hold it, recompose and shoot... You can use normal 1,5V button cells of the same size, since the EF has an interior voltage stabilisation circuit build in. Nice side effect: the metering systems works from -20°C up to 30°C correctly...
I am so happy for this video. I saw your older video where u said this one is your favourite (in the end). Because of it i bought this black beauty to my wife for her 28 birthday! She likes it pretty much.Thx for great content.
You're right. Not a lot of talk about this camera. I bought one of these a month ago, but the meter didn't work. I loved the look and feel of it, and I wanted to use it. So, I looked around for a technician that would work on it. Not so easy. The conventional wisdom is technicians don't like to work on it because it is hard to repair, especially the electronics, and parts are scarce. I went virtually coast to coast with rejections until I found Vermont Camera Works. They said they could repair it for $78. Yeah! After I sent it to Vermont for an estimate, I saw one on ebay, so I bought that with a 50mm FD 1.8 for a little over $100. Great. So, now I'll have two.
Nice! Yeah that’s the sad part is it costs more to repair these than they are worth most often. So bodies end up getting trashed etc 😕 camera still works great without a meter though
Just found your video. Great content and overall review. Been using Canon since the mid 70’s. Now using 5D mkii, but still have my A-1 and just bought an EF to which I’m looking forward to using.
Hey Graham, nice beard & hairstyle 😆 The EF is really interesting and I have never seen it before in a video. As long I didn't need a self-defense weapon I keep my Canon A1. 😀Photos are pretty cool. 👍
... we look scary alike. Haha. The A1 is nice. I just don’t like relying on batteries otherwise the smaller size of the A1 would be more appealing to me. Thanks for the support! 😊
Even to this day I always questioned Canon about their rather uncomfortable position of the EF's exposure lock button. The EF's successor, the Canon AE-1 is considerably more ergonomic placed to near the lens mount rather on the top cover.
The canon no one talks about is the T70. I bought mine new in 1984 and it's still going strong. It replaced the AE1 Program in canon's line up and was the last manual focus only SLR camera canon released. It had an in body motor drive and ran on two AA batteries. Official camera of the 1984 Olympics. Dog ugly though.
T70 was an underated camera, which deserves much more popularity. The last original manual camera was the T90....best camera in my opinion, if it had not the EEE shutter syndrome. The last camera Canon released with the FD mount was the T60. It was manufactured by Cosina with the Canon FD mirrorbox.
@@ingowalkerling5141 I had both the T-60 and the T-90. I still have the T-90, but sadly I sold the T-60. I appreciated how the T-60 could be used as aperture preferred or as a match-LED manual. Most of the automatic exposure FD cameras don't give you a good metered manual.
I like the video. Yes, great camera, and yes, built like a tank. I got mine back in the mid 1990's, and it still works great. I use it as my back up camera to my T90 ( another great camera. I think it's the best film camera Canon ever made ).
Yes very easy workaround. Honestly the more I think about it I wonder why companies didn’t just incorporate that language into the iso/asa dial and save themselves the extra work. I guess your limited depending on your asa settings but still.
Im looking at grabbing up an EF currently. Have used all the "A's". You nailed exactly why I want the EF. Mechanical body that doesn't need the batteries. Bummer about the focusing screen. What's your preferred b+w film?? Have a favorite?
Honestly I think it’s my favorite canon camera. Lately I’ve been shooting different variations of FOMOpan and I really like the contrast with that. Ilford is a good staple
Love the vid! Very well structured and educational. You clearly know how to take really good journalistic photos in b&w. I got the EF gifted to me from my grandma when she bought it new and didn’t really use it so it’s practically new. The batteries you can easily get at batteries plus bulbs and are actually cheap compared to others. I’ve been using this camera with 400iso black and white film and a 24mm F2.8 and I love it. Keep making vids! Just subscribed I love the work and positivity you have! 📸
Nice! hard to get many of these in that kind of condition anymore, And I love shooting the wide at 24 so thats definitely a great setup. Thanks for the support Spencer! appreciate it.
I don't have the EF (yet) but I do have both the FTb and first version F-1, both built on the same chassis as this I think. And when it comes to build quality I can only agree; you could easily knock out an elephant with these bricks. I absolutely love them and would also get rid of my AE1P before the other two. The FTb is probably my all time favorite camera to be honest.
