Canon A-1 to AT-1

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grapejohnson

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I've had a Canon A-1 for a few months now and I've put about 10 rolls through it, but I've never taken the camera seriously, and only shot one or two rolls with it that I was consistently proud of (because I had consistent lighting for both). I just can't stand the fact that, as I've bitched about in previous threads, the manual mode is so poorly implemented. The AE lock is hard to find, and I never remember which one it is at first, so I always end up pushing both of the buttons back and forth and moving my camera up and down trying to see if the meter locks or not, then recomposing, and usually going out of focus. I guess I've been really spoiled with my Bessa R3A. The other thing that always gets to me is that when you're in aperture priority mode, if you bump the ring past the auto lock, all you get as a warning is an M in the viewfinder which is very easy to miss if you're trying to shoot quickly and are paying attention to the numbers only. Where's the annoying EE EEEE EEEEEE when you need it? I've wasted at least 3 rolls worth total due to this error, shooing everything in F16 because I thought I was in A mode. I also hate how the meter shuts off as soon as your finger moves, and that stupid aperture wheel! I've taken so many pictures on accident trying to change apertures while metering. I just don't like automation when it's so poorly executed. So, I considered my options and I decided to buy an AT-1. With shipping, it only cost me $30. Hard to beat. I love the Pentax K1000's match needle meter, and the AT-1 has just that. I really love the build quality of the A-1 and I'll be sad to let something in such pristine condition and with such satisfying heft to it lose way to a smaller and cheaper camera, but I want to have an SLR I can take seriously as well as my RF. The A-1 has superior flash capabilities, so I may keep it around just for that, but other than the handgrip and weight of it, I don't think I'll miss it. The ISO range is ridiculous, the multi-exposure option is handy, but really it's like when you're dating someone and you know you just don't love them anymore. I think the AT-1 will be more of a rangefinder-like experience. Anyone have one or the other and have anything to add? If not, it felt good to vent.
 
Did you get an F1N? if so, how is it? I've been considering buying one but really just don't have the cash for one at the moment. I'd rather get an M lens with that kind of money. The AT-1 was a bit of an impulsive buy, but honestly I think it'll do everything I want in an SLR, and for $30 including shipping it's no huge loss.
 
I did and I really like it. I have a plain viewfinder model with the large motor drive which provides shutter priority. I'd like to get the AE viewfinder to provide aperture priority in a smaller package (ie without the motor drive) but am having some difficulty finding one.

I am now trying to decide whether or not to sell my A1 and T90 cameras. Technically they are very good but they simply do not appeal to me so much. I know I should be wowed by the multi-spot exposure function of the T90 but I also have an EOS 3 which provide much the same functionality with AF lenses.

Of the two, the T90 is probably more likely to go.

It's a head vs heart thing: the head says 'sell' but the heart resists...

Best regards
RoyM
 
While some will undoubtedly disagree, I have never liked the Canon A-1. I agree that the manual mode implementation is very poor. Also, the shutter release (one of the most important -- if not often discussed -- features of a camera (as it directly affects the sharpness and quality of handheld images) requires a rather hard squeeze and therefore is poor. The flashing digital LED display in the viewfinder is annoying as it distracts from the photographic experience. The mirror develops that atrocious squeak for which the whole Canon A-series camera line is notorious. Overall, the A-1 has about as much charm to me as a calculator.

I would suggest that you look at an Olympus OM-2n camera instead, which came out around the same time as the A-1. These two cameras were on the leading edge of camera technology in the late 1970's, but embody completely different philosophies. The philosophy behind the OM-2n, unlike the A-1, is not to embrace technology for the sake of technology with all the flashing bells and whistles, but to embrace it where it was genuinely useful -- like the innovation of off the film plane flash metering -- while emphasizing truly important camera features like an outstanding viewfinder, soft and smooth shutter release, useful manual metering, etc. Over the years, the only real problem one has to watch out for in OM-2n cameras is deteriorating foam (which afflicts all cameras) -- but particularly deteriorating foam in the viewfinder prism. Of course, one can readily have it removed or get a new prism installed (harvested from cheap, dime a dozen OM-10 cameras).
 
dtcls100 said:
I would suggest that you look at an Olympus OM-2n camera instead, which came out around the same time as the A-1. These two cameras were on the leading edge of camera technology in the late 1970's, but embody completely different philosophies. The philosophy behind the OM-2n, unlike the A-1, is not to embrace technology for the sake of technology with all the flashing bells and whistles, but to embrace it where it was genuinely useful -- like the innovation of off the film plane flash metering -- while emphasizing truly important camera features like an outstanding viewfinder, soft and smooth shutter release, useful manual metering, etc. Over the years, the only real problem one has to watch out for in OM-2n cameras is deteriorating foam (which afflicts all cameras) -- but particularly deteriorating foam in the viewfinder prism. Of course, one can readily have it removed or get a new prism installed (harvested from cheap, dime a dozen OM-10 cameras).
Click to expand...

You make great points all around, but I had been looking for an FD camera because I already have 3 FD mount lenses which I like. If I turn out not liking the AT-1 maybe I'll sell both that and the A-1 for an F1N, or just give up and buy something else.
 
wakarimasen said:
I am a little surprised that no-one has leapt to the cameras' defence so far!
Click to expand...

