Keep the Canon A1 I bought way back when or...
Aug 19, 2012 00:50:02 #
When I was in the Navy way back when, I bought a Canon A1. Now many years later it is obviously a lot older and needs an overhaul. I know that will be well over a couple hundred dollars or so. My question is, should I go that route or just go on ebay and by a used one that is less money and in probably better shape than mine is?
I tend to be a bit nostalgic, so that is the reason for my uncertainty. I have a lot of unshot film so want to use it up. All suggestions welcomed. Cheers.
I tend to be a bit nostalgic, so that is the reason for my uncertainty. I have a lot of unshot film so want to use it up. All suggestions welcomed. Cheers.
Aug 19, 2012 01:06:42 #
Considering that outfits like KEH have A1 bodies in excellent plus shape for $150, it doesn't make much sense to overhaul yours. I spent over $100 almost ten years ago to overhaul mine. I kept shooting film until 2 years ago when I got a full frame DSLR and haven't picked up a film camera since. (and I still have a few dozen rolls of film in the fridge) Good luck whatever you choose. :-)
Aug 19, 2012 01:39:38 #
I'd say Uncle's got it nailed. If you get one from KEH you get a warrenty and 30 day exchange or money back.
I understand the nostalgia thing, but my motto has always been: Don't love something that won't love you back. It's just a thang (sic.).
I understand the nostalgia thing, but my motto has always been: Don't love something that won't love you back. It's just a thang (sic.).
Aug 19, 2012 08:35:38 #
I always said ' If you love something or someone let them go free '
If they don't come back in 30 days - hunt them down and kill them.
Sarge
If they don't come back in 30 days - hunt them down and kill them.
Sarge
Aug 19, 2012 08:45:37 #
sarge69 wrote:
I always said ' If you love something or someone let them go free '
If they don't come back in 30 days - hunt them down and kill them.
Sarge
If they don't come back in 30 days - hunt them down and kill them.
Sarge
Now THAT'S tough love!!! I sure don't want to get on your bad side. :lol:
Aug 20, 2012 05:46:51 #
does it really need an overhaul? if you buy a used one it may be as old as yours.i bought mine in the 70s and it's still going strong.if you stick around til 2038 i might give it to you on my 100th b-day.
Aug 20, 2012 08:48:05 #
Aug 20, 2012 09:10:55 #
If it needs anything, it will be light seals and a battery. There are a couple of guys on ebay that sell seal kits with instructions and it is really easy to do it yourself. There is also a camera store on ebay that will do it for $40.00. I had a Minolta SRT100 that I bought in 1975 overhauled in 2000 for $125.00, now I do it myself for other people that have light leaks. If you aren't having light leaks there is really nothing wrong with your camera, keep shooting, you will be glad you did!
Aug 20, 2012 14:53:50 #
sabrejet wrote:
I have one, 1.4 lens, power winder, very good cond. I sell for $50.00 + s&h.
Hi Sabrejet,
I would be interested in your offer. PM me. Cheers.
Aug 20, 2012 14:57:43 #
fhayes wrote:
If it needs anything, it will be light seals and a battery. There are a couple of guys on ebay that sell seal kits with instructions and it is really easy to do it yourself. There is also a camera store on ebay that will do it for $40.00. I had a Minolta SRT100 that I bought in 1975 overhauled in 2000 for $125.00, now I do it myself for other people that have light leaks. If you aren't having light leaks there is really nothing wrong with your camera, keep shooting, you will be glad you did!
It has the famous Canon Squeak, needs new foams, and when you open the back, the counter doesn't reset to zero. Plus it needs a good cleaning inside and lube. I have never had the guts to clean inside other than with a blow bulb.
I thank everyone for their suggestions. Depending on what Sabrejet says, If I don't buy his, I'll probably go the keh route. Then I might try putting in the other stuff myself. Heck, I might get lucky and do it right! :-) Cheers.
Aug 20, 2012 21:25:38 #
jackfarrell
Loc: Fairfield, CT
I did the same thing. Had an A-1, used it a lot, had it completely re-furbished. Tried to sell it, couln't get more than $100. I donated it to the local high school photography class. Got more satisfaction from that than the $100.00 would have given me.
Aug 20, 2012 21:40:47 #
ArnieA
Loc: BC,Canada
I have an A1 and I retired it. I now own a T3I and I love it. It does somanny more things. Retire your Cannon and buy a new one. You will never regret it.
Arnie
Arnie
Aug 20, 2012 23:29:40 #
ArnieA wrote:
I have an A1 and I retired it. I now own a T3I and I love it. It does somanny more things. Retire your Cannon and buy a new one. You will never regret it.
Arnie
Arnie
Hi Arnie,
I have a Canon 40d and some lenses. I love it too! I just have a lot of film left, so wanted to shoot some of it up. Hence the need of a functioning camera. :-) Cheers.
Aug 21, 2012 01:45:57 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
For light seals Jon Goodman is your man. Email JGood21967@aol.com
Jul 8, 2019 21:58:38 #
jackfarrell
Loc: Fairfield, CT
I had the same problem. Got my Canon A-1 refurbished for $125 and tried to sell it could not get an offer over $100.
I donated it to the local high school's photography class.
I donated it to the local high school's photography class.
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