I own this camera for 1,5 years now. I saw it likr 2 years ago at a camera fair and never heard of it. Read about it at home and found it a rather interesting camera. Next show some months later i suddenly saw Canon EF everywhere and bought one for €30 I don't know why one would pay 3-4 times more for an AE-1. What i really do like on this camera compared to the A-1 is that you'll always see the expose settings, at the A-1 you need to half press the shutter trigger to activate the led display. Compared to the Canon F-1 the shutter is completely different ( Copal square shutter) and the metering is also different.
I am usually not much a person who comments, but just loved the video. I do not know if you still reply or look as your video is over 2 years old. I am a fan of the old Canon TX. My first SLR was a Bell and Howell FD 35 (which was a Canon TX). I was going to comment that I heard the Canon EF is regulated so modern batteries will work. I see others have already did that. I have many cameras and my latest is the Nikon F, no 1 included!! The camera is totally mechanical, but the photomatic light meter takes the old mercury 1.3 batteries. I am going to add the diode to allow 1.55 volt batteries. One question...What light meter do you recommend? I never had one, but if I get a Canon EF and do not install batteries, I need some way to set exposures. The old meters use the pain in the butt 1.3 batteries. I would like to get a new light meter, but do not want to spend over $100 for one. Any recommendations other than don't be so cheap? Thanks again and really enjoy all your videos.
Thanks Bob! There are several phone apps that work great and spot meters I couldn't even tell you were to start depending on budget. if you want an on camera meter TTartisons or keks are good options but those measure at a specific point which can very depending on what focal length you are using but are solid options.
@@graham_white Thanks for the reply Graham. I am patient and it usually pays off. I found an American made Vivitar light meter. Does reflective and incident light readings and best of all, uses a 9 volt battery. I didn't have much luck with the phone app meters. But, that is just me. Many like them. Thanks again for the awesome videos. The Canon EF is on my radar, but have to wait for a bargain.
If this is your favorite consider the last iteration of the FT, the FTb-QL. Less cluttered than the EF. If I was in a "hurry" I"d appreciate the EF's auto-exposure, but batteries aren't practical with either today so that's kinda a non-feature overall.
Apart from A1 and F1 there are plenty other orpiond for FB mount. I bought FTb as a fuck up camera in case my A1 got sick, and I must say that I instantly fell in love with this full mechanical camera. And those less known cameras are still dirt cheap.
I've owned 2 EFs and i think they are brilliant. Great video! You missed some features but everything else war really acurate. This camera is really underrated and its one of my favorite. Also the thing with the batteries is not true I've used mine for year and a half (considering this is my main camera) and i think they will last a lot more if you don't forget to turn it off.
Thanks for sharing! I personally never use batteries so I can't say anything with certainty. Yeah I try not to get to carried away with every feature since most people tend to leave quickly haha. appreciate it!
I held my tongue in the last video you called the Nikon F an F1 but it’s what makes you, you. lol Great reminder about the EF! I”d forgotten about its F1 foundation!
Thanks Dan! I usually do very minor edits on my film photos in Lightroom. Just adjusting contrast and maybe hue/temps. All on desktop, I’ll occasionally do phone edits for social
The Canon EF is a brilliant analogue camera from the pre-AF era. Professional photographers used to buy the F1 as their primary body and the EF as a backup camera. And it was for them that these cameras were designed. The professional photographer knows how to set the exposure, and often uses manual mode for repeatability and the intended effect on the image. The lack of aperture priority is no disadvantage, just think how shutter priority mode works. You look in the viewfinder, you have some time set, the camera suggests an aperture value by itself. What does a professional photographer do? Looking into the viewfinder all the time with his right hand, he selects a different time and observes whether the proposed aperture will be appropriate. Photojournalists often had to take fast pictures and, for them, time priority was simply more important than aperture priority. This camera has everything a professional photographer needs. New designs have, of course, introduced many conveniences (for example, a fully automatic programme, or subject programmes), but these are not essential things for a good photographer. It is not true that inserting a 1.5V alkaline battery causes a different light meter reading. This camera will set the voltage level anyway so that the light metering works by reference. The trigger and viewfinder are excellent, the whole tension mechanism, the solid construction, the appropriate weight - these are the essential advantages of this model. It is a pity that it was so short in production. This is probably also why it is less well known.
Hey Graham, totally unrelated, but since you're a camera repair guy - do you have any experience with rangefinders (as in, those old coldshoe accesories by Kodak, Voigtlander etc.)? I just got one from ebay for my old folder, of course it's totally out of alignment, and I can't even figure out how to open that darn thing!
depends on the brand. but rangefinders aren't overly complicated to re-aline. just requires some tweaking of adjusting screws and setting proper distance. Ive done it before with a few other models.
