I've thought about this before as well. I agree it would be nice to utilize old FD lenses on a digital body, but I think the best solution would be a newly designed FF camera body (most likely mirrorless). Something with a nice built in EVF, and focus peaking would be a great way to get those lenses back in the game.
However, I think modifying the old bodies to shoot digital would somehow steal some of their magic. If you want to use film cameras, you have to shoot film. Everything from selecting the film, to bringing it to a lab or developing it yourself, adds to the experience.
I personally want film to continue to be available and commercially processable for as long as possible. That's only going to happen if people keep buying and developing film.
So if you want to shoot you're old EOS-1, fire off a roll every once in a while. If you like digital better, there's no shortage of options.
Long Live Film!
(Digital is amazing too, but it's nice to have choice)
BubbaJon wrote:
Ah! That's the ones I was trying to remember!
Thanks! I was just thinking of some of the truly great handling cameras; Oly OM-2, Canon EOS-1... dang shame they get left behind.
Pentax LX, Fuji GW670II.
They did get left behind, but that's because we're still moving ahead.
Greg Campbell wrote:
There IS a market for owners of FD lenses and accessories.
I still shoot film with my FD cameras because I enjoy the process, but would also be quite happy to buy a digital back for one of my T-90 or A-1 bodies. Hello? Canon?
Yea, yea. I know.
I'm 'supposed' to throw away my 'obsolete' MF lenses and buy plenty of bright, shiny, and new EOS glass. Feh!
Buy a Sony NEX body and use the old lenses with adapters. The 55th forum board over here is where the most bizarre camera/lens combinations come to life. The beauty of it is that you don't need to limit yourself to only the FD lenses (or Olympus OM, or Leica R, or...) and mix everything to your heart's desire.
Greg Campbell wrote:
There IS a market for owners of FD lenses and accessories.
Indeed there is (to a point) .
But the price of most of the DECENT FD lenses is to high now.
Before all the mirrorless options like the nex came out most of the FD lenses were next to worthless . But now I'm seeing some going for near the cost of the more modern EF versions .
Anyone who wants to dabble in a bit of MF alt lensing have quite a few options as it is (and that can also include a bit of mount conversion on some old FD lenses) .
