Canon A-1 to AT-1

[wakarimasen]

Am just re-reading the MIR sites' collection of information about the A1. This has made me go and get the camera, fit my 35mm F3.5 BL lens and think about running another film through tomorrow.

I daren't read about the T90!

[venchka]

I own one of those lenses. Bought new in 1975. Surgically sharp little puppy. Use it well!

Wayne

[Paul Connet]

Hi Scott,

I think your A1 deserves more from you. From you initial post it seems you maybe have not given yourself enough time to get familiar with the camera. Most of your complaints have come as a result of your lack of familiarity with the A1. You complain that the meter reading goes away when you take your finger off the release, and so you are trying to change aperture with one finger while holding the release with the another and wind up taking an unwanted shot in the process. Read the manual. The meter is activated by the bottom button on the left side of the lens mount. Hold it with your left hand and change the aperture with the taking finger on your right hand. Voila, no more accidental shots.

Manual exposure couldn't be more simple. The viewfinder simply shows the shutter speed you set and gives you a recomended aperture value that it thinks is appropriate for the scene you are shooting. You can take it's advise or not, as you see fit.

It is a great camera, but you do have to learn how to use it. Another great feature is the lack of any battery drain when it is turned off and put away. I just took mine out to check a couple of features for this post and it came to life instantly after sitting on a shelf unused for over two years. Mine has been idle because there are 40-50 other cameras that have been taking my attention.

So, give it another chance --
Paul C.

[grapejohnson]

Originally Posted by Paul Connet

Hi Scott,

I think your A1 deserves more from you. From you initial post it seems you maybe have not given yourself enough time to get familiar with the camera. Most of your complaints have come as a result of your lack of familiarity with the A1. You complain that the meter reading goes away when you take your finger off the release, and so you are trying to change aperture with one finger while holding the release with the another and wind up taking an unwanted shot in the process. Read the manual. The meter is activated by the bottom button on the left side of the lens mount. Hold it with your left hand and change the aperture with the taking finger on your right hand. Voila, no more accidental shots.

Manual exposure couldn't be more simple. The viewfinder simply shows the shutter speed you set and gives you a recomended aperture value that it thinks is appropriate for the scene you are shooting. You can take it's advise or not, as you see fit.

It is a great camera, but you do have to learn how to use it. Another great feature is the lack of any battery drain when it is turned off and put away. I just took mine out to check a couple of features for this post and it came to life instantly after sitting on a shelf unused for over two years. Mine has been idle because there are 40-50 other cameras that have been taking my attention.

So, give it another chance --
Paul C.

I have the manual and I know about that button, it's just really awkward to meter with, and I always confuse it with the AE lock. As for manual operation, I want a meter that responds to both shutter and aperture changes, like a match needle. I don't like that it's merely suggestive and won't let me know the actuality of the situation. This is why I bought the AT-1.

[venchka]

All light meters are merely suggestive.
If you need a camera with a lightmeter that takes all the worry out of exposure, buy the M5 in the Classifieds here at RFF.
I will volunteer to take your A-1. Give it a good home. I promise never to complain about it.
Give the A-1 a chance. Use it in full auto mode. Learn how the meter works. Learn where to aim for best exposure. Keep it simple. Don't overthink things. Free your eyes and your mind. Have fun.

Wayne

[Al Patterson]

Originally Posted by grapejohnson

Maybe we can all agree that it's a stinker!

The A-1 is my favorite SLR. If you think it is a stinker, you don't know how to use it...

I started out with the Canon AE-1 and later bought 2 A-1's. Sure, the manual F-1's are sturdier, but I wasn't looking for a tank, just an upgrade to the AE-1.

And for the record, I've usually used the A-1 in one of the Program modes. If I wanted totally manual, I would have bought a different camera.

[wakarimasen]

Originally Posted by Paul Connet

Hi Scott,

I think your A1 deserves more from you. From you initial post it seems you maybe have not given yourself enough time to get familiar with the camera. Most of your complaints have come as a result of your lack of familiarity with the A1......

It is a great camera, but you do have to learn how to use it.

So, give it another chance --
Paul C.

This has struck a cord with me. I've spent the last few years like a gadfly: hopping from one system to another and accumulating a wide variety of gear. Just as I buy one that I've read great things about, I read a fantastic review about another, and of we go again.

It's great to own different 'great' cameras (F1N, T90, A1, F4S, F3 FE etc.) but in truth I think I'm trying hard to dislike the A1 and T90, so that I can sell them in order to generate funds to buy more Nikon lenses.

Time - I think - to load some film and take some pictures.

Best regards,
RoyM

[Peter_wrote:]

i have the a-1, at-1 and t90

i also prefer the simplicity and purity of the at-1 over the a-1. but both are light, small but durable cameras.

although the t90 is outstanding both in functionality as in ergonomics, i never got really warm with it. i think, for 35mm film i just prefer smaller and lighter cameras.

