Re: [APML]: Canon Cameras

[mark.kaye@sympatico.ca]

>Any old Canon users out there?? ( I mean old cameras, not you!!)

   Unfortunately, a bit of both now...

>I currently possess a Canon AE-1 with several lenses. I decided to search
>F1 - $450
>A1 - $280 - $350
>FTB - $130 - $225
>FT - $149 - $199
>EF - $175 - $299

   The F1, is an excellent camera for astrophotography.  It has several 
features that put it above all the others, notably, the removable prism so 
that you can view and focus the interchangeable focus screen directly.  If I 
was going to start again, without a substantial outlay in Olympus parts to 
sway my decisions, I would get an F1.
   The FTb is also a good astro camera.  However, they do not call them 
canons for nothing.  :-)  It is heavy and the screen cannot be changed, but 
it has mirror lock-up and is completely manual.  I used an FTb for years with 
good results.  The AE-1 and that line are good cameras, but not suitable, 
without modification, for astrophotography as they require a battery to open 
the shutter.  I used one for stellar shots, but I built a battery adapter 
that provided external power for the camera to make sure that the shot did 
not end prematurely due to battery drain.
   Clear skies!
               MK

http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/