MoriahV Loc: Texas

Every camera I've used in the past has been digital and didn't require film. So I wanted to experiment with a film camera, and now I have it and I'm totally lost on how to use it. :/ Help please!

busted_shutter

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Very simple camera to use. I would recommend downloading the PDF as already mentioned. Be sure to keep the lens (lenses) set to the "A" setting to begin with to make it simple. The camera will adjust the lens aperture according to the light, ISO/ASA selected/and shutter speed if you're not in full Program mode. In Program mode the camera sets shutter speed and aperture. The display will keep you aware of what's going on. A great camera. Have fun. When loading, when the film is threaded and you close he back take up the slack in the film canister by turning the rewind knob in the proper direction (clockwise) until you feel some tension. Then when you "waste" a couple of shots to get rid of the exposed leader make sure you notice the rewind knob turns. If so you know the leader did not slip out. :thumbup:

elie Loc: France

Moriah, if you don't have a manual, go search for The Camera Manual Library, www.buktus.org
AE1 was my camera in the eighties,served me well. there are some great FD mount lenses.

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

And some bargains on FD's. :thumbup:

murm Loc: Adelaide, Australia

Great camera in there day, I still have mine with motor drive, speedlight, extension tubes, lenses & all kinds of bits for it !

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

The best way is to get a copy of the Butkuss manual- just put that in your browser, and read it- it will assist you enormously. Then sit there with the camera, and just try everything out, until you have an idea; then get a roll of film, load it, and away you go; it is a lot simpler than you might think !
I have an AE1 p, they are very good cameras, and easy to use.

SENSORLOUPE

Yes they are great cameras-----I still have my 3 AE-1's.
not the program tho

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

I still have my cameras from the past, AE-1,and A-1's. and I loved using them when I was shooting film, but now I' m in the digital world and enjoying that. Still have all my old equipment and maybe I'll shoot a few rolls. Just remember after reading the manual that you're going to have to do all the focusing. Easy to forget!

Want to blow your mind? Get a hold of an old exacta and shoot with that. I still have an old exacta varex vx-2A, That was my favorite camera . It was unbelievably advanced for its time , but not built like a Leica. I loved shooting with it It had two viewfinders's, pentaprism and reflex, interchangeable at your wish, and 28 shutter speeds, from 10 sec to 1/000th. I remember having it on a tripod in a cathedral in France, set on 10 sec time exposure, with 10 sec delay for the camera to steady itself, press the release and then listening to all the whirring and clicking as it went through its mechanical motions. It was great fun and I miss it. Either way it took great pictures. Of course I had a Weston Master III meter. You have to do your own meter reading, still fun.

ggttc Loc: TN

I have an AE-1 and still shoot with it...its a great camera for film...and a lot of fun...using it will give you a great learning experience...and with help you with your dslr in the long run.

problem child Loc: Kingman AZ

I have one too.. Love it.. here's some old film manuals. http://www.butkus.org/chinon/

MoriahV Loc: Texas

Thanks everyone!