AE-1 lens compatibility with Rebel T7?

[SavileScruff]

I apologize in advance for what may be a DUH question, but I honestly can't get a solid answer online to my question if my old AE-1 lenses will work with some sort of adapter with my Rebel T7. Will the Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R do the job, or are my old Canon and Ronikon lenses now defunct? I used a company-supplied Nikon SDLR on my last job and often for personal use (no longer at that job), so became out of touch with my own film Canon gear and step-up to Canon digital. I feel as though I'm starting over, so I do need some guidance. If a GOOD, compatible adapter would work with my old 50mm and zoom lenses on the T7 vs. my having to repurchase lenses, that would be great, but I'm also fine if I need dedicated DSLR lenses. 
Thanks for your understanding and patience with my learning curve! (And I hope I posted to the proper board.)

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

Your AE-1 uses FD Mount lenses. Your Rebel uses EF/ EF-S. These are not cross compatible lens mounts. There are FD-EF mount adapters but you loose the ability to focus to infinity and any kind of automation. FD lenses use a mechanical interfaces to communicate with the camera. EF lenses use a completely electronic interface to communicate with the camera. Canon discontinued support for FD lenses and cameras in 1986. When Canon launched their 2nd attempt at autofocus in 1987 the EF Mount was created. The EF- EOS R adapter is designed to adapt EF Mount lenses to Canon’s EOS R series mirrorless cameras which use the RF Mount. Which again uses a completely electronic interface with the camera. The EF Mount has primarily been discontinued in favor of the EOS R Series. No new development for lenses or cameras. Canon did make EOS film cameras. They use the same EF Mount lenses as your Rebel series camera. Except they can’t use EF-S lenses at all this is by design. When Nikon introduced AF they kept their existing mount from 1959. Then added AF capabilities to it by putting the AF motor in the camera body. Most camera manufacturers at the time did AF this way. But Canon chose to put the motor in the lens instead of the camera body. Canon’s existing FD Mount wasn’t wide enough to handle a motor in the lens itself. So Canon obsoleted the mount instead. 

[SavileScruff]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I appreciate your time and expertise. 

[stevet1]

SavileScruff,

There's a company called Fotodiox that makes an FD to EF adapter for Canon. You have to make sure you buy the right one.

I had an AT-1 and when I bought a Canon T6, I had several FD lenses that I tried to adapt.

It was a miserable experience. As Brian said, everything is manual - the focus and the aperture, and the picture quality was really bad. But the worst part was trying to get it off and on. I have two lenses that I can't get the adapter off, and they are stuck on the lens permanently.

I can't, in good conscience, encourage anyone to go down that route.

Steve Thomas

[Tintype_18]

No need to apologize for any question. I have a T7 and always check the post and replies as it might apply to me at one time.

[stevet1]

Sorry. That was as Demetrius said, not Brian.

Steve Thomas

[ebiggs1]

The bottom line is it can be done but it is not worth it. The cheapest EF 50mm lens is tons better than any FD 50mm for example. This is a case for the hobbyists and tinkerers to delve into.

[kvbarkley]

If you really want to use those old lenses, get yourself a used AE-1 and go OG.

[atam1]

My first SLR was a Canon AE -1 with an FD 35mm f/2. The adapter needed for it to work is FD to EF, manual focus only because there are no electrical contacts on it.

[SavileScruff]

Thanks very much for sharing your experience, Steve. I agree with your assessment!