Canon A1 Film Camera Guide For Dummies
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Since making my previous video about the Canon A1 film camera I have discovered through comments that a lot of people have inherited these cameras and may not necessarily know anything about cameras or photography.
This simplified guide is for people who have suddenly found themselves in possession of this classic film camera, and who would like to take photos with it, but are really struggling to use it.
If, after watching the video, you still aren't sure about something please leave a comment below. I do my best to respond to every comment I receive!
Old film cameras and lenses can surface anywhere. If you're lucky, you can find good examples in second-hand shops or flea markets. However, this requires a great deal of luck. The most reliable way to find good used equipment - without relying on luck - is to look on eBay. The following link should list several Canon A1 film cameras currently available on eBay:
ebay.us/PUXrRC
I bought my A1 in 1980 and took 100s of pictures with it. In 1982, I married and a few years later, my wife didn’t like taking pictures with the A1 because she had to manually focus. The Rebel came out and I traded my A1 and lenses for an auto focus Rebel. Eventually digital cameras came out and the Rebel fell into disuse. I recently purchased a Nikon Z50 which I love. In January, my son passed from Covid (at 30)… while going through his things, I found that he had an A1… I had no idea that he had it. Now I have an A1 again and I plan on using it in his memory. My next purchase will be a film developing kit so I can develop the exposed film. I already have the hardware to scan the negatives.
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. As a parent myself I can think of nothing worse than losing a child. My sincere condolences.
The A1 had quite a good run before autofocus took over. Not so the T90. That was a truly amazing camera, but even when it was new there were already AF cameras and these soon dominated.
Years ago, my brother developed his own film. It didn't seem too bad doing B/W, but color was a lot trickier. Doing your own developing gives you complete control over the creative process. The problem for me with two young children is lack of time! Thanks for your comment.
That’s mad love 🖤
Phil proceeds to roast our ass before educating us in the most articulate way. Phil is a treasure.
Not sure that ass-roasting was my intention, but thanks for the compliment!
I've been using my A1 for almost 20 years and I've finally learned what some of the buttons do! This is an excellent and clear video thank you! I load my film differently but as long as it works there's no wrong way!
That's very kind of you Gemma, your comment is much appreciated 🙂 I'm not sure how you load your film but, as you say, if the end result is the same it doesn't matter. Happy shooting!
True. He's a very good explainer. I was shooting 35mm rangefinder cameras back in the 1960s, and I had to learn a lot of this stuff on my own, sometimes through trial and error, also through photography magazines such as MODERN PHOTOGRAPHY. I was processing my own black and white film and making prints in the bathroom whilst my proud parents suffered - we only had one bathroom! I was also a photographer for my high school yearbook, and processed and printed in an on-site darkroom. You're doing a fantastic job explaining all this.
I'm looking at A-1 cameras online and I'm going to buy one pretty soon, so your video fills in a lot of the questions I have. I sold all my gear during a hard period about 8 or 9 years ago, and concentrated on iPhone photography. Now I'm getting the film itch once again. I do have an EOS Elan IIe which needs a new lens, but looks like it's in working order otherwise.
Thanks for the great video!
This honestly is the best tutorial I’ve seen. Been using my camera wrong this whole time 😂😅
Thank you 🙂
same here !!
How were you using it wrong. I think I may be as well
DUDE, I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I recently inherited my late brother's A-1 and this video was EVERY SINGLE THING I wanted to know! Even down to the little side buttons! You're the hero we need.
LOL! I can feel the love. Thank you. It's not every day I receive comments like this. Happy shooting 😃
Just picked up an A1 as a complete novice! This video was excellent, thorough but concise, really appreciate your knowledge. Looking forward to taking her out for some shots! I'm sure i'll be coming back to this video time and time again as I learn, very informative, thank you
Thank you! People get bored with RUclips videos quickly so I need to go through the content quite quickly. Sometimes I want to take longer to explain, but it is necessary to try to strike a balance. I made a previous video about the A1, but left out a few things. In this one I think I covered everything and my target audience was complete novice level. If you do have any questions, feel free to ask. There's no such thing as a stupid question!
