Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/05/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 05:33 AM 5/22/2008, Douglas Sharp wrote: >Hi, all, > >I've just been given a Canon TLb with an FD 50/1.8 (Chrome ring and >bayonet lens-hood, old style FD mount), an FD 28/2.8 (New style FD >mount) and a Vivitar 75-260 / 4.5 Zoom (Old FD mount) + a Vivitar >Automatic 2x Teleconverter ( [FL-FD] - whatever that means). > >Having never used Canon cameras or lenses until the DSLRs came out, I >was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about the quality of the >above. > >The TLb is fully functional (and very simple) but needs Mercury or Wein >cell batteries - can anyone recommend a good alternative body (assuming >that it's worth it for using the lenses I got) - I gather the A series >are pretty good and the F bodies are apparently superb - any pros and >cons?. Well, the TLb is hardly the shining light of the Canon stable but it is quite a utile picture-taker. The battery issue is a non-issue. You certainly can still buy mercury cells from, say, eBay, as these are still produced in Russia and China, and old-stock lenses are readily available as well. But the use of alkaline or silver cells will work, as well, and I'd not worry about any sort of ASA adjustment. The mercury cells produced 1.3 volts and the alkaline and silver cells 1.5 volts and the difference is meaningless in the world of real photography, pace Bob Shell. Avoid the Wein cells as they are more than a bit steep in price and do not last any decent time. The lenses you have are solid ones but not exactly exciting. The Vivitar lens is a great historic door-stop but I doubt that it will win any prizes for optical quality. Many of the Canon FD lenses are of extraordinary quality, especially the 1.4/50, but the ones you have are just solid though unspectacular performers. I love the FD system. The original F1 and the AE-1 Progeram are among the better buys on the market at present. I sold mine when the market for them was high and am now considering replacing them, now that the market is low! Marc msmall@aya.yale.edu Cha robh b?s fir gun ghr?s fir!