SLR to Digital Camera Refitting

[aplusboy]

This may like an odd idea, but I would like to know if its at all possible. I own a Canon F1 circa 1980. It has always been an exceptional camera. I was wondering if there any possible way of converting it to a digital camera. I am aware there are companies that make camera backs for 2 1/4 and 4x5 cameras, but am not aware of any for 35mm SLR cameras. My main objection to many of the digital cameras (even many of the pricey ones) is the lack of sharp focus. The Canon F1 I own does not suffer from this problem. Any help will be appreciated.

[coldrain]

With the right lenses auto focussing is anot a problem at all with canon and nikon DSLRs for instance. The bigger the view finder, the easier it is to manual focus, and in that sense an EOS 5D is easier to manual focus than a 350D. It is a shame the lenses of your F1 are not compatible with a Canon DSLR though, at least not without maybe an adapter.

I would like to be able to use my old Nikkor primes from my FTn nikkormat... But I guess for that I will have to keep using film.

Since I have NO idea how an old SLR will communicate to a digital back about how long an exposure should last, I can imagine there is a lack of digital backs... especially since DSLRs have become so cheap it is not profitable anymore to actually produce more expensive digital backs.

You should try a Canon EOS 20D or 350D with a decent lens, and see how you like it, see if you can live with how they handle. The EOS 5D would give you the same feel and field of view as your F1, but it is a rather pricey toy.