The accuracy within the first 2 seconds lol I know nothing about photography and I am inheriting my dads camera that he used taking pictures of me my whole childhood lol ❤ thank you for this tutorial
You're most welcome! Your Dad had excellent taste. Hopefully, you inherited a few nice lenses as well 🙂
I have my father's Canon A-1 and stumbled across this video looking for an explanation as to how to do multiple exposures. Totally blown away at how in-depth and helpful this is. I even bookmarked this to come back to it later on. It is a video that I wish I had when first given the camera. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.
Hi Jason, you're most welcome and thank you for your kind comments! I'd done a video previously and forgotten a few points, so I thought I'd make another (this one) to include the omissions. It didn't actually take long. Some other videos I've made have taken a lot longer. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
RIP Uncle Henry, thanks for the great camera.
LOL! Thank you!
I just bought a canon A1 and its the most complex film camera I’ve had yet, so I watched the original video and the for dummies one! I found both really helpful in getting to know the A1! Thanks a lot 🐢
Thank you! It seems complex at first, but actually it's very basic. I wasn't intending doing a 2nd video, but I realized that a really simple version was necessary and also it was an opportunity to include the bits I forgot in the first video. Glad you found it useful!
I want to sell my A1 camera
I have just been gifted with 2 A1s from two dear family friends and I am so thankful for this video! My sister and I can't wait to start snapping away.
You're very fortunate! I get comments from people desperate to get a good A1, but they can't find one. I hope you were gifted a few good FD lenses too 😉
@@PhilUKNet wow I didn't know they were so popular. They have been in storage for years, so some of the lenses has a mold grown inside. The 50mm lens unfortunately has mold. I am hoping to send it off for a clean, buy I live in Botswana, Africa so I might not be able too. Very very thankful for my friends generosity.
@@aristabooyse3685 Me neither. I made videos about the Canon A1 and T90. The T90 also uses FD manual focus lenses and is FAR superior to the A1. However, the T90 video gets very views. Conversely, the A1 video gets lots of views. It has surprised me. Good luck getting your lenses cleaned. If gear is stored in a high humidity environment, mold is often a problem.
"4LR44" batteries are just 4 "LR44" 1.5v button batteries stacked on top of each other wrapped in a cover (hence the name & voltage) which you can buy in most supermarkets or hardware stores The cylindrical 4LR44 batteries are much cheaper online though, and less fiddly than button batteries. But good to know in a pinch if your camera dies unexpectedly.
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that, but now the designation makes sense. When I first started looking for this type of battery, I looked for a different number which was very difficult to find. I didn't realise until a little later that exactly the same battery is sold with lots of different numbers. I ordered another just a couple of weeks ago, and it was very easy to find. Anyway, I learnt something new today!
So Canon A-1 use battery 4LR44?
Talk about a quick and concise tutorial!
I recently found my grandfathers A 1 in our attic, complete with a 50mm and 28 mm lens and this video has been such a simple and yet helpful resource!
Thank you! I, too, have both those lenses. The cameras often came with a 50mm f/1.8. After I bought a 28mm f/2.8, I much preferred the wider angle, and it stayed on the camera most of the time. Have fun!
I bought a Canon AE-1 many moons ago, like 40 years ago, now that I am retired am trying to get back into film photography, so bought two used Canon cameras, a Canon A-1 and a Canon AE-1 , and had to go on the internet to find out how they work as neither camera came with a lens but after watching your picture show, I am pretty well aware I can manage everything on my own, keep up the good work, will be back if I run into a problem
Thanks, and good luck sorting both cameras out!
Bought an A 1 today at a rummage sale from the original purchaser from 1979. Came with the 50 mil, 80 to 200mil lens, auto winder and some extras. All paperwork original that came with it and a leather carrying case for 80 dollars. I cant wait to try it out and this video was amazing. New sub, keep up the awesome work.
You got a good deal! Further, all the original paperwork being there tells me the previous owner looked after the equipment. Have fun!
