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Across the Fence:  35 mm Camera....  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 3:07:20 PM
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Found a 35 mm Canon AE-1 (vintage)at the thrift yesterday with film still inside it along with a fine camera strap (embroidered and leather) so on Monday I will take it to our local camera store to see if it still works and what it will cost to clean it up. The lens is not scratched at all-someone took great care with this one.
Just wondering girls, does any out there shoot with a 35-mm?
I would love to know how to use it in the most basic terms until I can take a class in the spring.
Melody
Farmgirl #525
Stock photo
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 3:59:10 PM
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Nice find Melody! Good luck with it. I dont use a 35 mm any longer, have made the transition to digital- but have fun with it!
Smiles,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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MEWolf
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Margaret
Byers
Colorado
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 4:00:23 PM
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I do, inherited my Daddy's camera. My fav is shooting B&W of nature and animals.
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
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JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 4:35:44 PM
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15 years ago I used a camera a lot like that one in college for a photography course. I'm so used to digital now, though, I don't think I could go back! It should be really fun to see what is on the film once you get it developed...kind of like a bonus buy!
Jessie Mae
Farmgirl Sisterhood #134 |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 4:39:00 PM
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I have used digital cameras for years, but never a 35mm. I like the "heft" of this one!
I am curious too about the undeveloped film!
Melody |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 5:02:38 PM
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My daughter has the same camera, she got it from her late G/ma , she used it in High school Photo class. She still has it, and if not for the weight, she would still use it on her backpacking/hikeing/camping trips she goes on out in the wilderness. She's modern now with a digital...Melody, as far as I'm concerned, you got a true treasure, it will be interesting to know if there are pics on the film left inside, and if so, of what...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 5:31:27 PM
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I like to putter around with 35mm...what do you need?
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 5:35:56 PM
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Thanks Alyce! After I find out if it is a workable camera can I get back to you about BASICS? All those knobs--It's very confusing-Sheesh! I have no clue how to use the thing. I hope it's in working order;I'd never be able to afford to buy a brand new one!
Melody |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 5:41:41 PM
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I would bet that if you go to the Cannon website, you would be able to download a handbook on that camera still, they still take great pride in them...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13645 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13645 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2012 : 6:11:53 PM
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Melody,
I have an Olympus and I would still use it but it's not working properly any longer. But I have used it A LOT and I loved it! It makes me sad it no longer works, but I do have to admit there is nothing more convenient than a digital.
I'm guessing that since you don't know the age of the film, and if you try to take some pics of anything that you want to print, I'd rewind the film and have it processed to see what's on it and just put a new roll in. Many folks will tell you their film preference, but I prefer Fujifilm 200. The number is the speed of the film . . most typical, everyday use is 100 or 200.
Like Tina says, you can probably download a manual . . or go to your library to get some info on how to use it. It IS a treasure and if it works you should have some fun with it.
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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KathyC
True Blue Farmgirl
583 Posts
Kathy
Gastonia
NC
USA
583 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 10:59:32 AM
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Nice camera, makes me want to get my old Minolta out. My daughter has an old Nikon that she likes a lot better than our new modern stuff. If you learn how the aperture (or f-stops), shutter speed, and light meter all work together the rest is fun. Here is site that will explain the very basics http://www.guidetofilmphotography.com/film-camera-functions.html Black & white will always be my favorite.
Have fun.
Kathy |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 1:40:31 PM
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I am soooo bummed....
I took the camera to a camera shop and he rather roughly took my camera and proceeded to lecture me about the merits of "digital" as opposed to the vintage cameras. I really don't think he knew too much about what he was doing although he stated he had been with the store since 1982-regardless I thought he was extremely pushy.
Any whoo---Apparently there is something wrong with the "aperature." When I asked him if I could still take pictures he said "Sure, but they won't turn out Ha...Ha..." He said he couldn't repair it there were no parts anymore and then tried to sell me a very expensive digital. I thanked him and left. I didn't even leave the roll of film I had brought along to have him develop it. Oh...the little battery still worked and everything else clicked and hummed nicely.
