convert Canon AE to Digital Back

[hylotrupes]

Does anyone know of a digital back for Canon AE series cameras, or is it possible to make one? Any links or advice would be appreciated.
thanks John

[mjs1973]

Welcome to the Forum. At one time there was a company that was developing a "digital back" for use in 35mm cameras, but it never came to market. I don't remember what it was called, or who the company was that was working on it. I do know there is an old post or two on this site that talk about it, and there was a link to the company's website. I don't have time to search for it right now tho.

[SmartWombat]

Silicon Film is a non-starter, I'm not aware of any other companies trying it.
Buy a new SLR is going to be cheaper.
But buying new lenses to replace your FD lenses isn't going to be cheap.

[mwfanelli2]

Does anyone know of a digital back for Canon AE series cameras, or is it possible to make one? Any links or advice would be appreciated.
thanks John

The reason Silicon Film failed is that the difference between recording on film and recording on a digital sensor are so significantly different. With rare exceptions, 35mm cameras are not designed for removable backs. The medium format cameras that do have this removable back ability have excellent choices in the market place.

Just to throw some gas on the fire, the Canon AE was a nice camera in its day but that day is gone. The cameras and lenses you can get today are much better and worth more than any cost involved in retrofitting this old camera.

[Rocket_Scientist]

Back around 98--and that's 19 98--I actually saw some ads for digital backs for rather high-end film cameras, apparently targeted to very serious journalistic photographers. The cheapest I remember was $25,000!