I've never tried a film camera but something took over me and I want to, first I'll go for a point and shoot that I've got from my parents to see how film feels
Then my plan is to go for an SLR, first planned AE-1 but here their prices are ridiculous I guess because of the popularity and most novices going for them and there's not that many of them selling. I need to add because of lenses and other accessories I think my best bet would be Canon as Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Minolta seem to be quite rare and expensive in Bosnia (not that FD lenses are much more common but at least there are some)
Cheapest option seems to be AT-1 and as interesting as it would be going for a fully manual one for my first SLR to really learn hot to do it I do think it could be a big bite. AV-1, AL-1 and AE-1P are non-existent on this market so that leaves the A-1, surprisingly not that much more expensive than AT-1 yet cheaper than AE-1, gives me the choice to go fully auto and just do the focus myself which should be hard to fuck up but also to go manual and learn, kinda made my mind on it to go for A-1 even though it seems to be actually the semi-pro choice but I'm open for advices, thanks for this video it really helped me understand the A-1
Thanks for the info on the used market for film cameras. I had no idea. I'm surprised that A1s are cheaper than AE1s. It sounds as though you don't have a lot of choice where you are, so just get what is available at a fair price. Something else that surprises me is why there is so little love for the T90, which is a far superior camera to the ones you mentioned. I agree that Canon would be a good choice. Not only because of availability, accessories and lenses, but also reliability. Good luck tracking something down!
Thank you for a great video! My grandad passed away over 10 years ago and just got this out of storage to finally use again. There's even an old roll of film in the camera still.
Thank you! I'm sorry to hear about your granddad. I moved from the UK to Thailand in 2003 and left my film cameras in storage. When I finally retrieved them, they were fine, and hopefully, yours is too. My cameras also had old rolls of film in, and when they were developed, they still looked OK. You might have a few pleasant surprises when you get the film developed!
Perfect video for newbies. Bought my A-1 at an estate sale for 15USD a few years ago. Now I feel much more confident in being able to play around with the settings.
That was a good price! Thanks for your comment.
You got it spot on with the fact that this was an inherited gift but I have done previous digital photography
If it was inherited I hope you inherited a nice selection of FD Lenses as well!
I have a A1 and have never seen a better tutorial on this camera than yours. Thank you for posting this video. I also have a AE1 and enjoy both film cameras. It is getting hard to find film and even harder to find developing at a reasonable price.
Thank you! I'm in Thailand and film is very easy to find, but it's expensive. I've been paying Bt320 (almost $10) for a 36 exp roll of Portra 160. The developing cost is Bt80 (almost $2.50) without scanning - I do my own scanning. It soon adds up when you consider the cost of digital!
I love my A-1. Got it when I was 20 something in the mid-90's as an upgrade from the Practika MTL-50 which had been my faithful (and very sturdy, if not exactly subtle) companion since I was 13.
A-1 looked scary. Very very complicated and pro-looking after the simplicity of MTL-50. Soooo many buttons, gimmicks , incomprehensible numbers around the basic knobs I knew so well, multi-priority modes.... I feared i would never be able to master the sophisticated black beast.
And I didn't. Never fully. Especially how to use correctly the semi-automatic modes and correctly set the aperture/shutter priority versatile knob. Same with the exposure compensation fraction scale. No idea on earth what that was for.
One of the reasons being that the shop could not give me the actual user guide. And I had to make do with the guide of the AE-1 instead. Close enough, but not enough^^. Especially in those days when there was no internet around to download the unfindable from dedicated sites.
And this is where your video is perfect. A few of the A-1 buttons and inscriptions were still a mystery to me.
Besides, I had lost touch with photography as I entered active duty in.society, and with film photography and film cameras in general as A Nikon Bridge I was offered for my 40.th birthday had made me veeeeeeery lazy. Not bothering with its stupid and über-annoying menus, I used it as a point and shoot on automatic [scene] mode. I.m grateful to it as it got me back on the 'let's take photos' wagon but It also made me long for the feel you get when operating a film camera and the beautiful eyesight of my FD lenses.
And when I got A-1 out of its bag after years of abandonment, I found out that it was now almost as strange to me as when I first got it. Besides my head is now slow at computing exposition variables, it's no longer second nature. I have to reacquire the reflexes and it starts with refreshing on the specifics of my camera.
Which this video does marvelously in a simple and concise way.
Thank you for making and posting it. I will most certainly watch your other video on A-1.
Thanks for your comment! I remember thinking how complicated the camera was. I also clearly remember feeling overawed with the technology back in the early 80's. Nowadays, the functionality seems quite basic, as does the technology due to the way technology has advanced since then. You're so right about the pre-Internet age. We take it for granted now that any information we want will be instantly available, but it was all so different just a few years ago. Without a user manual it would have been difficult to figure things out.
