Old canon AE-1 Program

[gartea13]

I happened to find a canon 35mm AE-1 program in my attic and its in relatively good shape from what I can see. I'm really excited to try it out, but I have very little experience with photography and am looking for some tips when using these older cameras (specifically for shooting scenery). Thanks!

[inkista]

35mm-compact.com has the user manual in PDF.

[zona5101]

a film camera!?!

Yes, we know, it's nothing new
It's just a waste of time
We have no need for ancient ways
The world is doing fine
Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn't fit the plan!

[gartea13]

Yes, I just bought film for it today. My brother also informed me of its origin.. the previous owners of our house must have left it in the attic. Is there anything specifically different in shooting with a film camera?

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by gartea13

Yes, I just bought film for it today. My brother also informed me of its origin.. the previous owners of our house must have left it in the attic. Is there anything specifically different in shooting with a film camera?

Yup, the big difference is you don't get to shoot 100 frames to get one right
From a basic functional/operational point of view, digital and film are the same. One you expose film the other you expose a sensor.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by gartea13

Yes, I just bought film for it today. My brother also informed me of its origin.. the previous owners of our house must have left it in the attic. Is there anything specifically different in shooting with a film camera?

Well, you got no EXIF, there's whether or not you want to expose for shadows or highlights (traditionally, with negative/print film it's for shadows [i.e., when in doubt, overexpose a smidge]). And then there's reciprocity failure if you're shooting long exposures. But otherwise, it's pretty much the same.

Does your meter still work? It may need a new battery.

[gartea13]

I've been playing around with it and it seems like a pretty fun project. I did browse through the manual you posted, inkista, which was very helpful. Thank you both for all your help!

[brianxlt]

I had one in the 80s. it is an excelent camera and will take great photos. wish I still had mine. just like digital it has a full auto setting, but manual focus. add a full manual setting. have fun.

[gartea13]

Thank you very much!

[Footski]

I am doing a similar thing with an old (50 years) Zenit B and a Weston Master 2 light meter. Remember to write down the details of each shot as you take them so that when the film comes back with the prints you will know exactly what you did for each photo. You will also know whether the camera is under or over exposing and whether the lens apertures are correct or not. Post us your results if possible.