Your wish...

The A-1 is a great camera. Cameras were different after the A-1.

I like it for the uncluttered display. I dislike matched needle displays and much prefer the understated LED readout of aperture and shutter speed (the two things I want to know and there they are outside of the picture in plain digits). I never noticed any bells and whistles on mine (a slight cough once which was fixed quickly and cheaply). Its weak spot is manual exposure; other cameras do that much better.

Anyone looking for match needle metering display in a camera set up for manual metering should look elsewhere. But complaining about the A-1 not having these is akin to complaining about no AF in a Leica M.

The A-1 is not to everyone's taste but for me it sits just right. I smile every time I use it.
 
j j said:
Your wish...

The A-1 is a great camera. Cameras were different after the A-1.

I like it for the uncluttered display. I dislike matched needle displays and much prefer the understated LED readout of aperture and shutter speed (the two things I want to know and there they are outside of the picture in plain digits). I never noticed any bells and whistles on mine (a slight cough once which was fixed quickly and cheaply). Its weak spot is manual exposure; other cameras do that much better.

Anyone looking for match needle metering display in a camera set up for manual metering should look elsewhere. But complaining about the A-1 not having these is akin to complaining about no AF in a Leica M.

The A-1 is not to everyone's taste but for me it sits just right. I smile every time I use it.
Click to expand...

I can see what you mean, but I think it a bit arrogant of the designers to assume nobody will ever want to use the manual mode time and again simply because the new technology is there. While that technology is the selling point of the camera, why have manual options if they just don't work right? It's like when something advertises as having 32 different uses but realistically you can only use it for three.
 
grapejohnson said:
Maybe we can all agree that it's a stinker!
Click to expand...

Wrong!

grapejohnson said:
... The other thing that always gets to me is that when you're in aperture priority mode, if you bump the ring past the auto lock, all you get as a warning is an M in the viewfinder which is very easy to miss if you're trying to shoot quickly and are paying attention to the numbers only...
Click to expand...

Having owned and used several FD/BL & FD lenses and the Canon EF camera since 1975 and currently owning and using the same Canon EF, and newly garage sale found A-1 and T50 cameras, your statement above is impossible. Or your lenses are broken. The A lock on the lenses is very positive. Once locked, it only moves with determination. The aperture ring does not move if "bumped". This "flaw" in the FD lenses and cameras is attributable to operator error.

My A-1 is currently waiting for me to pick it up after a complete overhaul/CLA. I'm looking forward to many more years with my Canon FD cameras & lenses.

Wayne
 
The A-1 was Canon's second salvo (1978) after the AE-1knocked the photo world off its feet back in 1976. I remember both Modern Photo and Pop photo gushing about it. Personally, I never cared for the A-1 or any of the Canon A-series cameras. They were quite a step down from the mechanical, all-metal "F" series cameras of earlier years. But they were bristling with technology that was radical for the day. Remember that we were coming out of an era where cameras were still mostly mechanical. The A-series was the beginning of a new era.

The A-1 though, did have a terrible manual mode. The AT-1 is a much better camera if you plan on taking pics the old-fashioned way, meaning by matching two needles in the viewfinder. But if you need heavy automation, stick with the A-1.

Jim B.
 
venchka said:
Wrong!



Having owned and used several FD/BL & FD lenses and the Canon EF camera since 1975 and currently owning and using the same Canon EF, and newly garage sale found A-1 and T50 cameras, your statement above is impossible. Or your lenses are broken. The A lock on the lenses is very positive. Once locked, it only moves with determination. The aperture ring does not move if "bumped". This "flaw" in the FD lenses and cameras is attributable to operator error.

My A-1 is currently waiting for me to pick it up after a complete overhaul/CLA. I'm looking forward to many more years with my Canon FD cameras & lenses.

Wayne
Click to expand...

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.
 
No one seems to have said anything about the AT-1, but I will. Great little camera. I find them to be utterly reliable, more reliable at this point than the AE-1 in autoexposure mode. Only downside (but this is true of the whole series) is that they're dead without the battery.
 
KoNickon said:
No one seems to have said anything about the AT-1, but I will. Great little camera. I find them to be utterly reliable, more reliable at this point than the AE-1 in autoexposure mode. Only downside (but this is true of the whole series) is that they're dead without the battery.
Click to expand...

I bought it because it seemed similar to a K1000. My friend has one and I've always liked how simple it was. Also, the shutter speed wheel seems like a nice addition. I'll see how it is in a day or two! Don't mind the battery thing.
 
Being more used to Nikons, I do find myself forgetting to turn the power switch off. That's about the only non-intuitive thing about the camera.

grapejohnson said:
I bought it because it seemed similar to a K1000. My friend has one and I've always liked how simple it was. Also, the shutter speed wheel seems like a nice addition. I'll see how it is in a day or two! Don't mind the battery thing.
Click to expand...
 
I prefer using AE-1P more than F-1N on not so serious family trips or daily commutes. It is much lighter and does 95% of what normal person would want to shoot. F-1N is utterly reliable and heavy in comparison, I use that only if I have some subjects in mind.
 
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