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Question

Used Canon DSLR for old SLR lenses

Jun 21, 2011 3:12PM PDT

I've been looking around and learning about cameras lately, and my dad has told me that he has some Canon film SLR lenses from the 70's when he was into photography in high school. From what I've read on the internet, those lenses are still compatible with today's Canon digital SLRs, even though you might have to get an adapter and something about a focal length conversion. This leads me to think that I might be able to get a used Cannon body from a few years back for super cheap to use with these lenses and end up with a camera not too far from today's entry level DSLRs. Is there a flaw in this logic?

I did a quick Amazon search and ended up with a list of yesterday's used cameras. It looks like I can get a kind of awesome camera for around $300 or less if I miss out on some modern features like HD video filming and deal with using an archaic memory card. Are the sensors or anything else significantly worse in these older cameras?

Let me know if I'm completely off base. I'm an amateur photographer, so that could very well be the case.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Not worth it
Jun 22, 2011 12:16AM PDT

Apparently there are adapters that would allow you to mount old Canon lenses on EOS bodies, but they are either cheap and nasty, or expensive and work okay but not great. IMO you're better off getting a used or refurbished DSLR with lens. You can get a factory refurbished Canon XS with lens for $400 direct from Canon...you even get a 90 warranty!

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Answer
Old lenses for Canon
Jun 22, 2011 12:38AM PDT

I am guessing your Dad has a Canon AE1 with a FD lens mount.
I used one for 45 years.
The FD lens mount is not compatible with todays Digital Cameras/lenses.

You can find adapters but they have many problems.
Not recommended.

The Canon Digital SLR cameras use a EF lens mount and accepts any EOS lens.
EOS lenses have electronic focus motors inside the lens.

Here is a look at the Current EOS (EF lens mount) Canon lenses:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup

Your Dad probably use a 50mm (non zoom) lens most of all.
You can buy such a lens (new) for digital cameras for around $80.
You can buy a (new) zoom lens for digital cameras around $150.

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Aw man.
Jun 22, 2011 3:11AM PDT

You're right snapshot2, he did have an AE1! That's disappointing to hear about those lenses, but I suppose it is what it is. I'm definintely considering refurbished cameras too. Is that a much better idea than buying a used one? I'd like to ask questions like "Nikon or Canon?", but I know that wouldn't get anywhere. Are there any specific entry level models that are fantastic? Any that should be avoided? I'd love to have a few hints as to what to look at. Features aren't a big deal to me, although HD video would be nice. I'm mainly just looking for something that's pleasing and rewarding to use as a regular digital camera.

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Older DSLR
Jun 22, 2011 1:10PM PDT

You are right, never ask Canon or Nikon.
The Canon owners say Canon.
The Nikon owners say Nikon.
But that is a good thing, because it proves they are both excellent.

The only old DSLR I would avoid is the first Rebel by Canon. (Model 300D)
Canon disabled many features by altering the firmware.
A dumb idea because a smart Russian was able to enable most of the features by fiddling with the firmware.
Many people loaded the Russian firmware into their 300D.
But ... once you did that you could not go back to the original firmware.
Canon learned their lesson and never did that again.

All of the older DSLR camera do not have video.
And they do not have a live view LCD screen.
You use the through-the-lens optical viewfinder for taking pictures.
You only use the LCD for viewing pictures you have taken and for viewing the menu.
In my opinion the optical viewfinder is far superior to a LCD for taking pictures.

For purchase of a used camera you should also check any local Camera Store.
They take trade-ins and usually guarantee any used camera they sell.

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