Not always as they appear…

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023Chris and Carol 3 Comments

I recently took delivery of what appeared to be a well-kept Canon A-1 35mm SLR from 1983. It was reported by the seller as in good condition but untested. The lens was specifically listed as clean and clear. As you can see from the pictures the lens is far from “clean and clear”.

It looks great and from my experience with this model when they look this good they generally have no issues.

Canon NFD 50mm f1.8 lens as seen from behind. BTW, the date code (Y1116) to the right of the red dot indicates that this lens was made in November 1984.

Opening the aperture blades to f1.8 and shining a bright LED light reveals the hidden issues with the lens – haze and overall edge cloudiness.

I knew the camera was untested (I asked the seller and they said that they didn’t have a battery) so I knew that going in. BTW, the 6v A544 batteries that power the A-1 are quite common and available in stores and online. After checking out the camera with a fresh battery I discovered that the light meter display wasn’t working. The shutter speeds sounded accurate but without knowing if the meter was responding I wouldn’t have been able to trust the camera in full auto mode. The camera also had the infamous Canon “squeal” that happens whenever the mirror assembly’s lubrication dries out over time and from sitting unused for long periods. The squeal is not caused by the shutter as some people believe.

Obviously looks can and often are deceiving and in this case, I could have taken a hit. Fortunately, I was able to return the camera. At this moment I’m waiting to receive my refund.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

New in the Shop – Saturday Specials

February 4, 2023February 4, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I’ve added some really neat cameras in my Etsy-supported camera shop, CC Design Studios. As always, I have an eclectic mix of classic cameras and gear all fully tested and ready for your adventures. A few examples are shown below.

CC Design Studios at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

The Polaroid OneStep was recently acquired from another collector who has had it since new. Although I haven’t run a fresh pack of film through it it’s been checked and I see no reason why it wouldn’t enjoy another active life. The new Polaroid company makes all types of film packs for this model which uses the popular Polaroid 600 film (color and black & white). The Nikon L35AF was Nikon’s first autofocus compact 35mm camera in 1983 and one of its most successful in a long line of similar models (One Touch). This one has been thoroughly tested and I’ve shot two rolls of fresh Fujicolor through it. The pictures came out great – I see why this camera has such a good reputation.

How about a couple of super nice Canons? My awesome Canon A-1 1980 Winter Olympics Edition 35mm SLR will come to you as clean as new and fully serviced and tested! The A-1 is a joy to use and with a host of Canon accessories available, it’s the perfect 35mm system camera. This one has been in my collection for years and I’ve decided to pass it along as I just can’t keep all of the cameras I own (or can I?). If you’re looking for a sharp DSLR then you’ll love my Canon EOS 7D with its Canon battery grip it’s the kind of heavyweight DSLR to handle your toughest photographic challenges. Like everything I have in my shop, the 7D is fully tested and ready for you (it was my personal camera for years). It looks and operates like new and includes its original box, instruction booklets, charger, and batteries.

The Olympus SP-800UZ is a wildly capable 14-megapixel bridge camera with an amazing 30x wide-angle optical zoom lens. Its CCD sensor produces film-like images in stunning clarity. How about a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 28-840mm! Full wide-angle to super telephoto and with super macro ability to within 1 cm of the lens!

As always, thanks for stopping by and feel free to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Just in time for Christmas – Canon AE-1 35mm SLR

December 4, 2022December 4, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Just in time for your holiday shopping and gift-giving, I have another beautiful Canon AE-1 from my collection. This one comes with a sharp Canon New FD 50mm f1.8 lens. It’s been fully serviced with new light seals and a new mirror bumper pad and it’s been lubed to ensure that there’s no squeal or squeak from the mirror assembly (commonly known as shutter squeal).

The instruction book is also in mint condition. It’s one of the best booklets I’ve ever had with my Canons. Looks new!

The Canon AE-1 is one of the easiest Canons made.

I also have this one available in my shop.

As always, thanks for stopping by, and feel free to pop on over to my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Happy SUNday!

December 4, 2022December 4, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Canon A-1 camera boxes – 1980 Winter Olympics and 1984 Summer Olympics.

Silly things to collect but fun just the same! Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Canon A-1 35mm SLR – 1980 Winter Olympics Edition

November 30, 2022November 30, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris – My Canon A-1 35mm SLR 1980 Winter Olympics camera set is now available in my camera shop at www.ccstudio2380.com It’s in collector’s condition and has been professionally serviced (new light seals, mirror pad, and lubed) and is 100% fully working. Don’t miss out on this gem of a camera! Thanks for stopping by, Chris #canona1 #canon #canoncamera #35mm #slr #filmcamera #canonolympics #1980olympics #jeanclaudekilly #lakeplacid #madeinjapan #photography #ccstudio2380