@@graham_white Yeah, my particular model doesn't even seem to have screws though.... :D It's a Kodak, actually the one they use in this video (but don't talk about)...ruclips.net/video/mydIbgAQ_OA/видео.html My only theory is that the screws to open/adjust it are either painted over below the black stuff or under the wheel (which I don't know how to get off either).
Este modelo es uno de esos que su electrónica no se hizo para resistir el paso del tiempo y es muy difícil encontrar una que funcione bien porque el sensor del fotometro se deshace
the A-1 has more fully automatic features. the EF was considered a more "pro" level camera so it is mainly automatic and offers a lot of shutter speeds under 1 second that you couldn't get on the A line without a cable release. I think the viewfinder setup is slightly different as well but off the top of my head I can't remember the exact difference there.
I was an Canon ae1 and a1 guy until I bought a very old nikon F with the black stripped off I shot the crap out of it and keeps going . The light Meter works sometimes I also have f2 and f3t all I think are great but you already know that
The f3T. Man what a beauty, a friend of mine just stumbled upon one for dirt cheap. Love the f line. I personally have to many f and F2 bodies. I do prefer them over the canon line. But idk I like using the Ef at times, maybe just the different feel it has I guess.
Had my EF since 1978. Took it back out in the spring of 2020 (pandemic months) and has since shot a few rolls with it. Works as well as the day I bought it (used). But, if anybody knows, for sure, where to get PX625 silver oxide batteries, I'd love to hear where. Because of the voltage regulator, a battery type who's voltage doesn't drop, like the alkalines do, would be perfect for this camera.
Thanks Peter, I agree it’s a great camera with a solid reliable build. There’s another comment below with a gentleman who bought batteries from China. I’m sure he says buough higher quality one somewhere else if you would like to ask.
Hi buy a battery adaptor . It takes a1.5v battery down to 1.35v . You sit the 1.5v battery into the adaptor . The best solution by far . Slick no hassle solution .
I picked this up at an antique store for $14 which also came with a Vivitar zoom lens lol Quick question if anyone knows: if I wanted to use these lenses on my Sony E mount then would the adapter be FD to E mount?
Solid pickup! And yes as long as the lens is an fd that’s what you want. If you have the old fl mount that has the twist attachment you may have issues and need a different mount.
I don't like the way the light meter works on manual, it's too chaotic and not very flexible, I kinda regret not reading further about the way it measures exposition
Hi, I've got a question. Maybe someone can help me here. I've got a Canon EF, installed fresh 1.5V batteries. Everything is working fine, but the LED is always shining a bit. Even when the camera is "off".
Hmm. The led in the outside or in the viewfinder? If it’s a battery check led I suppose the button could be stuck. That or something similar with viewfinder. It takes the old Mercury batteries so I know choosing replacements can be tricky on how they react depending on the camera model
@@graham_white Thanks for your answer. Yes it's the outside LED. It shines brighter when I press the battery check button, so maybe there's just a slight contact when the button is in its released position.
Can you get & do a review on ATG's Canon New F-1 High Speed Motor Drive Camera? This is truly the camera that no one talks about. Then later come ATG's Canon EOS-1VHS II.
@@graham_white So true. Beside the advantage of the F1 & EF are that they are both mechanical cameras. Notes F-1 not to be confused with the new F1 & ATG's New F-1 High Speed Motor Drive Drive. The F-1 series have interchangeable finders. The built on the EF is very close to the F-1, made for the serious amateurs & semi-pros. While the A-1 & AL-1 & AE series have ATG initial (ATG/Canon first real popular plastic bodies)
I get that you don't want to get stuck without necessary batteries, but when a battery runs out you will have to replace it. So, why don't you keep spare batteries in a refrigerator and take them & spare film in a small ice box or esky with your other gear and then you will never run out.
The later examples of this camera seem to have split prism focusing. If you want a Canon film camera best stick to the pro-level ones: Ft, Ftb, EF and the three versions of the of the F-1. None of these are battery dependant. The consumer cameras of this generation, A-1 AE-1 and so on, are overpriced, have dodgy electronics (how long is a piece of string), and are lower quality builds. They also have the Canon squeaky shutter and broken battery compartment door problems. Both require time consuming disassembly to fix properly.