I was really hoping the old girl still had some life in her because somebody took great care with her and kept her in tip top shape for many years...
Melody
Farmgirl #525
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 3:23:44 PM
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I would take it to someone else, or go to Canons website and see if they will repair it, then you know for sure it will be done properly...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13645 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13645 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 3:31:34 PM
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Melody,
I had a very similar thing happen here years ago when I wanted something to help me with a issue with another 35mm. The guy so TOTALLY did NOT know anything although he claimed he was the "expert". I left . . . I believe I ended up sending it to an Olympus specialist.
The guy you took it to clearly doesn't know, doesn't want to know, doesn't want to try to help you.
I agree about trying to go through Canon.
Maybe try to take pics with the film in it and see what you get??
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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KathyC
True Blue Farmgirl
583 Posts
Kathy
Gastonia
NC
USA
583 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 7:48:02 PM
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Melody,
It has been several years since I had my hands on a 35mm but you can look to see if the aperture is working. I hope I have this right, but..
open up the back of the camera a look through the lens (with out a lens cap of course) and turn the ring that controls the aperture or the f stops, I think it it the ring on the lens that is closest to the camera body. You should be able to see the aperture open and close as you rotate the ring. The higher the number on the ring the small the aperture.
I had a problem with my old Minolta and even though the factory would not repair it because of the age they did refer me to someone that did fix it.
Also my daughter took her old Nikon to a very large camera store and the guy that looked at it, and said he had been there for a very long time, didn't seem to know what he was talking about. We did not leave her camera.
Hope it works for you.
Kathy |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 7:55:02 PM
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The aperture works. The guy was showing me how it was opening and closing...but he said it did not close all of the way. Everything inside the camera is unbelievably clean and the battery worked and then of course there was the film. DH said that we should go back and talk to the older gentleman who owns the store. I just happened to land the the dude who wanted very badly to sell me a very expensive camera and I knew the minute he opened his mouth I was in trouble. I am itching to see what is on the film, but I was so mad that I just took my camera and left the shop. I am not going to give up!!
Mel |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 8:35:48 PM
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Melody, if the aperture works but doesn't close all the way that seems like you should still be able to use it...to a certain extent. I'd give it a try. Assuming that I'm understanding this correctly, you should be able to take pictures with a wide open aperture (lots of light coming in). That's the smaller numbers on the fstop knob, higher numbers on film speed. Definitely learn how the light meter works. You'll want to focus on specific objects rather than trying to take full landscape pictures with everything in equal focus. See how far you can go before the aperture stops working!
I learned photography on my husband's old Minolta cameras that looked very much like yours. I'm no expert but once you get the basics down you can do a lot. And a lot of those basics cross over into digital SLR cameras, so you won't regret your experience with the film camera if you later trade up. But you might have trouble finding places that still develop film.
One thing to look for would be community centers or schools that offer photography classes. Somebody there might give you some advice on your camera. For instance, here in Rochester we have the Community Darkroom.
I hope you look into this further and let us know what happens!
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craftingram
True Blue Farmgirl
526 Posts
Karin
Nashville
In
USA
526 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 8:47:17 PM
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I agree, try and find someone else to check out the camera. I don't think this guy knew what he was talking about. I have two digital cameras; one is a Sony Cyber Shot, the other is a Canon 35mm. I prefer the Canon. I also have a Canon EOS Rebel that uses film and I have to admit it's my favorite. Digital pictures are great, but I think the Canon film ones are the best. If you can get the camera working properly you probably can get an instruction manual for it online. Good luck.
Karin
Farmgirl #2708
Romans 8: 38,39 |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 08:47:54 AM
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Nice Camera. I would rather take pictures with that kind of camera.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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Across the Fence: 35 mm Camera.... |
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35 mm Camera....
