Difference between revisions of "Canon A-1"
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The '''A-1''' was a [[35mm film|35mm]] [[SLR]] made by [[Canon]] in Japan. The popularity of today's high-tech circuitry in cameras has much to owe to the A-1. Introduced in 1978, this camera has remained the ultimate reference camera in many minds for over a quarter of a century. The A-1 was among the first cameras to be completely dependant on battery power, and that fact would prove to be an asset in light of the dramatically improved accuracy and ease of use. | The '''A-1''' was a [[35mm film|35mm]] [[SLR]] made by [[Canon]] in Japan. The popularity of today's high-tech circuitry in cameras has much to owe to the A-1. Introduced in 1978, this camera has remained the ultimate reference camera in many minds for over a quarter of a century. The A-1 was among the first cameras to be completely dependant on battery power, and that fact would prove to be an asset in light of the dramatically improved accuracy and ease of use. | ||
This power came from a 6v PX28 battery, or 4 LR44 1.5v alkaline cells. | This power came from a 6v PX28 battery, or 4 LR44 1.5v alkaline cells. | ||
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| + | The A-1 was normally sold with the [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.8]] standard lens, or the excellent [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.4|50mm f/1.4]]. | ||
=== Features === | === Features === | ||
<table><tr><td valign=top> | <table><tr><td valign=top> | ||
The A-1 had 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> <i>"programmed"</i> fully-auto mode, as well as automatic dedicated flash, and a fully manual setting. There was a numerical display in the viewfinder of shutter and aperture, using red [[LED]] seven-segment displays. | The A-1 had 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> <i>"programmed"</i> fully-auto mode, as well as automatic dedicated flash, and a fully manual setting. There was a numerical display in the viewfinder of shutter and aperture, using red [[LED]] seven-segment displays. | ||
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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). Around the wind-on lever is the On (A)/ Off (L, lock)/ [[self-timer]] (2 or 10 sec) switch. | 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). Around the wind-on lever is the On (A)/ Off (L, lock)/ [[self-timer]] (2 or 10 sec) switch. | ||
Revision as of 01:10, 11 May 2008
The A-1 was a 35mm SLR made by Canon in Japan. The popularity of today's high-tech circuitry in cameras has much to owe to the A-1. Introduced in 1978, this camera has remained the ultimate reference camera in many minds for over a quarter of a century. The A-1 was among the first cameras to be completely dependant on battery power, and that fact would prove to be an asset in light of the dramatically improved accuracy and ease of use. This power came from a 6v PX28 battery, or 4 LR44 1.5v alkaline cells.
The A-1 was normally sold with the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 standard lens, or the excellent 50mm f/1.4.
Features
|
The A-1 had the choice of aperture- or shutter-priority automatic exposure, the first [1] "programmed" fully-auto mode, as well as automatic dedicated flash, and a fully manual setting. There was a numerical display in the viewfinder of shutter and aperture, using red LED seven-segment displays. 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). Around the wind-on lever is the On (A)/ Off (L, lock)/ self-timer (2 or 10 sec) switch. |
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The A-1 has a cloth shutter, known to stick at times, and also known for the dreaded Canon squeal. It is not uncommon to see broken or taped battery doors on used models.
Notes
- ↑ 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
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