Sorry ... but your false depending on the time-metering. The yellow numbers do NOT mark the steps you need a battery for !! ... that yellow indication is to show full seconds. By the way ... 1 sec. is also driven fully electrical. So without a battery you can choose from 1/1000 down to 1/2 sek only !! Your searching for the exposure-look button .... YES you'r write ... it is that button you was confused about. So this camera is also ready for that !! And ... one more fault !! You need BOTH batteries for light-metering !! ... I tried out myself. Taking out one battery and all electronic does not work. Neither Light-Meter nor shutter.
I picked up one of these gems myself. What a wonderful camera & I agree that this camera is a keeper.
I do have a couple of additions to your commentary:
a) the focusing screen cannot be replaced by the user. Early models have the microprism screen & later models have the split image screen.
b) there is an exposure lock button (silver button next to the rewind crank).
c) the EF has a central emphasis metering pattern with less influence from the top of the frame (in landscape orientation) to properly meter when there is a bright skyline. When shooting in portrait orientation, you must meter in landscape, hold the exposure lock button, and then reframe in the portrait orientation.
d) a nice feature is that the EF has a built-in voltage regulator, so the more readily available 1.5V batteries can be used without concern. Of course, you will still need to confirm that the light meter is working correctly, as with any older camera.
I hope this helps other EF users. Yes, I know, I am a camera nerd. 📷🤓
Thanks for the additional input Chris! Its hard to get all the information from these old gems without spending to much time on them. the voltage regulator and landscape exposure are especially interesting to me. appreciate it!
This was the only FD camera by Canon that had mirror lock up during the self-timer.
@@caldera878 I missed that one. Thank you.
@@caldera878 Just checked my FTb, mirror lock up can be used with the self-timer, no problemo...
Something I would like to add, the button in the on/off switch is to avoid film advance and therefore create double exposures.
Additionally, if the lens aperture ring is set to "A", the camera operates in shutter priority mode (batteries required).
Finally, the camera is compatible with the canon 133D flash for automatic flash photography.
7:30 The switch is for Canon CAT flash system. It's used for example with Speedlite 133D flash. Same system is in Canon F1.
Ah! makes sense. much appreciated.
If I understand the manual well (can be found on butkus.org), it enables the camera to use a sort of aperture priority with dedicated flash guns when using 1/125 exclusively. It stands for „Canon Auto Tuning“, wow! What will they think of next...
Thanks been searching for that answer
Batteries are no problem as the EF can take ordinary 1.5V 625A Alkalines.
The camera regulates the voltage to work.
The EF also has a multi-exposure button in the hub of the on-off lever.
Other missed features are the self-timer, mirror lock up, stop-down metering with FL lenses and depth of field preview.
All of which are operated with the multi-lever on the front.
And it has a battery check red button on the bottom plate left hand side.
Push it to see the LED on the top plate blink rapidly to confirm good batteries.
The CAT (Canon Auto Tuning) switch on the rear left is used in the flash symbol position with
the Canon Speedlite 133D to automatically choose the right aperture with the shutter on 1/125s and
the aperture ring on "O" or "A" depending on your lens.
A very underrated camera indeed, even by this reviewer.
Would the LR44 button cell batteries be ok with this camera? And thanks for your informative comments.
@@sputumtube No, they are too narrow. I use regular PX625 /LR9 Alkaline cells.
But there are adaptors if you want to use silver oxide SR44 cells.
I find this unnecessary for this model as it regulates the voltage of ordinary 1,5 V batteries just fine. Cheers!
Great underrated camera and a hidden gem. Users are buying the AE-1 instead just based on popularity but the EF is nearly half the price.
Exactly!
I never heard of the EF until a few months back. Heard a lot about the F1 for years. I think they're over priced as well.
F1 is definitely overpriced. It’s funny I searched for canon Ef and all I got was modern “ef” lenses. Had to add film camera to get better results
@@graham_white I had the same experience.
"Exposure lock" is that little silver button on the LH side.
The exposure lock button is the small silver one on the left top side. Meter the important parts and press the button, hold it, recompose and shoot...
You can use normal 1,5V button cells of the same size, since the EF has an interior voltage stabilisation circuit build in. Nice side effect: the metering systems works from -20°C up to 30°C correctly...
I am so happy for this video. I saw your older video where u said this one is your favourite (in the end). Because of it i bought this black beauty to my wife for her 28 birthday! She likes it pretty much.Thx for great content.
Thats awesome! Im glad it helped out Karel, appreciate the support.
One of my favourite camera's! Had 2 over the years. Found a mint one (cost more than $20) that I'll keep forever.
Those are always the best.