[leicapixie]

i received free,a Canon ae-1 and later a Canon ae-1p.All with lenses and flashes..The latter a much nicer camera to work with. i added at great expense a new Canon av-1.It cost me $45 with 50mm f1.8 lens, lovely cloth bag, tele-extender, skylight filter.It only picks shutter speed.
The fear of using auto only can be cured! If you use slide film, maybe good metering is required. Color negative film has wide tolerances. Suggest you put lens at 5,6 a shutter speed of 125 or 250th,use 400 or 200 ISO film and simply shoot! All your exposures from sunlight to shade, backlit will come out!
i once shot 800 ISO Fuji at 64 ISO thinking it was an 80 ISO film. The colors were very saturated and some bleeding. NO GRAIN.
The manual exposure is lousy, but truly it's the beginning of full auto.

[grapejohnson]

After getting my AT-1 today in the mail I can't be happier with the simplicity of it. I understand that most people like having ae but I love having a shutter knob and an aperture wheel and not much else. I would always rather be the reason for how an exposure comes out, for better or worse. At least if I'm at fault I can go back and find out what I did, if it's the camera's fault, I end up getting mad at it and writing rants about it.

[jordanatkins]

As a former owner of a Canon A-1, I must come to it's defense. This was a camera that was a pleasure to use.

I miss it now, I sold it a few years back when I was in a bad financial situation. Granted, I use full manual very rarely, instead I always used aperture priority and let the A-1 pick the shutter speed. Never failed me. And my copy never developed the squeak so many complain about.

[Frontman]

I remember reading the ads for the Canon A-1 when they were placed in National Geographic, the term Canon used in the ad was "hexa-photo-cybernetic". As a 11 year old would-be photographer, and die-hard Star Wars fan, the A-1 appealed to me. Unfortunately, it was as far out of my price range as a D700 would be to today's 11 year olds. A few years later I got a second-hand Nikon FE, and couldn't have been happier.

A couple of years ago I bought a box of "junk" cameras from a second-hand shop, I happened to get a glimpse of an F1n buried inside. Besides the F1, there were a bunch of point-and-shoots, a few FD lenses, and an A-1. The F1n was a clean, good-working camera, the A-1 was good looking, but not very good working. I tinkered with it and got it going, but the mirror was noisy, and, compared to the F1, it was not as fun to use.

I still have the F1n, and a FTb as a backup. Of all the Canon SLR cameras, I like the F1 and FTb. The FTb has a mechanical shutter, a match needle meter system, and is constructed out of metal. I shoot my Nikons ore than my Canons, but I love the Canon FD 35/2 concave lens, so I keep keep the Canon bodies to use with it.

[wakarimasen]

The T90 is going - listed on Sunday. Am also planning to sell a Canon EF-m. This will generate film-funds. Bulk loading, here I come....

[venchka]

I picked up the A-1 yesterday after it's CLA. It should be ready for another 30 years. I have the 35mm/2.0 S.S.C. on it now. I can't wait to see how this lens performs.

Wayne

[grapejohnson]

The AT-1 has been one of my best purchases in ages. I absolutely love that camera.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by Frontman

...but I love the Canon FD 35/2 concave lens, so I keep keep the Canon bodies to use with it.

I have that lens on my A-1 at the moment. I hope I like mine as much as you like yours. Is yours the 35mm f/2.0 S.S.C. version?

Wayne

[grapejohnson]

Originally Posted by Frontman

I remember reading the ads for the Canon A-1 when they were placed in National Geographic, the term Canon used in the ad was "hexa-photo-cybernetic". As a 11 year old would-be photographer, and die-hard Star Wars fan, the A-1 appealed to me.

Ever since I read this I can't stop seeing my A-1 on the shelf and imagining it as an Imperial camera. It would totally be Darth Vader's camera.

[Gavin R]

If anyone would like to cure the Canon 'Cough' themselves I have a series of images showing how to do it.
I cut the end off an AE1 to show the part which needs reaching with a bent hypodermic needle, through the top left lens plate screw when looking at the camera body from the front. Its an easy job to do and so far synthetic gun oil seems to be the best way forward with the 7 A1 bodies done so far. All are working as expected 2-3 years on.

[grapejohnson]

Broke down and bought a F1N. I love the AT-1, and since my RF has been sent off for repair it's been my main camera. My only issue with it is that the meter isn't very sensitive in low light. It'll still be a great take anywhere/backup camera.

Edit: Sold it

[nikon_sam]

Originally Posted by wakarimasen

I am a little surprised that no-one has leapt to the cameras' defence so far!

I have had an A-1 for just a few weeks now (given to me by a friend) and in Manual Mode it really is fool proof...you have a shutter speed control knob and then there's your aperture ring on the lens...point it at what you want it to meter and set the numbers...that is "Manual Mode"...if you can't do that don't blame the camera...