Thanks mate, very instructional video. Cannot wait to start shooting with my A1.
Pleasure!
Great camera I'm using it since '93. Just a tip, in order to open the battery door, canon is using the hot shoe cover, that small tooth is for that.
It really is. Thanks for the tip. I knew this, but forgot to mention a few things in the video.
Thanks for the video- i got an A1 from a relative (the manual was to an AE1, 😂), and then got another, better functioning A1 for actual use. Thanks!
It seems that quite a few A1s are inherited! One of my A1s has recently started playing up, and I've just sent my T90 to the States for repairs. All these cameras are very old now, and finding the right people to repair and service them is becoming increasingly difficult. Anyway, happy shooting!
Thanks, happy shooting to you too!
Hi Phil, I have just started a BOA in photography at the grand old age of 64, having used digital for the past zillions of years, I was given the A1 and sent out on a walkabout to snap in manual mode as you can imagine my results were very poor after developing the film another first, So decided to do a little research and found you tube, a very informative tutorial hopefully I can now do a little better thank you.
Hi Thomas, and thanks for your comment! My experience was the other way round. I started with the A1 in 1981 and moved to digital around 2000. Cameras are so good now that you don't need to know anything about exposure to get great images. Using an old film camera in manual mode is a good way to learn.
In my experience, I have found that the A1 overexposes. I have two A1 bodies and they are both the same. Be careful of this if you use the camera metering system. I normally set the camera to 2/3 of a stop less by dialing in some negative EC. If you have access to one, you can also check using an external light meter. Let me know if you have any A1 related questions.
Thanks Phil as I said it was difficult but with what you have learned me I may be a little better, thanks for the exposure tip I have a roll to shoot so will be processing soon I will let you know how I get on
Thanks Tommy
Great video, I inherited an A-1 and had no clue. Now it gets exciting📷
Thank you! From the comments I have received, I've found out that a lot of people have acquired these cameras through inheritance. If you're really lucky you will have inherited a selection of good lenses as well!
Great review. I've owned this camera for 40 years (was my first camera). Continued to use it (now alongside a digital). I also recently bought a friend one. This is really great for her. There is one querk worth noting. Sometimes the LED display goes to flashing EEEEE. Usually after the depth of field preview has been used. Cure is to set the 'multiple exposure lever' and re-cock the shutter.
Thank you! It's similar for me. Mine was a 21st birthday present in 1981. The EE EEEE problem and how to reset it appears in comments quite regularly. The other quirk is that the A1 tends to overexpose. I've compared it against my T90 and the difference is a stop or more. I tell people to wind in a little negative EC. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for this, I just got an A1 and I'm totally new to film photography and I would be lost without this tutorial!
Pleasure! Thanks for your comment. If you have any problems feel free to leave a question. I'm sometimes a bit slow to respond, but I try to help everyone who asks.
Just bought an A1 secondhand and was wondering how to use it properly. I chanced upon your video and I think after watching it I’m quite set to shoot my first roll! :-)
I'm pleased to hear it. Thanks for letting me know! Happy shooting, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
I just got my dad's old canon a1 and was so confused with so many buttons and options (I'm used to using an f1), so this video is really helpful to. Thank you so much!!
You are very welcome, thanks for leaving a comment! There are lots of people like you who have inherited these cameras, which is why I made this video. I've never actually used an F1 so if I get hold of one I will give you a shout!
Thank you so much Phil! Im not completely new to film photography and got the A-1 recently. Your video was a big help! Much appreciated!
Pleasure! Thank you for the kind comments 🙂
Another great overview of the A-1. This explains so much that so easily understood about the many functions of this camera.
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Fantastic tutorial! Thank you very much! :) I only just received a Canon A1 + can't wait to start shooting with a film camera. I've mostly just used digital cameras, but think I can learn a lot from shooting film. Thanks again for your fantastic tutorial!
Thank you Sara, very kind! The more technology improves, the less we have to think. These days just point your phone or camera, click, and you will get a good shot 99% of the time. There was a lot more thinking about exposure in the film days and that's how I learned the basics. It was also necessary because there was no instant feedback. If you take a shot with a digital camera you know straight away if it's OK, and if not you just change a setting and take another shot. When you have to wait for your film to come back from the lab you don't have this luxury. I have to admit I really enjoy the convenience of digital but occasionally I also enjoy reeling off a roll of film! Enjoy your A1!