You're right. Not a lot of talk about this camera. I bought one of these a month ago, but the meter didn't work. I loved the look and feel of it, and I wanted to use it. So, I looked around for a technician that would work on it. Not so easy. The conventional wisdom is technicians don't like to work on it because it is hard to repair, especially the electronics, and parts are scarce. I went virtually coast to coast with rejections until I found Vermont Camera Works. They said they could repair it for $78. Yeah! After I sent it to Vermont for an estimate, I saw one on ebay, so I bought that with a 50mm FD 1.8 for a little over $100. Great. So, now I'll have two.
Nice! Yeah that’s the sad part is it costs more to repair these than they are worth most often. So bodies end up getting trashed etc 😕 camera still works great without a meter though
@@graham_white I couldn't trash it even if it didn't work. It looks good on the shelf.
I've got two canon AE -1 PROGRAM cameras and love them both an i have been thinking of getting an EF . LOVE THE VIDEOS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
Thanks Jason! Canon has a solid lineup for sure.
Just found your video. Great content and overall review. Been using Canon since the mid 70’s. Now using 5D mkii, but still have my A-1 and just bought an EF to which I’m looking forward to using.
Thanks! I still use the 5d mkii for some projects. Such a solid stills cam
Hey Graham, nice beard & hairstyle 😆 The EF is really interesting and I have never seen it before in a video. As long I didn't need a self-defense weapon I keep my Canon A1. 😀Photos are pretty cool. 👍
... we look scary alike. Haha. The A1 is nice. I just don’t like relying on batteries otherwise the smaller size of the A1 would be more appealing to me. Thanks for the support! 😊
At one point I had 5 AE1+Ps - 2 since given away. Have recently purchased an EF and await its arrival - terrific presentation, thanks.
Thanks! Appreciate it
Exposure lock is the silver button on the top. Definitely my favorite Canon fd body
Also halfway through their run they got an updated focusing screen with a split image
@@northcentralmn6453 thats a big help. and thanks on the Exposure lock! forgot about that little button
Even to this day I always questioned Canon about their rather uncomfortable position of the EF's exposure lock button. The EF's successor, the Canon AE-1 is considerably more ergonomic placed to near the lens mount rather on the top cover.
The canon no one talks about is the T70. I bought mine new in 1984 and it's still going strong. It replaced the AE1 Program in canon's line up and was the last manual focus only SLR camera canon released. It had an in body motor drive and ran on two AA batteries. Official camera of the 1984 Olympics. Dog ugly though.
T70 was an underated camera, which deserves much more popularity. The last original manual camera was the T90....best camera in my opinion, if it had not the EEE shutter syndrome. The last camera Canon released with the FD mount was the T60. It was manufactured by Cosina with the Canon FD mirrorbox.
@@ingowalkerling5141 I had both the T-60 and the T-90. I still have the T-90, but sadly I sold the T-60. I appreciated how the T-60 could be used as aperture preferred or as a match-LED manual. Most of the automatic exposure FD cameras don't give you a good metered manual.
I have one, and I adore it for the reasons you mention.
Agreed!
I like the video. Yes, great camera, and yes, built like a tank. I got mine back in the mid 1990's, and it still works great. I use it as my back up camera to my T90 ( another great camera. I think it's the best film camera Canon ever made ).
How do you like the t90? No issues as far as build quality or electronics? Thanks for sharing!
Hmmm. ISO/ASA selector, perhaps tweak that for exposure compensation when the lens is in "A" shutter priority mode???
Yes very easy workaround. Honestly the more I think about it I wonder why companies didn’t just incorporate that language into the iso/asa dial and save themselves the extra work. I guess your limited depending on your asa settings but still.
Just got this camera and am so stoked to use it but also I'm realizing I paid way too much for it... 🙃😢
Great content and I really enjoy my black Canon EF as well.
Im looking at grabbing up an EF currently. Have used all the "A's".
You nailed exactly why I want the EF. Mechanical body that doesn't need the batteries. Bummer about the focusing screen.
What's your preferred b+w film?? Have a favorite?
Honestly I think it’s my favorite canon camera. Lately I’ve been shooting different variations of FOMOpan and I really like the contrast with that. Ilford is a good staple
The AE lock is the chrome button on the left of the prism.
Love the vid! Very well structured and educational. You clearly know how to take really good journalistic photos in b&w. I got the EF gifted to me from my grandma when she bought it new and didn’t really use it so it’s practically new. The batteries you can easily get at batteries plus bulbs and are actually cheap compared to others.
