Canon A-1 + FD 1,8/50mm S.C. + other lenses and acc. | Single lens reflex camera (SLR)






Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.
€200 | ||
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€190 | ||
€170 | ||
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Canon A-1 35mm SLR with Canon FD mount and FD 50mm f/1.8 standard lens among other lenses and accessories; serial number 1949531; produced circa 1980–1990; physical condition Good; functional condition tested and working.
Description from the seller
The Canon A-1 is a legendary 35mm SLR camera that Canon produced between 1978 and 1985. It is one of the most historically significant film cameras because it was the world’s very first SLR with a fully electronically controlled program automation (P mode). This allowed the camera to determine both shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure. Within Canon’s well-known A-series (which also includes the popular Canon AE-1), the A-1 was the absolute top model, intended for demanding amateurs and professionals.
Key specifications
Exposure modes: Fully equipped with what we now know as PASM: Program (P), Shutter-priority (Tv), Aperture-priority (Av), and full Manual (M).
Shutter speeds: Electronically controlled horizontal focal-plane shutter from 30 seconds to 1/1000th of a second, including Bulb (B) for long exposures.
Note: Fitted with a unique digital red LED readout at the bottom of the viewfinder that shows the shutter speed and aperture—very advanced for its time.
Lens mount: Compatible with all Canon FD and FDn lenses (and older FL lenses in stopped-down mode).
Power: Runs on one 4LR44 (6V) battery. Because the shutter is electronically controlled, the camera won’t operate without a battery.
Appearance: The A-1 was produced exclusively in a full black finish, giving it a professional look.
Pros and cons in the current analogue era
Advantages:
Very versatile: The wide range of automatic modes makes it an ideal camera for both beginners and more advanced photographers.
Night photography: Thanks to the programmed shutter speeds up to 30 seconds, it is excellent for evening and night shots.
Wide range of lenses: The Canon FD system offers a gigantic selection of affordable and high-quality glass (such as the well-known Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4).
The Canon A-1 is a legendary 35mm SLR camera that Canon produced between 1978 and 1985. It is one of the most historically significant film cameras because it was the world’s very first SLR with a fully electronically controlled program automation (P mode). This allowed the camera to determine both shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure. Within Canon’s well-known A-series (which also includes the popular Canon AE-1), the A-1 was the absolute top model, intended for demanding amateurs and professionals.
Key specifications
Exposure modes: Fully equipped with what we now know as PASM: Program (P), Shutter-priority (Tv), Aperture-priority (Av), and full Manual (M).
Shutter speeds: Electronically controlled horizontal focal-plane shutter from 30 seconds to 1/1000th of a second, including Bulb (B) for long exposures.
Note: Fitted with a unique digital red LED readout at the bottom of the viewfinder that shows the shutter speed and aperture—very advanced for its time.
Lens mount: Compatible with all Canon FD and FDn lenses (and older FL lenses in stopped-down mode).
Power: Runs on one 4LR44 (6V) battery. Because the shutter is electronically controlled, the camera won’t operate without a battery.
Appearance: The A-1 was produced exclusively in a full black finish, giving it a professional look.
Pros and cons in the current analogue era
Advantages:
Very versatile: The wide range of automatic modes makes it an ideal camera for both beginners and more advanced photographers.
Night photography: Thanks to the programmed shutter speeds up to 30 seconds, it is excellent for evening and night shots.
Wide range of lenses: The Canon FD system offers a gigantic selection of affordable and high-quality glass (such as the well-known Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4).
