Re: [APML] Canon AE1

["Bill Agerton" <agerton1@flash.net>]

Sure i_man - it is very simple. In fact I've tried two or three things
that all work but vary in simplicity (or complexity?).

Probably the simplest is a short [piece of 7/16" dowel rod cut to
the same length as the battery ( well almost the same length).
I used a brass thumb tack with a wire soldered to it. Push the
thumb tack into the end of the short piece of dowel so that the
overall length of dowel and thumb tack is the same as the battery.
This is the DC positive lead and should be placed in the battery compartment
with the thumb tack end UP. I just leave the battery
door open and bring the wire out. I use a red wire for this since
Red is usually associated with positive (+) in DC circuits.

The negative lead (-), which I make black, is attached to the tripod socket
with a clip.

For a power supply I use a radio shack four D Cell battery box,
R/S #270-396. Four D Cells will last several nights with the
shutter open most of the time.

Also - there is an ample supply of FD lenses for the AE-1P.  The
next time you are near a news stand pick up a copy of 'Shutterbug"
and you'll find lots of people offering FD lenses. There must be
hundreds of FD lenses for sale. Of course the top of the line is a
50 mm f/1.2L lens which goes for about $450 but if you can use
a slower lens, such as a f/1.4 they only cost about $85.  Occasionally
you will see a new lens advertised too - but mainly they are
"previously owned" lenses.

Use the E-1P and buy a Beattie Intenscreen Plus for a really
bright viewfinder.

Bill Agerton




-----Original Message-----
From: i_man <i_man@ms4.url.com.tw>
To: astro-photo@seds.org <astro-photo@seds.org>
Date: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 6:22 AM
Subject: Re: [APML] Canon AE1


>On Mon, 24 Apr 2000 19:54:52 -0400
>"Ann Hartman-Shaw" <jmah@erols.com> wrote:
>
>> Does anyone use this camera for astrophotography?  Is it any good?  Can
you
>> give me the Pros and Cons if possible?  Thanks.
>
>I used AE1-P once for astrophotography. But it got a problem of power
>supply which was mentioned by Bill. Shutter can last only about 1 or 2
>hour for brand new battery. I also once tried to make an adaptor but
>failed. The price is $100 to repair because of short circuit. So now I
>use FM2. Another problem for AE1-P is Cannon doesn't produce any FD lens .
>But if you can find source of used FD lens, AE1-P is a bargain. Another
>choice is Cannon EOS 6XX serise. It is modern electronic camera but doesn't
>consume power during bulb.
>
>BTW Bill, I'm interestring about your adaptor. would you like to share
>the idea with me?
>
>
>
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