I’ve been using this camera with 400iso black and white film and a 24mm F2.8 and I love it.
Keep making vids! Just subscribed I love the work and positivity you have! 📸
Nice! hard to get many of these in that kind of condition anymore, And I love shooting the wide at 24 so thats definitely a great setup. Thanks for the support Spencer! appreciate it.
I don't have the EF (yet) but I do have both the FTb and first version F-1, both built on the same chassis as this I think. And when it comes to build quality I can only agree; you could easily knock out an elephant with these bricks. I absolutely love them and would also get rid of my AE1P before the other two. The FTb is probably my all time favorite camera to be honest.
I have bought FTb as a backup to my A1, and now I started wondering which one should be on fact a secondary one :D
I own this camera for 1,5 years now. I saw it likr 2 years ago at a camera fair and never heard of it. Read about it at home and found it a rather interesting camera. Next show some months later i suddenly saw Canon EF everywhere and bought one for €30
I don't know why one would pay 3-4 times more for an AE-1. What i really do like on this camera compared to the A-1 is that you'll always see the expose settings, at the A-1 you need to half press the shutter trigger to activate the led display.
Compared to the Canon F-1 the shutter is completely different ( Copal square shutter) and the metering is also different.
Agreed. All good points
It's very easy to forget to switch the camera off which causes batteries to run out very quickly. Other than that - tank of a camera!
I am usually not much a person who comments, but just loved the video. I do not know if you still reply or look as your video is over 2 years old. I am a fan of the old Canon TX. My first SLR was a Bell and Howell FD 35 (which was a Canon TX). I was going to comment that I heard the Canon EF is regulated so modern batteries will work. I see others have already did that. I have many cameras and my latest is the Nikon F, no 1 included!! The camera is totally mechanical, but the photomatic light meter takes the old mercury 1.3 batteries. I am going to add the diode to allow 1.55 volt batteries. One question...What light meter do you recommend? I never had one, but if I get a Canon EF and do not install batteries, I need some way to set exposures. The old meters use the pain in the butt 1.3 batteries. I would like to get a new light meter, but do not want to spend over $100 for one. Any recommendations other than don't be so cheap? Thanks again and really enjoy all your videos.
Thanks Bob! There are several phone apps that work great and spot meters I couldn't even tell you were to start depending on budget. if you want an on camera meter TTartisons or keks are good options but those measure at a specific point which can very depending on what focal length you are using but are solid options.
@@graham_white Thanks for the reply Graham. I am patient and it usually pays off. I found an American made Vivitar light meter. Does reflective and incident light readings and best of all, uses a 9 volt battery. I didn't have much luck with the phone app meters. But, that is just me. Many like them. Thanks again for the awesome videos. The Canon EF is on my radar, but have to wait for a bargain.
@@bobk2974anytime! glad you found something. Ya I don't prefer phone meters because I just dont' trust them fully, but in a pinch they can be helpful.
If this is your favorite consider the last iteration of the FT, the FTb-QL. Less cluttered than the EF. If I was in a "hurry" I"d appreciate the EF's auto-exposure, but batteries aren't practical with either today so that's kinda a non-feature overall.
You can shoot without batteries from 1/2000th up to 1/2 second....and with sunny 16 instead of the light meter.
FTb has the mercury battery problem, but the EF handles it better with its voltage regulator.
Thank you for this video, Graham.
Thanks for checking it out!
There IS an exposure lock button, right next to the iso dial. Its in an awkward spot though.
The really good Canon FD camera is the T90. It was the king of ergonomics in the Canon world until quite recently.
Not a fan of the look or the plastic body but that the grip does like it feels good in the hand.
Apart from A1 and F1 there are plenty other orpiond for FB mount. I bought FTb as a fuck up camera in case my A1 got sick, and I must say that I instantly fell in love with this full mechanical camera. And those less known cameras are still dirt cheap.
Those FTbs are sleepers for sure. They just don’t “look cool” so I think they are overlooked.
@@graham_white yeah, that black finnish on F1 or A1 makes them stnad out. FTbs looks like every other camera and are easy to miss.
I've owned 2 EFs and i think they are brilliant. Great video!
You missed some features but everything else war really acurate.
This camera is really underrated and its one of my favorite.
Also the thing with the batteries is not true I've used mine for
year and a half (considering this is my main camera) and i think
they will last a lot more if you don't forget to turn it off.
