Difference between revisions of "Canon A-1"
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The '''A-1''' is a [[35mm film|35mm]] [[SLR]] camera from [[Canon]] that, like its predecessor the [[Canon AE-1|AE-1]], was innovative when released in 1978. It was notable for its programmed automatic exposure setting, whereby ''both'' aperture and shutter speed are automated. While not labeled as such, it was a pioneer in offering the full "PASM" set of exposure options, standard in many later cameras through the present day. The camera is durable and reliable. | The '''A-1''' is a [[35mm film|35mm]] [[SLR]] camera from [[Canon]] that, like its predecessor the [[Canon AE-1|AE-1]], was innovative when released in 1978. It was notable for its programmed automatic exposure setting, whereby ''both'' aperture and shutter speed are automated. While not labeled as such, it was a pioneer in offering the full "PASM" set of exposure options, standard in many later cameras through the present day. The camera is durable and reliable. | ||
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Canon's competitors were considerably slower in introducing programmed SLRs: [[Minolta]] in 1982 with the [[Minolta X-700|X-700]], [[Nikon]] with the [[Nikon FA|FA]] and [[Pentax]] with the [[Pentax Super A|Super A]] in 1983 and [[Olympus]] with the [[Olympus OM-1/2/3/4|OM-2S Program]] in 1984. | Canon's competitors were considerably slower in introducing programmed SLRs: [[Minolta]] in 1982 with the [[Minolta X-700|X-700]], [[Nikon]] with the [[Nikon FA|FA]] and [[Pentax]] with the [[Pentax Super A|Super A]] in 1983 and [[Olympus]] with the [[Olympus OM-1/2/3/4|OM-2S Program]] in 1984. | ||
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The A-1 has the [[Canon_FD_mount|Canon FD bayonet lens mount]] and was normally sold with the [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.8]] or [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.4|50mm f/1.4]] lens. The A-1 accepts any lens with the Canon FD (1971) or FDn (1979) bayonet mount. The lenses feel solid, and are well-finished and balanced. (The more recent EF mount autofocus lenses (1987) cannot be fitted, nor can the FD mount lenses be fitted to autofocus Canon SLRs.) | The A-1 has the [[Canon_FD_mount|Canon FD bayonet lens mount]] and was normally sold with the [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.8]] or [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.4|50mm f/1.4]] lens. The A-1 accepts any lens with the Canon FD (1971) or FDn (1979) bayonet mount. The lenses feel solid, and are well-finished and balanced. (The more recent EF mount autofocus lenses (1987) cannot be fitted, nor can the FD mount lenses be fitted to autofocus Canon SLRs.) | ||
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{|class=plainlinks align=left | {|class=plainlinks align=left | ||
||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/verbessem/3219352919/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3219352919_3705b3a424_m.jpg] | ||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/verbessem/3219352919/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3219352919_3705b3a424_m.jpg] | ||
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| colspan=3 align=center | FD 50mm f/1.8; FD 28mm f/2.8; FD 70-210mm f/4<br/><small>images by {{image author|Patrick Verbessem}}</small> {{with permission}} | | colspan=3 align=center | FD 50mm f/1.8; FD 28mm f/2.8; FD 70-210mm f/4<br/><small>images by {{image author|Patrick Verbessem}}</small> {{with permission}} | ||
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| − | The A-1 has the choice of [[Aperture priority | aperture-]] or [[shutter priority|shutter-priority]] automatic exposure, the first<REF>According to Canon, [http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/film/data/1976-1985/1978_a1.html?lang=us&categ=srs&page=a in their museum]</REF> ''"programmed"'' fully- | + | The A-1 has the choice of [[Aperture priority | aperture-]] or [[shutter priority|shutter-priority]] automatic exposure, the first<REF>According to Canon, [http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/film/data/1976-1985/1978_a1.html?lang=us&categ=srs&page=a in their museum]</REF> ''"programmed"'' fully-automatic exposure mode, as well as automatic dedicated flash, and a fully manual setting. There is a numerical display in the viewfinder of shutter and aperture, using red [[LED]] seven-segment displays. To avoid fogging from the viewfinder on long exposures, the LED display can be switched off, and the eyepiece closed off with a shutter. |
The settings dial is shown (right) set to [[shutter priority|shutter-priority]] auto ("Tv"). The programmed setting (marked [P] in a green square) is just past the 1/1000 mark. Rotating the collar around the shutter-release to "Av" sets [[aperture priority|aperture-priority]] and changes the scale from speed (black background) to aperture settings (on a yellow background). Speeds (manual or auto), or apertures (in auto mode) are adjusted by a wheel in front of the dial; the photographer's right index finger naturally falls on this. There is a sliding cover for the wheel, preventing accidental changes to settings. | The settings dial is shown (right) set to [[shutter priority|shutter-priority]] auto ("Tv"). The programmed setting (marked [P] in a green square) is just past the 1/1000 mark. Rotating the collar around the shutter-release to "Av" sets [[aperture priority|aperture-priority]] and changes the scale from speed (black background) to aperture settings (on a yellow background). Speeds (manual or auto), or apertures (in auto mode) are adjusted by a wheel in front of the dial; the photographer's right index finger naturally falls on this. There is a sliding cover for the wheel, preventing accidental changes to settings. | ||
