p.1 #2 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
Wow, that looks really cool!! I had suggested a retro digital AE-1 P or AE-1 semi-recently (really not much difference between the 2 except the finder, completely different on digital.)
Wondering if they saw my post. Think I can get any royalties?
$2k is probably too high for me, but people are spending that on X100VI, and I'd rather have this. Not real big on fixed lens cameras for one thing. I'd like to get something having the newer32mp sensor
p.1 #5 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
jgoetz4 wrote:
I wonder what it would cost if Canon made a monochrome retro camera? Certainly considerably less then a Leica M11 or Q3.
Jim
Consider too the Pentax K3iii monochrome
By all accounts it is sensational
Dec 08, 2025 at 11:13 AM
AmbientMike Offline [X]
p.1 #6 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
jgoetz4 wrote:
I wonder what it would cost if Canon made a monochrome retro camera? Certainly considerably less then a Leica M11 or Q3.
Jim
I was thinking about this yesterday, it shouldn't cost much more than 24mp r100 to go with an older 10 mp aps sensor, maybe even cost less. Monochrome 5D might be pretty interesting
p.1 #8 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
When the first rumours Canon was looking at a retro camera, given the success of the Nikon Zf I was excited.
It would be cool if Canon were to come out with an FD-RF adapter. Though that is highly unlikely since many adapters are available.
Though in my case initially it would be a camera used to bring back the nostalgia of shooting film back in the day. After the novelty wore off of shooting an AE-1 looking body I think the 32MP would give way back to the R5's 45MP and I would no longer reach for the nostalgia looking camera.
I hope Canon does make it, but I wouldn't view it as my go to camera thus I question if I am the targeted market for it. Canon has time to convince me otherwise but I think I'll be passing on this.
p.1 #9 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
I had a love / hate relationship with the AE-1 and its siblings (AT-1, AE-1P, A-1) back in the day.
I was an F-1 and EF (the camera) user at the time, and I didn't necessarily like the shift to the use of engineering plastics and lighter weight construction. Neither did I like the New FD plastic lens designs and the faux bayonet mount which left a bit of residual rotational play when mounted (the original Canon breach lock was perfect, and the mating to the camera rock solid). Both moves seemed like pandering to the hobbyist market... which of course they were, to fantastic success, haha.
(For what it's worth, Canon continued to use plastic shells in its top-tier cameras for years after, up to and including the EOS-1n and EOS-3. It wasn't until the EOS-1V that we got a return to form and magnesium alloy construction; that camera set the template for all 1-series and 5-series DSLRs to follow.)
All this is to say that I don't have a particularly have high level of nostalgia favoring an AE-1-inspired retro camera, but I know I am probably in a distinct minority.
Of course, most RF lenses are plastic and benefit from it by being lighter, so you could say I've gotten over this, haha.
p.1 #10 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
AE-1 was my first camera, I have one sitting in a display cabinet but it's just for show, I'd hate to have to use one now. For all the plastic it's heavy and unweildy. I'm interested in how they would make an ergonomic version of it. I also hope this digital version wouldn't just be shutter priority only like the AE-1 was. That would be somewhat limiting. The A1 was a massive upgrade for me just to get aperture priority.
p.1 #11 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
Here is an added feature for my dream retro camera that I think would be popular:
For an added touch of nostalgia to complete this new retro camera, in place of the the modern common camera memory cards and the camera's card slots, Canon would provide a choice of optional custom mock 35mm film canasters to be plugged into a retro styled film canister pocket inside the all familiar rear film era door with film box pocket since there will be no glowing chimping screen back there anyway. Image download provided by USB-C port in the canister after it is removed, no WiFi.
These optional adapted fake flash memory canisters would only be available in 24 and 36 shot capacities with a choice of our old familiar common film stocks in their historically available ISO sensitivities. Example: "Kodachrome 25", etc.
A generic looking bulk film self load styled canister would also be made available that goes to a 38 shot capacity using a manual ISO selection switch with a range of iso 64 to 400. An additional switch would be to input our favorite push processing settings if desired. Note that these settings are not accessible after the canister in inserted into the camera.
Oh, and for an added sense of realism, the camera's ISO setting would be driven by whatever fugazi flash memory canister is presently installed in the camera that cannot be removed from the camera until the canister's assigned number of exposures have been used up.
p.1 #12 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
How about an APS-C sensor (to keep size and cost down) with a fixed 18-55ish f/2.8 lens? The 28-70 2.8 is already small so they should be able to scale it down. Give it a proper zoom ring and aperture ring. One thing that annoys me about every fixed zoom I've ever seen is the fiddly little power zoom lever.
p.1 #15 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
johnvanr wrote:
My issue with Canon’s classic models is that they were too large. I’d prefer an Olympus, Pentax or rangefinder-style retro model.
Back in film days, Canon was never on my list.. The Olympus OM-1 is what I used. Still have it and a manual 300/4.5 & 50mm lens in pristine condition on my wall.
Back then Canon was considered second rate at best for what I shot. Fond memories of my Beseler enlarger. And sitting in my dark room (blacked out bathroom) haha.
Definitely don't miss those days.
So, I would never buy a retro Canon. Not to mention Canon Rumors is nothing but a click bait site at best.
p.1 #16 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
Well, since it is the A-E1's 50th anniversary upcoming, I would tend to believe that a retro camera would be based on that model, perhaps in an R8 size body. Throw in a flippy screen (for those who can't live without one lol) self cleaning sensor (again, for those who can't live without one lol) and a nice, bright vf
Jim
p.1 #17 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
jgoetz4 wrote:
Well, since it is the A-E1's 50th anniversary upcoming, I would tend to believe that a retro camera would be based on that model, perhaps in an R8 size body. Throw in a flippy screen (for those who can't live without one lol) self cleaning sensor (again, for those who can't live without one lol) and a nice, bright vf
Jim
If it appears it will be dumbed down overpriced nostalgia piece. I agree with the guy above. Something that will be sitting on the shelf after the new wears and you get back to photography again.
While Canonn is laughing and going to the bank with US dollars.
But, you can bet it will be hyped up...
p.1 #18 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
gkinard1952 wrote:
If it appears it will be dumbed down overpriced nostalgia piece. I agree with the guy above. Something that will be sitting on the shelf after the new wears and you get back to photography again.
While Canonn is laughing and going to the bank with US dollars.
But, you can bet it will be hyped up...
I thought the same thing when I bought my first Fuji X100 & X-E1, many years ago. I still have and use the X100 regularly. YMMV.
Jim
p.1 #20 · The Coming Canon ‘Retro’ Camera to Use Latest 32.5MP Sensor
jgoetz4 wrote:
I thought the same thing when I bought my first Fuji X100 & X-E1, many years ago. I still have and use the X100 regularly. YMMV.
Jim
I'll be looking forward to your review of the Nostalgic Canon when it comes out.. I will make sure I book mark this page and re-new the interest when you get it. As well as your new Canon super telephoto lens you were talking about... Can't wait.