Thanks for sharing! I personally never use batteries so I can't say anything with certainty. Yeah I try not to get to carried away with every feature since most people tend to leave quickly haha. appreciate it!
😉👍 the Canon EF is my favorit in my line up too , if i see another one for sale i will grab it .
And yes you can use if for selfdefence if needed 😄
I held my tongue in the last video you called the Nikon F an F1 but it’s what makes you, you. lol
Great reminder about the EF! I”d forgotten about its F1 foundation!
Lol. I mess it up every time. Thanks man! Ya it’s definitely a solid body
Hi…great video.. at I ask you ,are your photos anyhow edited on computer/phone before they are shown in your videos? Thank you….
Thanks Dan! I usually do very minor edits on my film photos in Lightroom. Just adjusting contrast and maybe hue/temps. All on desktop, I’ll occasionally do phone edits for social
The Canon EF is a brilliant analogue camera from the pre-AF era. Professional photographers used to buy the F1 as their primary body and the EF as a backup camera. And it was for them that these cameras were designed. The professional photographer knows how to set the exposure, and often uses manual mode for repeatability and the intended effect on the image. The lack of aperture priority is no disadvantage, just think how shutter priority mode works. You look in the viewfinder, you have some time set, the camera suggests an aperture value by itself. What does a professional photographer do? Looking into the viewfinder all the time with his right hand, he selects a different time and observes whether the proposed aperture will be appropriate. Photojournalists often had to take fast pictures and, for them, time priority was simply more important than aperture priority.
This camera has everything a professional photographer needs. New designs have, of course, introduced many conveniences (for example, a fully automatic programme, or subject programmes), but these are not essential things for a good photographer.
It is not true that inserting a 1.5V alkaline battery causes a different light meter reading. This camera will set the voltage level anyway so that the light metering works by reference.
The trigger and viewfinder are excellent, the whole tension mechanism, the solid construction, the appropriate weight - these are the essential advantages of this model. It is a pity that it was so short in production. This is probably also why it is less well known.
Hey Graham, totally unrelated, but since you're a camera repair guy - do you have any experience with rangefinders (as in, those old coldshoe accesories by Kodak, Voigtlander etc.)? I just got one from ebay for my old folder, of course it's totally out of alignment, and I can't even figure out how to open that darn thing!
depends on the brand. but rangefinders aren't overly complicated to re-aline. just requires some tweaking of adjusting screws and setting proper distance. Ive done it before with a few other models.
@@graham_white Yeah, my particular model doesn't even seem to have screws though.... :D It's a Kodak, actually the one they use in this video (but don't talk about)...ruclips.net/video/mydIbgAQ_OA/видео.html
My only theory is that the screws to open/adjust it are either painted over below the black stuff or under the wheel (which I don't know how to get off either).
Este modelo es uno de esos que su electrónica no se hizo para resistir el paso del tiempo y es muy difícil encontrar una que funcione bien porque el sensor del fotometro se deshace
Just sanning a roll of Ilford Delta 100, I ran through my Canon EF. This camera is a sleeper in the Canon FD line up.
For sure!
Hey, your photos(as the samples) they lookvery well, and sharp though. was it post made? Thanks for the video
Thanks Dennis! These were not touched in post really. I try not to for videos just so you can see how it actually looks for film straight from camera
Other than the battery thing, what does an EF offer me than my Canon A-1 doesn't?🤔
the A-1 has more fully automatic features. the EF was considered a more "pro" level camera so it is mainly automatic and offers a lot of shutter speeds under 1 second that you couldn't get on the A line without a cable release. I think the viewfinder setup is slightly different as well but off the top of my head I can't remember the exact difference there.
I was an Canon ae1 and a1 guy until I bought a very old nikon F with the black stripped off I shot the crap out of it and keeps going . The light Meter works sometimes I also have f2 and f3t all I think are great but you already know that
The f3T. Man what a beauty, a friend of mine just stumbled upon one for dirt cheap. Love the f line. I personally have to many f and F2 bodies. I do prefer them over the canon line. But idk I like using the Ef at times, maybe just the different feel it has I guess.
Love this camera!
agreed, not a common one to come by.
Would look so good solid brass... Ha, saw this older video and had to drop this here too. Cheers.
Haha
That smudge was on my side.
Lol
I actually owned two of them in the 80's.
great camera for sure
Had my EF since 1978. Took it back out in the spring of 2020 (pandemic months) and has since shot a few rolls with it. Works as well as the day I bought it (used). But, if anybody knows, for sure, where to get PX625 silver oxide batteries, I'd love to hear where. Because of the voltage regulator, a battery type who's voltage doesn't drop, like the alkalines do, would be perfect for this camera.
