Canon A1

The Canon A-1 is an advanced level single-lens reflex 35 mm film camera for use with interchangeable lenses. It was manufactured by Canon Camera K. K. in Japan.The A-1 is a historically significant camera. It was the first SLR to offer an electronically controlled programmed auto exposure mode. Instead of the photographer picking a shutter speed to freeze or blur motion and choosing a lens aperture f-stop to control depth of field (focus), the A-1 has a microprocessor programmed to automatically select a compromise exposure based on light meter input.

Got mine new in 1984 in trade for a 1973 AMC Gremlin. Best trade I've made. Still have the A-1, I kinda doubt the Gremlin is still around.

The 6 exposure modes are great. Includes stop down metering. Great addition. I love the analogue controls ( I guess I'm just old school.) The camera is still in full operational condition after 32 years of ownership. I went with a digital SLR in 2004 so this A-1 has seen little use since.

I shot tens of thousands of color slides in the 20 years of ownership. Nearly all slides perfectly exposed.

Like most A series camera from Canon, mine has developed "mirror box sqwauk" but it does not effect operation.

I wont be returning to film any time soon, but still bring thje A-1 out for a Sunday stroll once in a while.

I bought my A1 in 1982, and it was a superb choice. The quality of my photos won me many a prize at our local Agricultural Show. Having my aperture and speed displayed in the viewfinder allowed me to compose without moving from the subject. Adding exchangeable lenses expanded my subject choice in natural history shots. I still use my A1, but have added a Rebel and a D60 (with Image Stabilizer on my bigger lenses) for added performance.

W Campbell Clarke

I started out with digital, but I picked this camera up recently and haven't stopped using it. There is just something about this camera - maybe an intangible quality - that makes me want to use it. It is very well built, feels sturdy in my hands, and is, in my opinion, the most aesthetically beautiful camera I've ever seen. If you don't have one, get one! Make sure you buy one that has been serviced. I got mine from eBay seller canaseries and it has performed flawlessly. I think he still sells them.

I bought the first A-1 available in Houston Texas. This camera was the first all electronic camera and caused a new generation of SLR cameras with features we all take for granted today like information in the viewfinder and an array of automatic modes -- Program, aperture priority, shutter priority, etc. I still have it and it still works great. I rarely shoot film anymore, but it does the job when I do.

This canon a1 camera is over 20 years old !

I believe that it was the first truly automatic camera on the market.

It came with the 50mm 1:1.4 lens. It has served me well, and as a Marine Surveyor, of ships, oil rigs etc. etc. it has travelled the world. Including the Jungles of Borneo. What I still like about this camera is the simplicity of use in any condition. This is an old camera, I am an elderley man, I am a great fan of canon, but unfortunately the next camera I purchase will be the FUJI finepix S100fs, only because Canon do not make one the same.

I really rate Canon, and will never part with with my A1.

Thanks for a great camera

i have had the Canon A1 camera since 1976 and i still have the camera with sppedlite 199a and also motor drive that lets the camera do five frames a second. also able to take a picture over a picture. also have 50mm and 135mm. have other cameras but i still prefer this because of flexability

I, just last week, traded a framed, matted print from my gallery for an A-1. I made the trade because I wanted something of quality which would take multiple exposures.

I have used Canon in the past, so assumed it would be a rugged, reliable camera. I'm not very disappointed. The lens is stuck, so I can't get it off.

I took a roll of film with it Thursday and I'm pleased with the results. I purposely pushed the macro and depth of field into marginal results and got exactly what I expected, Now I know the focus and exposure limits for future work.

I bought a Cannon A1 in 1982 brand new when I was 17 the price was £320.00.The best parts of the camera was viewfider which showed aperture and shutter flash reader and programmed modes.I also bought a cannon 166 speedlight for £99.00 which was dedicated.The camera was an absolute classic but when I bought a Cannon EOS RTI realise how much the A1 Was Limited in features handling and quality.For The time when the A1 came out it was an icon but the Cannon cameras available now 2009 are a lot more for the same money.

I bought my Canon A1 in 1992 secondhand for £120 and it still works perfectly, and has never been repaired or serviced, nor let me down. With some TLC I expect it to last a good few more years yet.

Some may say film is expensive, but if you surf the net good deals are out there. As good as any 35mm camera I've used.

The only bad point is no mirror lock up.