35mm Cameras...Obsolete?

[New Hunter Okotoks]

I was reading in another thread that someone had to wait for their film to be developed. I have a 35 mm Canon AE1 that I purchased used about 8 years thinking I might get into photography.I have never used it.It has a couple of different lenses that came with it,a flash etc.I'm pretty sure that in its day this was all top shelf stuff.However there was also a time when VIC 20's and Commodore 64's were cutting edge as well!

I am just assuming that this stuff is all paperweights now that digital cameras are the norm.Am I right,or does this stuff still have any value?

Sadly, pretty much a paper weight. A few guys still play with film but not enough for there to be a market for used cameras. I've got a couple very expensive paper weights in my basement too!

[TreeGuy]

I'll check with wifey in the AM (she used to be in the biz), but I believe that most of the places that developed pics have gone bits up. Your lenses should still work with a decent digital body though. Put the bugger on a shelf as it's a worthless antique these days.

[New Hunter Okotoks]

That's what I figured.I have not even looked at the thing in over 7 years and would not even know how to put film in it.

Some day the kids will ask me if it has a pull-start!

[twofifty]

Not much 35mm roll film available for sale nowadays.

Grocery stores used to stock B&W, colour print and colour slide. Not anymore. Maybe Walmart? Kodak has stopped manufacturing and processing their most excellent Kodachrome - like in the song. End of an era.

Modern digital photography is just phenomenal, esp. when shot through an SLR body and SLR type lenses. I hope you can still get use out of those Canon lenses, they're definitely top shelf optics.

[blackpheasant]

Film has the best color saturation of the two especially when doing larger prints many landscape photographers are still shooting some film, it will always have a place in the world of photography...

[Map Maker]

Originally Posted by blackpheasant

Film has the best color saturation of the two especially when doing larger prints many landscape photographers are still shooting some film, it will always have a place in the world of photography...

I agree. If you look at a digital photo and a film photo, the film photo just looks more real.
But the instant gratification of digital is just too much. I still take along my film camera on road trips and usually shoot a roll if the lighting is good.

Just like those people that still prefer vinyl records to digital cds.

[deanmc]

Originally Posted by twofifty

Not much 35mm roll film available for sale nowadays.

Grocery stores used to stock B&W, colour print and colour slide. Not anymore. Maybe Walmart? Kodak has stopped manufacturing and processing their most excellent Kodachrome - like in the song. End of an era.

Modern digital photography is just phenomenal, esp. when shot through an SLR body and SLR type lenses. I hope you can still get use out of those Canon lenses, they're definitely top shelf optics.

I think that model used fd lenses and i dont think that is used anymore. Newer canon digital use es or ef lenses.

This camera has to be more than 8 years old methinks.

[FCLightning]

The lenses for the Canon AE-1 are as worthless as the camera body. They do not fit any of the new camera bodies. I have a bag full of lenses waiting to go on the antique camera display shelf myself.

If think that if they come out with an 8x10 view camera with a digital sensor we will find out where the advantages and allegiances to film lie. National Geographic certainly didn't get all sentimental over it when the full frame sensors were "perfected". They don't use film for x-rays anymore because the digital quality is far superior to anything they did with film.

[Cal]

I've got an old canon and that thing takes better pictures than my digital and I still use it. It especily excells at capturing subtle things like mist and sunsets. The digital camera does not capture the even blend of colors in a sunset, the yellow more abruptly transitions to orange, then red etc rather than the more even progression through all the shades of color that one see's when looking at a sunset. The same effect is noticed on the edges of clouds and floating mist.

[209x50]

I have several paper weights with extra lens, I guess for smaller piles of paper!
For me quality digital photos are better than film ever was and are free as well as instant.

[FCLightning]

Originally Posted by Cal

I've got an old canon and that thing takes better pictures than my digital and I still use it. It especily excells at capturing subtle things like mist and sunsets. The digital camera does not capture the even blend of colors in a sunset, the yellow more abruptly transitions to orange, then red etc rather than the more even progression through all the shades of color that one see's when looking at a sunset. The same effect is noticed on the edges of clouds and floating mist.

You do need to be careful that you are comparing equivalent product. Yes, less expensive digital sensors have problems, just like the old 110 cameras did not compare to a quality SLR.

[Grizzly Adams]

Yes and a dime a dozen but there are still people who prefer them and even records and record players are making a comeback.

Grizz

[Elk Chaser]

Up for a challenge? Then try and find some 110 or 126 film. You have a camera that has been out moded.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by FCLightning

You do need to be careful that you are comparing equivalent product. Yes, less expensive digital sensors have problems, just like the old 110 cameras did not compare to a quality SLR.

I will agree with you that the digital camera is lower quality than the 35m, but it cost twice as much as well, so which part do you want me to compare?

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by Cal

I will agree with you that the digital camera is lower quality than the 35m, but it cost twice as much as well, so which part do you want me to compare?

