sandgroper Loc: WESTERN AUSTRALIA

sandgroper
new user

Joined: Mar 13, 13
Messages: 4
Feedback: 0/0.0%
Location: WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Online

I still own (but haven't used for some time) a Canon A-1 SLR. Love it still, but for the last few years have been using a bridge Canon (Powershot S5IS), with varying degrees of frustration. I find the menus slow and frustrating (too lazy to learn the many menus by heart) and they don't let me take control of the situation as I would like-as I did with my A-1. Basically I like to operate in manual mode, especially manual focusing.

Now it's time to buy a DSLR and I'm wondering if I can still use my old lenses. I seek your opinions please. I have a Sigma 75-300mm f1:4.5-5.6 zoom and a Sigma 28-56mm f3.5 macro/zoom lens. They are nowhere near as sharp and true as the Rokkor lenses on my old Minolta (stolen), though I got used to them, but they're fine for my current aspirations!

My questions are (1) can these lenses still be used on any DSLRs? (2) could they be adapted to a 4/3 camera, as I like the idea of less bulk? and (3) if yes to either of the above what would you recommend? I'm looking for a camera up to or around $1000, that lets me operate it manually, and I don't need too many frills, or video capability.

Thanks all.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I think not.
If they fit the A-1 they will be FD mount.
The Canon digital SLR are EF and EF-S mounts.

Also Sigmas have come a long way in the last 20 years and those lenses might be a little "ordinary".


The A-1 accepts any lens with the Canon FD breech lock mount (introduced in 1971) or Canon New FD pseudo-bayonet mount (sometimes called the FDn mount, introduced 1979). This excludes all of Canon's EF bayonet mount autofocus lenses (introduced in 1987).

Edit coming

Let me reanswer after reading your post properly.
Yes they can fit current Canon DSR with an FD to EF adaptor.
If you do this you lose autofocus (i think) and possibly auto aperture - someone else will know for sure.

I do not know if there are FD to 4/3 adaptors. There probably are.

My advice would be to forget them and buy a new DSLR with 2 kit lenses for under $1000.
Here is a retail example. There are other options but this is pretty good bang for buck and a great sensor in the camera.

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/nikon-d5100-dslr-with-18-55mm-55-300mm-vr-lenses.html

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

You can use FD mount lenses on the Canon DSLRs if you purchase an adapter. But, everything, including focus, will be manual. I wouldn't recommend it. The new EF lenses are so much more advanced.

sandgroper Loc: WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Thanks for your input lighthouse. Manual focus is what I want, but I note what else you have said too-particularly the sensor! If I read you right you're saying that the kit lenses with Nikon d5100 would be a long way better than my old Sigmas-yes? And that I could retain full manual control over the other key parameters (ie aperture, shutter speed) with that camera, without constantly having to re-set to manual?

sandgroper Loc: WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Like what you're saying about everything being manual jeepdaddy but note the downside with those old lenses too. I wonder if I can hire lenses to compare image quality of the new vs the old. Will follow up on that with some of the retailers here.
Thanks