Using newer lenses on the A-1

Todd G. wrote:

Can I use EF and EF-S lenses on the 35mm A-1 body?

If so, with an adapter?

No. Even if somebody could machine or print an adapter, it wouldn't let the lenses focus on infinity (as the EF bayonet lugs won't fit inside the throat of the FD mount), and the camera can't supply power to the lens to work the iris, the stabilisation or the powered focussing of a lot of them. EF-S lenses won't cover the entire film format and can't physically be mounted on an EF mount film camera.

You're limited to New FD, FD and FL lenses without an adapter. The FL lenses won't allow Tv automation and require stopped down metering. Canon made Exakta, M42 and Nikon F lens to FD mount adapters, there may be third-party adapters for other lenses too, but it's been 32 years since Canon last introduced an FD lens.

Todd G. wrote:

John,

Do you believe I would be better off with a film EF lens body due to having more lens choices?

Apart from not being able to use FD or Pentax K lenses, yes, you would. Generally the older EOS film cameras are dirt cheap; I paid £1 for a working EOS 650 at a Cash Generator and that included a ratty but working 35-80mm lens. Obviously I paid a lot more for the battery and the film...

You'll need an EF lens to use P or Tv modes, but Av mode will work with any lens you can adapt to an EOS 35mm film camera - beware of Pentax K or M lenses though as the iris lever will almost certainly clash with the mirror and the adapters should by rights be labelled 'K to EF-S' not 'K to EF'. You won't be able to mount EF-S lenses, they're designed to work with crop sensor DSLRs and many of them have rear elements that would clash with the mirror were you foolish enough to modify the lens to fit a film camera.