Dude thanks so much just got one for my first photo class and was a little confused
Glad it helped!
Thank you for this. I read the manual and this is an excellent fill-in-the-blanks tutorial! I can hardly wait to use the pristine Canon A-1 that was just gifted to me!
Pleasure, thanks for your comment! The manual is actually very good, but if you aren't familiar with the camera I think it helps to actually see the real thing. Enjoy your new camera!
That was so helpful! You are very knowledgeable and a great teacher! Thank you!
You're most welcome! Thank you for your kind comment 🙏
Thank you so much ! I just got a a-1 from my aunt, this might help me a lot !
Pleasure! I hope you got a few good lenses as well! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
The right level of detail, covering everything about the A-1. Great video!
You're very kind, thank you!
Thank you so much for this video! Have my A1 a couple of years now but only knew a handful of buttons. This is truly helpful
Pleasure! Thanks for letting me know.
Well, thank you, sir! Having recently bought a Canon A1 without the manual, your video was really helpful. Cheers.
Pleasure 🙂 Thanks for letting me know 🙏
Great video introduction to the Canon A1 though I am puzzled as to why you selected 1/1000 shutter speed before loading the film?
Thank you! I normally have the lens cap on when I load film. If it's in auto mode and sees total darkness it selects a very long shutter speed resulting in you having to wait a long time to use the advance lever to load the film. That's all!
I’ve learned so much from this tutorial and keep coming back to it every once in a while 😊 great stuff!!!
Thank you Linda, you're very kind! If I missed anything or something isn't clear, feel free to ask.
Your explanation is clear and easy to understand. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you!
SUCH a clear, informative, and helpful video! Well done! Sending thanks from the states!
You're very kind! Thank you 🙏
I took my A-1 out today, loaded wit Tri-X, and really enjoyed shooting with it.
Despite the convenience and ease of digital I know what you mean. It's fun! How does the Tri-X look? I haven't tried it.
Very cool! I've had an A-1 for almost 30 years, but never really used it...now, retired, I'm gonna start...can't wait! Thank you so much! Subscribed!
After moving to digital in 2004 I didn't use my film gear for a long time. I do miss the convenience and ease of digital when I shoot film now, but it's actually quite good fun and brings back a lot of happy memories. Thank you!
I've been reading the manual on my Dad's ol' trusty, but this really simplifies it a bit. Thanks for the clear and concise explanations.
Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad it helped!
Today I bought a A1 and a Praktica LTL for 2.50. I was happy till I learned both stores that sold film now don't do it anymore, and I need to pay double what I used to for just one roll of film. Netherlands sucks.
It's not just the Netherlands. Film is expensive everywhere, as are developing costs. Shooting film is quite good fun, but it can turn into an expensive hobby. The good news is that you paid very little for the cameras!
Bought this for myself and I kinda regret it til I found this video! 😂 I never thought that this camera has an Automatic mode and told myself I should’ve gotten the AE1 Program instead LOL thanks for this video!!! ❤️❤️
Thank you! The A1 does everything the AE1 P does and it also has an aperture priority mode. It's very flexible. When it was released it was a revolutionary camera. The metering isn't great and it tends to overexpose, so I would recommend dialing in a stop or so of negative exposure compensation. Enjoy your shooting and Merry Christmas!
Wonderfully explained. It's the best video on this camera I have seen so far. I just got one of these cameras on a thrift shop and I just can wait to go out and shoot with it.
You're very kind, thank you! Have fun shooting!
Thanks for this video!! Incredibly clear and easy to follow tutorial!
Thank you! If you have any questions, feel free to ask 🙂
@@PhilUKNet ❤
Just got into film again and picked up an A1. This video is extremely helpful, thanks a lot man!!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for commenting. Happy shooting!
thank you so much, i just got my first manual camera and is this one and this helped me a lot!
Thank you!
I just bought my A1 camera 😇😇 I’m gonna try my first ever film with the fully automatic program first (just to play safe) thanks for the instruction Sir!
