The Canon A-1 was introduced in 1978 and produced until 1985. It was the first 35mm SLR film camera to use digital electronics throughout the camera. The Canon A-1 was branded as an advanced-level 35mm film camera. It is not considered a professional camera as the Canon F-1 is, but the quality of the camera has stood the test of time, and is often first choice for professionals today.

When the Canon A-1 was released, it was described as "spectacular" and a "digital multi-mode marvel." Those sentiments still stand as fact in today's market, and I don't think any other 35mm SLR film camera truly compares to the Canon A-1.

The Canon A-1 has pretty much every feature you could ask for in a 35mm SLR film camera.

It has:

• Five automatic shutter modes
• Self-timer (2 seconds and 10 seconds)
• Flash hotshoe
• Multiple exposure switch
• A memory lock button
• Battery test button
• Detachable hand grip
• Stop-down lever
• and more!

These modes are:

• Shutter priority: ideal for action and candid photography. The lens remains on automatic and the mode selector on "Tv". This allows you to manually select the shutter speed you want and the camera decides the aperture for your image.
• Aperture priority: ideal for landscapes, still life, or architecture. This mode enables you to select the aperture on the mode selector dial (leaving the aperture on the lens in automatic). The camera will then decide the shutter speed for you and display it in the viewfinder.
• Stopped-down AE: necessary if you are using a non-FD mount lens. The camera automatically switches to this mode when you set the aperture manually on the lens and use the stop-down lever. This means you can see a preview of your aperture in the viewfinder, too.
• Programmed AE mode: the camera provides you with an automatic mix of aperture and shutter speed. This is done by selecting "P" on the "Tv" mode and leaving the lens on automatic.
• Fully automatic flash photography: this is used with a Canon Speedlite flash. The flash communicates with the camera to set the shutter speed and aperture.

The Canon A-1 may seem overwhelming when you start to use it. Once you understand how each mode works and how to access each mode, the Canon A-1 really starts doing most of the work for you.

As with most cameras that are new to you, I recommend giving the manual a read. But it only took me one outing with the Canon A-1 to understand the interface of the camera and how to get it to do what I wanted.

The Canon A-1 would be a very ambitious camera to pick up and use straight away as a beginner to film. If you have some experience with digital SLR cameras, then it may be a little easier to use. 

The Canon A-1 would certainly help you to become quickly well-equipped with an understanding of shutter speed and aperture.

However, I would recommend a simpler Canon camera over the Canon A-1 for someone who is new to photography and new to 35mm film photographer.

Some examples of other cameras I would recommend would be:

In my opinion, yes. It has all the features and exposure modes you could need in order to shoot quickly, effectively, and efficiently.

It also is a great camera to upgrade to if you have started with a simpler camera and decided to move onto something more advanced in order to learn more skills of photography. 

We used the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens on the Canon A-1. This is the lens that the camera was typically sold with when it was new.

Any Canon FD mount lens would fit the Canon A-1. You can see our range of Canon FD mount lenses here:

I am definitely biased, because I absolutely love this lens. It knocks the socks off of the standard 50mm f/1.8 lens, and has never disappointed me. 

It is one of my favourite lenses because of the incredible quality I have got from it.

Seeing the samples from this camera definitely speak more to the quality of the lens than the camera. 

Whilst using the camera, I found each exposure was quick and easy to set up, so I could spend more time focusing on the composition of my images.

I am pretty notorious for missing focus when manually focusing my camera, because I am focusing so much on making sure my exposure is correct. But with this camera and lens combination, all my images came our sharp and perfectly in focus.

This camera is definitely worth taking the time to wrap your head around, in my opinion. It delivers sharp and well-exposed images every time. 

The interface is really easy to use when you have got used to which setting does what. The dials are easily accessible when holding the camera, and you will learn to be able to change all your settings without removing your eye from the viewfinder.

The lens definitely outperforms the standard Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens, so if you are looking to purchase this camera, definitely get one with the 50mm f/1.4 lens.

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