Compare a canon rebel digital body to your canon film body. The pictures quality will be pretty close. I can make 16x24 prints from my eos digital that's only 8 mb and you wouldn't be able to tell whether it was film or digital. With all the editing you can do with post production as well...it's just a matter of time for film to be obsolete

[Cal]

When a $250 dollar digital camera can take pictures that compare with a 35mm that cost $250 a few years ago I will buy that camera and tell everyone that 35mm is obsolete. As it is any digital camera I've seen that can take pictures that compete with my Canon Rebel costs way more . I'll keep using the old Canon to take nice pictures and use my digital to take pictures of junk that I want to sell and birthday partys, or on hunting trips because i have a pelican case for the digital camera.

Think you are missing the point of the OP Cal. No question that film cameras take some amazing photos but as a technology goes, they are obsolete and basically have no monetary value any more.

[Nester]

Yep, my Minolta 35mm camera hasn't been outside for years....gone the way of the VHS & cassete tape. Then again I have no complaints at all about going digital.

[FishingMOM]

Originally Posted by Nester

Yep, my Minolta 35mm camera hasn't been outside for years....gone the way of the VHS & cassete tape. Then again I have no complaints at all about going digital.

Hey Nestor,

No picking on those of us who LOVE the old technology
Love my VHS tapes and my VCR. Its easier for little fingers to use. Plus there are amazing movies on VHS.

Now if I could only find copies of the ERNEST movies I'd be laughing.

I love my 35MM, I will prolly bring it with me to hawaii this spring, would love to get some great shots.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by FishingMOM

Hey Nestor,

No picking on those of us who LOVE the old technology
Love my VHS tapes and my VCR. Its easier for little fingers to use. Plus there are amazing movies on VHS.

Now if I could only find copies of the ERNEST movies I'd be laughing.

I love my 35MM, I will prolly bring it with me to hawaii this spring, would love to get some great shots.

I also enjoy picking up VHS movies at thrift shops and garage sales, much cheaper than renting them, though I have to say ERNEST has never made me laugh.

Yes SH i did miss the point, I though he was wondering if it was worth trying to use his 35mm or if he should replace it. Not inquiring about the monitary value, which is pretty much nothing. I might be interested in buying a lens or two off you though NHO if thats why your asking.

[TriggerFinger]

Originally Posted by Enigma

. . . it's just a matter of time for film to be obsolete

Unfortunately, that ^ time has already come and gone. For the most part, film cameras have been obsolete for 5+ years now ... except for the very rare 'die-hards'.

It's an end of an era that lasted well over a 150 years -

TF

[fishmania]

Ive been an photographer (Not professional) for 30+ years I have used a lot of cameras over the years film and digital and for me digital is great for family photos and action shooting but for real serious landscape photography film (Large format can NOT be beat by any Digital camera the tones and color saturation of large format film is just superior)

[moosemad]

Man what's this world comming to? I can't even find any 8 tracks anymore. Guess it's time to sell the home stereo and the portable (4 double D battery), anyone interested?

[winged1]

just go online and see what the 35mm are selling for. What we feel is the value of our beloved mechanical beasts is irrelevant, compared to current market value.

The only difference I see comparing digital over film, is the lack of photo albums that get pulled out at gatherings.

Having processed my own film/prints for years, and diving deep into the manipulation of imaging, I am glad that digital came along and streamlined the process.

For me, the warm tones of analog, be it audio or image, will always be appreciated, as will be the convience of digital.

[Grizzly Adams]

Originally Posted by fishmania

Ive been an photographer (Not professional) for 30+ years I have used a lot of cameras over the years film and digital and for me digital is great for family photos and action shooting but for real serious landscape photography film (Large format can NOT be beat by any Digital camera the tones and color saturation of large format film is just superior)

The whole issue depends on if you look as photography as an art or a science. Science says it's obsolete and we can do way better, but the artsy side still has a place for old technology. Some of the best work is still shot on black and white films and there are guys dabbling in exotic techniques, digital can't do. Really old, former friend of mine, has apparently developed a printing process, based on Platimum.

Grizz

[billie]

Used to be that college students needed them for their photography courses and were haveing trouble geeting them, that's where our old Pentax went.

Maybe check and do a student a favor.

[DarkAisling]

No, not obsolete. It has become a very niche market, however. Film might not be the best way to go for experimenting as you have to wait until your images are returned to you to see how they turned out, digital is great for trying out new things and getting instant feedback.

Something to be aware of is that, depending on the age of your AE1, the lenses might require an adapter to be used on a new EOS body. At least adapters exist now: they didn't when I sold my AE1 to move to a new EOS body and thus I sold everything.

[Banker]

Because of your camera being a 35mm, it has no great resale value; it has great value in your hunting equipment bag for those great photos as needed. If you lose it or get it damaged no great loss. Keep it and use it.

[Grizzly Adams]

Originally Posted by Banker

Because of your camera being a 35mm, it has no great resale value; it has great value in your hunting equipment bag for those great photos as needed. If you lose it or get it damaged no great loss. Keep it and use it.

I haul mine around, fitted with an extra long telephoto lens. There when you need it and no great loss, if someone steals it.

Grizz