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| − | The electronically-controlled horizontal cloth [[focal plane shutter]] has marked speeds from 30s to 1/1000s, with [[flash sync|X- | + | The electronically-controlled horizontal cloth [[focal plane shutter]] has marked speeds from 30s to 1/1000s, with [[flash sync|X-synchronisation]] at 1/60 second (there is no ''bulb'' synch setting). In aperture priority mode, the shutter speed is continuously variable. |
Around the [[film advance|wind-on lever]] is the On (A)/ Off (L, lock)/ [[self-timer]] (2 or 10 sec) switch, and also a double-exposure release - allowing cocking the shutter without advancing the film {this is covered by the lever in the photo above}. | Around the [[film advance|wind-on lever]] is the On (A)/ Off (L, lock)/ [[self-timer]] (2 or 10 sec) switch, and also a double-exposure release - allowing cocking the shutter without advancing the film {this is covered by the lever in the photo above}. | ||
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Dedicated flashguns can be attached to the [[hot shoe]], where there are two additional contacts for camera-gun communication. There is also a PC socket - on the front, near the rewind crank - for a conventional flashgun. | Dedicated flashguns can be attached to the [[hot shoe]], where there are two additional contacts for camera-gun communication. There is also a PC socket - on the front, near the rewind crank - for a conventional flashgun. | ||
| − | Around the rewind crank is the speed setting dial, with ±2 stop exposure compensation adjustment. | + | Around the rewind crank is the film speed setting dial, with ±2 stop exposure compensation adjustment. |
The base of the A-1 has electrical contacts and a mechanical linkage for a [[Film_advance#Motor_Drive|motor drive]], as well as the tripod bush and rewind release. | The base of the A-1 has electrical contacts and a mechanical linkage for a [[Film_advance#Motor_Drive|motor drive]], as well as the tripod bush and rewind release. | ||
| − | The A-1 | + | The A-1 does not have a [[mirror lockup| mirror lock]]. |
The cloth shutter is known to stick at times. Even moderately well-used examples of the camera (and the AE-1) develop a distinctive "squeal"; this can be corrected by re-lubricating the mirror braking mechanism. If this is not done, the fault can eventually lead to permanent damage. It is also not uncommon to see broken or taped-up battery doors on used models. | The cloth shutter is known to stick at times. Even moderately well-used examples of the camera (and the AE-1) develop a distinctive "squeal"; this can be corrected by re-lubricating the mirror braking mechanism. If this is not done, the fault can eventually lead to permanent damage. It is also not uncommon to see broken or taped-up battery doors on used models. | ||
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The Canon A-1 is superior to the [[Canon AE-1|AE-1]] in almost every respect. Despite this, its market-value is somewhat lower. This may be because are relatively few AE-1s are still fully functional, while A-1s have survived well. | The Canon A-1 is superior to the [[Canon AE-1|AE-1]] in almost every respect. Despite this, its market-value is somewhat lower. This may be because are relatively few AE-1s are still fully functional, while A-1s have survived well. | ||
The AE-1 was one of Canon's first forays in cost-cutting by using plastics pervasively in camera assemblies. The A-1 was built far more robustly, and uses machined gears in contrast to the metalized plastic gears of both the AE-1 and AE-1 Program. Furthermore, the A-1 offers aperture priority and lower shutter speeds, although the metering system is the same as that of the AE-1 Program. | The AE-1 was one of Canon's first forays in cost-cutting by using plastics pervasively in camera assemblies. The A-1 was built far more robustly, and uses machined gears in contrast to the metalized plastic gears of both the AE-1 and AE-1 Program. Furthermore, the A-1 offers aperture priority and lower shutter speeds, although the metering system is the same as that of the AE-1 Program. | ||
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== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
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== Links == | == Links == | ||
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[[Category:Japanese 35mm SLR]] | [[Category:Japanese 35mm SLR]] | ||
[[Category:Canon FD mount]] | [[Category:Canon FD mount]] | ||
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[[Category:A|A-1, Canon]] | [[Category:A|A-1, Canon]] | ||
Revision as of 21:00, 3 June 2012
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The A-1 is a 35mm SLR camera from Canon that, like its predecessor the AE-1, was innovative when released in 1978. It was notable for its programmed automatic exposure setting, whereby both aperture and shutter speed are automated. While not labeled as such, it was a pioneer in offering the full "PASM" set of exposure options, standard in many later cameras through the present day. The camera is durable and reliable.