[Al Patterson]

Originally Posted by grapejohnson

Maybe we can all agree that it's a stinker!

I have two and like it. I don't use the manual settings, I use the auto modes.

The AT-1 is a better choice for those of you who like manual mode...

[Bille]

Originally Posted by grapejohnson

Maybe we can all agree that it's a stinker!

At its time the A-1 was an electronic marvel. It was bought by the same type of people who - today - would buy Canons 7D.

If you are looking for a mechanical Canon try an FTb or F1.

[farlymac]

I sit here reading this thread right after I opened up the box with my A-1 in it. Needs a battery, so I can't test it. It's a little grungy, but a good brushing should take care of that. And it has the grip, so I don't have to go chasing after one of those, though they are more plentiful than the one for the Nikon FA. It looks pretty good in basic black. Hope it works as good as the AE-1P I got last year, and gave to my brother (almost kept it for myself). But Av and Tv? Why not just A and S? The shutter wheel is a nice touch, with the timed slow speeds to 30 seconds. But then flash sync is at 1/60. Hey, no camera is perfect, and I suspect I'll get the hang of using this one too. After I download and read the manual.

PF

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by grapejohnson

Don't get me wrong, I love the lenses. Getting out of A mode on the lens seems to happen in my camera bag or somesuch, and not while I'm out shooting. It wouldn't even be that big of a deal to me, really, if the camera just told me in a way other than the little M that I always seem to miss. If it metered correctly due to this change in aperture I would still want to use the camera. That's my main issue -- the meter.

Edit: I have the older breech-mount version of the 50 1.4, maybe it clicks over less sturdily.

Maybe you could do what I do? If you don't want it to move, tape it! I use decorators tape, the cream coloured type and then just black it out with a marker pen.
I tape up everything that bugs me like the d700 flash to keep it waterproof, clip on hoods that unclip in the bag, Manual / auto selectors on lenses etc. I know when I grab my camera out of the bag that it's set the same way I left it. It may not look pretty but it works.
Regarding the A series Canons, I bought a new AE1 in 1980 and used it for years along with 28 and 50's. It was a great camera, very reliable, squeaked a bit but kept working. I left Canons in 1996 after an AE1 program let me down. A Canon CLA didn't fix it! I just lost faith in them so switched to Nikon.

[waynec]

I picked up a A1 kit about 4 years ago and sent it off for a cla. Came back LN. Thankfully I got the manual with it (download if you need it) cause it is a little quirky with stop down DOF in manual mode and then returning to AE operation. I don't quite understand why there had to be a manual mode in this camera beyond the fact it gave you a DOF preview. What would it take to stop down a lens; In the past you'd push a button to stop down the lens for preview. I guess it was that DOF was mainly a mechanical thing in the past and the electronic wizardry was not quite there yet due to needed contacts or the associated electronic linkages in the lens? There were a ton of lenses out there that could be used with the camera but none that I know of that allowed electronic DOF preview. So they wound up with a work around to allow this ability with all the existing lenses and we wind up with a somewhat complicated procedure.

The whole manual operation thing is really a way for one to control exposure totally. That means, without the camera doing it for you automatically. This can be thought of as when one wants to do portraiture using strobes with a hand meter for balancing the setup. On the other hand, adjusting the exposure when in auto exposure operation is done thru the compensation dial for say overly bright or foggy scenes or just to skew the exposure to one side or the other for whatever reason; You also can change the TV dial. This really is the sticking point for alot of photographers who want full manual mode such as with the older camera's with match needle metering in which they had a exposure readout thru the needle. The thing is they didn't necessarily have both a shutter speed and aperture setting readout in the viewfinder; It was usually one of the other. In the case of the A1 when in manual mode, when you push the preview switch or shutter button you get a readout that gives the recommended aperture as if the camera was in AE operation, not necessarily what one would have previously set on the lens for whatever reason, but maybe having to do with what DOF was needed. One has to transfer the recommended aperture setting if one wants the exposure recommended by the camera (at the TV setting), or change the aperture to under or over expose the scene from the cameras recommendation. From the way I see it, many complaints about using manual exposure with this camera is really having to take their eye out of the viewfinder (or remember the aperture setting they set) in order to transfer the electronic meters recommended setting, Many did anyways cause many cameras as stated didn't have the full readout's in the viewfinder anyways, and well we all forget settings and have to look away to remind ourselves or to change them.

I was much surprised with the small size of the camera and the metering seems really good. It's a good camera for low light shooting with EV -2 and using a top tier, but cheap lens like the 50mm F1.4 SSC. The other thing that doesn't seem to draw very many praises is the stepless shutter speeds, a big step up over manual cameras and a good thing for shooting E6. It also incorporates a viewfinder eyepiece blind thru a small lever.

Overall it's just a different way of working. It really is a camera created on the cusp of total automation where computer thin film boards were in their infancy and we hadn't quite reached the do everything electronic camera.