What struck me (apart from the fact that they still had the remains of unexposed film) was how small, light and uncomplicated they were. Wow!! Actually it was quite refreshing to pick them up and handle them again and it felt like I'd never been away. Admittedly I had used them for about 25 years or so and was well used to handling them. (I could even reload the camera with film one handed in those days!!)
Those were the days when camera's were used for more than 3 years before the next model came out ............and they still looked usable. Well that was a surprise too when I thought about it and how models change so quickly now with the next new fangled gizmo attached..
For those who were around in the 80's and may well be thinking I wonder what camera's they were! Well that's simple enough to answer they were; 2 x Canon AE-1's and a Canon AT-1.
This was in the days before auto-focus and we had split prism and Fresnel screen which I still think is great for manual focus and far better then today's arrangement.
The AT-1 was eye and needle exposure information - How quick and simple that arrangement was and I still managed to get some great motor racing shots if I recall!..............but then the memory might be rose tinted!!
Canon AE-1
Canon AT-1
So what did I do with them you may well ask!
Well I decided I would use them again and compare the difference between old technology and what I use now. Albeit Nikon.
But first I had them serviced which only took a few days at APM Camera Repairs, Eldon Square, Newcastle who fortunately reported that they were in excellent condition and just needed the foam replaced above the shutter and the seals.
Funnily enough last year I bought a couple of rolls of film, Agfa PhotoVista plus at 200ASA from the pound shop (?) and although the date has expired they have been in the fridge since purchase so should still be OK and therefore I'm good to go!
Ahhh! just need to find out where I can get them developed and printed! ANY SUGGESTIONS?
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