Canon's competitors were considerably slower in introducing programmed SLRs: Minolta in 1982 with the X-700, Nikon with the FA and Pentax with the Super A in 1983 and Olympus with the OM-2S Program in 1984.
The A-1 was among the first cameras to be completely dependent on battery power. This power came from a 6V PX28 battery, or four LR44 1.5V alkaline cells, kept in a battery compartment on the front, partly hidden by a screwed-on finger grip (the "Action Grip"[1]).
Unlike most other Canon SLRs, the A-1 was only available in black finish.
The A-1 has the Canon FD bayonet lens mount and was normally sold with the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 lens. The A-1 accepts any lens with the Canon FD (1971) or FDn (1979) bayonet mount. The lenses feel solid, and are well-finished and balanced. (The more recent EF mount autofocus lenses (1987) cannot be fitted, nor can the FD mount lenses be fitted to autofocus Canon SLRs.)
The A-1 has the choice of aperture- or shutter-priority automatic exposure, the first[2] "programmed" fully-automatic exposure mode, as well as automatic dedicated flash, and a fully manual setting. There is a numerical display in the viewfinder of shutter and aperture, using red LED seven-segment displays. To avoid fogging from the viewfinder on long exposures, the LED display can be switched off, and the eyepiece closed off with a shutter.
The settings dial is shown (right) set to shutter-priority auto ("Tv"). The programmed setting (marked [P] in a green square) is just past the 1/1000 mark. Rotating the collar around the shutter-release to "Av" sets aperture-priority and changes the scale from speed (black background) to aperture settings (on a yellow background). Speeds (manual or auto), or apertures (in auto mode) are adjusted by a wheel in front of the dial; the photographer's right index finger naturally falls on this. There is a sliding cover for the wheel, preventing accidental changes to settings.
For automatic operation, the aperture ring of the lens is set to the "A" position; for manual settings, the required aperture is set on the lens and the shutter set on the dial, in the "Tv" position. On the photographer's left, on the front is a peculiar slider, with a flip-up finger pad, which is the stop-down lever for depth of field preview and stop-down metering. On the side of the lens mount are buttons for exposure preview, and exposure memory.
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| Hot shoe with dedicated flash contacts image by AWCam (Image rights) |
The electronically-controlled horizontal cloth focal plane shutter has marked speeds from 30s to 1/1000s, with X-synchronisation at 1/60 second (there is no bulb synch setting). In aperture priority mode, the shutter speed is continuously variable.
Around the wind-on lever is the On (A)/ Off (L, lock)/ self-timer (2 or 10 sec) switch, and also a double-exposure release - allowing cocking the shutter without advancing the film {this is covered by the lever in the photo above}.
Dedicated flashguns can be attached to the hot shoe, where there are two additional contacts for camera-gun communication. There is also a PC socket - on the front, near the rewind crank - for a conventional flashgun.
Around the rewind crank is the film speed setting dial, with ±2 stop exposure compensation adjustment.
The base of the A-1 has electrical contacts and a mechanical linkage for a motor drive, as well as the tripod bush and rewind release.
The A-1 does not have a mirror lock.
The cloth shutter is known to stick at times. Even moderately well-used examples of the camera (and the AE-1) develop a distinctive "squeal"; this can be corrected by re-lubricating the mirror braking mechanism. If this is not done, the fault can eventually lead to permanent damage. It is also not uncommon to see broken or taped-up battery doors on used models.
The Canon A-1 is superior to the AE-1 in almost every respect. Despite this, its market-value is somewhat lower. This may be because are relatively few AE-1s are still fully functional, while A-1s have survived well.
The AE-1 was one of Canon's first forays in cost-cutting by using plastics pervasively in camera assemblies. The A-1 was built far more robustly, and uses machined gears in contrast to the metalized plastic gears of both the AE-1 and AE-1 Program. Furthermore, the A-1 offers aperture priority and lower shutter speeds, although the metering system is the same as that of the AE-1 Program.
Notes
- ↑ named in the manual
- ↑ According to Canon, in their museum
Links
In English:
- Canon A-1 at Photography in Malaysia
- Canon A-1 and AV-1 at The Camera Site by Reijo Lauro
- A-1 in Canon's Museum
- Canon A1 Camera Manual : Photo-Manuals.com by Ben Squire
- Canon A-1 Price Data at Camera Repair dot Com's price data
- Canon a-1 at Classic Cameras by RaúlM.
- The A Team an article about the SLR A models, AE-1, AT-1, A-1, AV-1 and AE-1 Program at Classic Cameras by RaúlM.
In French:
- Lionel's Canon A-1 overview at 35mm-compact.com
- Canon A-1 and French user manual at Sylvain Halgand's collection-appareils.fr
