 BetterPhoto Member |
Canon AT-1 Basics I just purchased a Canon AT-1 camera, but I know literally nothing about photography, I don't even know what kind of film it takes. I'm a well established artist in other mediums and have been wanting to explore photography for a while now, and finally decided to go for it. I have questions about the aperture and shutter-speed settings, not knowing in which scenarios I would choose a larger or smaller aperture. I would also like to know when I want a faster or slower shutter speed. Pretty much any information I could get will be very helpful.
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Andy |
I have been using this camera for over 20 years and I still use it occassionally. If you don't already have the manual, here is one: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/canon/canon_at-1/canon_at-1.htm Hope this helps.
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John P. Sandstedt |
The AT-1 is a pretty old camera, first introduced in the mid 1970's. Assuming it works well, it should take fine pictures. You might want to have the shutter checked by a competent repair person. Also, check the camera's light meter, battery, etc. As to its use, a manual usually includes little about "creative use." Rather, it tells you how to adjust the camera to achieve - say, aperture or shutter priority, time exposure through the "bulb" setting, etc., how to insert a battery, how to change lenses. Go to the library and borrow any basic How-To on photograpay. Don't look for books focusing on digital cameras; rather look for Photography basics - Photography for Dummies is probably a great place to start. Do not sign up for an on-line training course unless/until you mastered using your camera. That's not to say these courses aren't good, it's just a recommendation so that you don't get frustration when the instructor critiques a picture [telling you to do something you don't know how to do with the camera. Also, stick with one kind of film [manufacturer and ISO] until you know how settings changes affect a picture.
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Christopher A. Walrath |
I have written an extensive beginners and advanced photography tutorial on my own website for this purpose. http://home.comcast.net/~flash19901 The guys and gals here can answer any particular questions you might have. Another forum to check out occasionally would be www.apug.org. You have a great cammera and I hope you have fun getting acquainted with it. Happy Holidays
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doug Nelson |
Great bargains in lenses for this camera are the 35mm f2.8 or f 3.5, or 28mm f2.8 SC or f3.5, for wides angles, and any of the 100 or 135mm telephotos. No rush on this; first learn what your 500 can do. When you feel comfortable with your AT-1 and are getting reasonably good exposures with print film, try some slide (transparency) film. When you get good exposures with THIS film, you have arrived exposure-wise. A slide is exactly what you shot, no processing in the store's printing machine. Your light meter measures the whole screen, with emphasis on the center. Just be aware of that when you look at your slides to see how your exposures are doing. Expect to make mistakes. After 40+ years, I still do.
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doug Nelson |
Sorry - learn what your 50mm can do.
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