Thanks Peter, I agree it’s a great camera with a solid reliable build. There’s another comment below with a gentleman who bought batteries from China. I’m sure he says buough higher quality one somewhere else if you would like to ask.
Hi buy a battery adaptor . It takes a1.5v battery down to 1.35v . You sit the 1.5v battery into the adaptor . The best solution by far . Slick no hassle solution .
You can use regular alkaline 625A batteries. The camera will regulate the voltage correctly.
Cool camera im definitely more of a pentax fan but still a fun çamera
Pentax are great along with the glass. The ME Super is a fun camera but I wish they had another model I was really into. k1000 is very reliable also.
I picked this up at an antique store for $14 which also came with a Vivitar zoom lens lol
Quick question if anyone knows: if I wanted to use these lenses on my Sony E mount then would the adapter be FD to E mount?
Solid pickup! And yes as long as the lens is an fd that’s what you want. If you have the old fl mount that has the twist attachment you may have issues and need a different mount.
I don't like the way the light meter works on manual, it's too chaotic and not very flexible, I kinda regret not reading further about the way it measures exposition
I’ve always used external meters but got to know
@@graham_white which one you got? Do You measure incidental or reflected light?
Hi, I've got a question. Maybe someone can help me here. I've got a Canon EF, installed fresh 1.5V batteries. Everything is working fine, but the LED is always shining a bit. Even when the camera is "off".
Hmm. The led in the outside or in the viewfinder? If it’s a battery check led I suppose the button could be stuck. That or something similar with viewfinder. It takes the old Mercury batteries so I know choosing replacements can be tricky on how they react depending on the camera model
@@graham_white Thanks for your answer. Yes it's the outside LED. It shines brighter when I press the battery check button, so maybe there's just a slight contact when the button is in its released position.
Quite possible, or there’s a short. You can always send it off to get looked at
wow nice camera..
Can you get & do a review on ATG's Canon New F-1 High Speed Motor Drive Camera?
This is truly the camera that no one talks about. Then later come ATG's Canon EOS-1VHS II.
Ha. Would love to but hard to justify such an expense right now.
@@graham_white So true.
Beside the advantage of the F1 & EF are that they are both mechanical cameras.
Notes
F-1 not to be confused with the new F1 & ATG's New F-1 High Speed Motor Drive Drive.
The F-1 series have interchangeable finders.
The built on the EF is very close to the F-1, made for the serious amateurs & semi-pros.
While the A-1 & AL-1 & AE series have ATG initial (ATG/Canon first real popular plastic bodies)
I get that you don't want to get stuck without necessary batteries, but when a battery runs out you will have to replace it. So, why don't you keep spare batteries in a refrigerator and take them & spare film in a small ice box or esky with your other gear and then you will never run out.
Even if you're showing a camera I wouldn't care to own your vids. are always a good spot for some education. Thanks.
Thanks a lot Tom! Appreciate you sticking around haha. Hoping to switch it up a bit soon with a variety of subjects
Manual is the only mode you need.
Agreed.
Good
Five out of what?
The later examples of this camera seem to have split prism focusing. If you want a Canon film camera best stick to the pro-level ones: Ft, Ftb, EF and the three versions of the of the F-1. None of these are battery dependant. The consumer cameras of this generation, A-1 AE-1 and so on, are overpriced, have dodgy electronics (how long is a piece of string), and are lower quality builds. They also have the Canon squeaky shutter and broken battery compartment door problems. Both require time consuming disassembly to fix properly.
- It's not too great to get pointing fingers right into your face... 😢
ITS NIKON.. NOT NAIKON 😫😫
🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Shabaz, pronounce Connecticut. Didn't think so. Cut some slack.
Nikon not Nickon
Sorry ... but your false depending on the time-metering.
The yellow numbers do NOT mark the steps you need a battery for !! ... that yellow indication is to show full seconds.
By the way ... 1 sec. is also driven fully electrical. So without a battery you can choose from 1/1000 down to 1/2 sek only !!
Your searching for the exposure-look button .... YES you'r write ... it is that button you was confused about. So this camera is also ready for that !!
And ... one more fault !! You need BOTH batteries for light-metering !! ... I tried out myself. Taking out one battery and all electronic does not work. Neither Light-Meter nor shutter.
@@northof-62 What on hell does your writing correspond to mine ... so you left it as a direkt answer to my statement.