Cameras/AE-1
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Question
Hi
I have a Canon AE-1 with a FD 50mm 1:1.8 lens. I've had it for over 30 years or more. Can you tell me it's worth? Also I have a Sunpak Auto522 Thyristor Flash. When I'm using this flash should I set the camera on 60 or 30 when using 400 speed kodak color film
Hello Sydney,
There must have been something wrong with the AllExperts system this week because I just got your question today! So without any further delay...
The Canon AE-1 is a super little camera. Introduced in 1976 and staying in production for something like 15 years. it may be the best selling 35mm single-lens-reflex camera in history! Despite the large numbers always available for sale, it maintains a much higher resale value than the many comparable models produced during that time by other manufacturers. A truly excellent example with the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens can still sell in the $150 to $225 range. As for flash, no matter what film you are using, always set the camera at 1/60. That is the fastest speed at which the shutter is wide open when the flash fires. It will probably work at a slower speed, but you run the risk of having blurred "ghost" images from the extra unnecessary time the shutter remains open.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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