Canon A-1: More than the Middle Child of the A-Series

The Canon A-1 is the ‘middle child’ of the Canon A series, sandwiched between the cult classic and photographer favourite Canon AE-1 and the younger modern sibling, the Canon AE-1 program. While the Canon AE-1 is known to all photographers, amateur and professional, due to it being the first SLR to have a microprocessor and the most recommended camera for film photography. Though the Canon A-1 shares the same design ethos and DNA of the AE-1, the A-1 was developed specifically to address the AE-1 limitations - despite the improvements, the Canon AE-1 still shines bright. If not the AE-1, many photographers are drawn to the Canon AE-1 Program. However, while the AE-1 Program may appear more modern, it arguably lacks in several key areas. Such as: an inability to work in low lighting, the inability to hold the shutter open for more than 2 seconds and a restricted ISO range capped at below ISO 3200.

The Canon A-1 is best described as a genuine, all-around solid film camera, perfectly suited for both amateur and professional photographers alike. If that isn't convincing enough, let us explore in detail why the Canon A-1 may just be the best choice in the A series. 

Despite being the so-called ‘middle child’, the Canon A-1 arguably combines the best features of all the A series. Released in 1978, just two years after the AE-1, the A-1 was designed with advanced amateurs and professionals in mind, while the AE-1 was targeted at the general consumer market. While the technology of the AE-1 revolutionised the SLR camera market through its microchip technology, the A-1 built upon the shortcomings of this camera. With its entire design ethos based on improving upon the durability and expanding the features of the AE-1, the A-1 technology successfully achieved this goal and resulted in a camera that was way ahead of its time - the first SLR camera that offered a Programmed AE mode. Enabling photographers to let the camera select both aperture and shutter speed based on the setting and ISO film. Such a feature set a standard for future SLR cameras. Moreover, the Canon A-1 played a part in shutting down critics who claimed that Canon FD lens systems were unable to support aperture priority automation by debuting the A-1 as a camera that offered all four exposure modes - manual, program, aperture, and shutter priority. Making the Canon A-1 the first and only manual focus 35mm SLR camera that could work without an aperture ring on the FD lens. 

Another feature that provided an advantage for the Canon A-1 was its self-timer, which offered both 2 and 10-second delay options, an element that provided photographers with a great option to reduce shake in close-up shots without a cable release. A feature that is lacking in later canon models, with the new F-1 model only offering a 10-second delay. Other additional accessories, such as the motor drive MA, enable photographers to shoot at speeds of 5 fps. It is clear that although in the late 70s, the Canon A-1 was marketed to professional photographers, it can be a versatile camera that can adjust to the skills of amateurs through its variety of exposure modes, while its performance and accessories can withstand the usage of professional photographers.

Although now the AE-1 is known to be a cult classic and remains the most popular Canon 35mm SLR film camera, the A-1, often available at the same price, is undeniably the more refined model. The only con of the Canon A-1 is like its siblings, the DNA of the Canon cough, that appear when shooting, runs thick if not lubricated and fixed. 

Here is a recap and overview of the Canon A-1 specification. 

• The A-1 accepts any lens with the Canon FD (1971) or FDn (1979) bayonet mount.
• It features aperture and shutter-priority mode, plus a programmed fully-automatic exposure mode, as well as automatic dedicated flash, and a fully manual setting.
• The viewfinder features an LED display which can be switched off.
• There is a sliding cover for the wheel, preventing accidental changes to settings.
• On the side of the lens mount are buttons for exposure preview and exposure memory.
• Around the rewind crank is the film speed setting dial, with ±2 stop exposure compensation adjustment.
• 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).
• Flashguns can be attached to the hot shoe.
• There is also a PC socket - on the front, near the rewind crank - for a conventional flashgun.
• There is a self-timer (2 or 10 sec) switch and a double-exposure release.
• A tripod bush and a rewind release

The Canon A-1 is a camera that, although it is widely popular, gets shoved to the side in comparison to the classic Canon AE-1 and the Canon AE-1 Program. However, from technology to design, the Canon A-1 is the better half of the Canon A series. It was a camera that improved upon all the disadvantages of previous Canon SLR's in such a short amount of time and still outperformed Canon's later models. If you choose from the Canon series, I definitely highly advise giving the Canon A-1 a chance, you'll benefit from better innovation, for the same cost. Find more on our website here.