That's what I would recommend at first. Once you're comfortable with the camera you can then try the semiautomatic modes, which are actually very easy. With the Av and Tv modes you can get a lot more creative controlling depth of field and freezing or blurring motion. Happy shooting!
So helpful!!! I couldnt figure out how to turn it on😂😂🙈
It's not obvious, is it?! Thank you!
Like my first mobile phone - turn on with the off button. Had instruction from a local farmer!
@@jennywren8937 And Windows - turn off by first going to the Start button.
Thanks for the video, Phil. It really took me back. Can you remind me what the hearing-aid type battery receptacle on the bottom of the A-1 powers? What size battery does it need? Thanks again.
Pleasure! On the bottom? There is no battery on the bottom. The only thing on the bottom is a little cap that covers the opening for the film advance mechanism. You remove this when you want to use a power winder with the A1. Is this what you meant? ruclips.net/video/ejIX8O0WAYI/видео.html
Thank you soooo much for sharing your time and experience! Im so excited to start using my camera now that its a bit less intimidating!!💖💖
Thank you!
@@PhilUKNet 💖💖
And i was testing my battery wrong. Now i see my battery is fine and i can get right into it! 💖💖
3:30 for film loading
16:00 for unloading film
👍
What a great and clear video you've made here, Phil! Thanks so much. One small question, when you're in aperture priority mode on the A-1, and you set the desired aperture on the little dial next to the shutter release, do you also have to set the aperture on the lens itself? I presume you have to set both to the same. Or is it that the AV aperture dial takes 'over' so to speak?
Thank you! When using the fully (P) or semi (Tv Av) automatic modes, you must set the aperture ring on the lens to the green A. The lens aperture can then be controlled by the camera. In Av mode, whatever aperture you set on the AT dial will be communicated to the lens provided you use the green A.
If the lens aperture ring is not on the green A, the camera is in manual mode. The aperture used will be whichever f value is set on the aperture ring.
If you set the dial and the aperture ring to the same value in Av mode, you will still get a correct exposure. However, if they are different, the actual aperture used will be the one set on on the aperture ring. The camera will use the shutter speed that is recommended for the aperture set on the dial, and thus the exposure will be wrong.
Hope this is clear!
@@PhilUKNetAhhhh! Of course, that makes a lot of sense. Very well explained, thank you!
@@Flash221 Good! It's easier to explain in person and I wasn't sure if my written explanation was clear. It's actually all quite logical when you get your head around it!
@9:30 When you put the Camera into Aperture Value mode(as Canon referred to it as), the Lens still has to be on A.
Yes. In Aperture Priority (Av) mode you select an aperture on the camera body and the camera figures out the correct shutter speed. For the camera to set the lens aperture that you chose, the aperture ring has to be on A. If it's not on A the camera can't control the lens aperture. When it's away from A the aperture is whatever is set on the aperture ring, thus it's in manual mode.
@@PhilUKNet
I owned an A1 from April 1981 till July 1985.
Best video I found online for this camera :)
Thank you!
For the battery i have a gap, so i am using 4 x 1,5V little batteries with duck tape and a piece of metal to compensate the gap
Wow, that sounds like a very ingenious solution!
Hey, we have an old Canon packed away somewhere. Thought they were extinct. Believe we stopped using it when the lens got stuck. Will have to study this and compare. Thanks.
I thought they had gone extinct as well, but a few years ago there was a revival - a kind of Jurassic Park for cameras. A lot of people like the film look and it can be quite good fun messing around with old film gear.
I love shooting manual ❤
It's a personal preference. With film I usually shoot semi-automatic and with digital I shoot mostly fully automatic. With the A1 the camera normally selects shutter speeds that are too slow in auto, but this isn't a problem with the EOS M6 Mk 2 that I use now. Flash photography is where I normally choose manual. I expose for the background using manual exposure and leave the flash's feedback loop to sort out the subject exposure. It's good to have a camera that has several exposure modes so you have maximum flexibility. That was the great thing about the A1 in its day.
I know, it's so strange! Yes I put a fresh battery in it. The light blinks rapidly. I haven't used this camera in a long time. So I'm unsure as to.whats going on with it.
Sorry, I don't either.
Thank you for this amazing and detailed video Phil!
I do have one question: If I set the aperture value on the lens (to lets say 5.6) and I set the aperture value (in AV mode) on the camera to 4. With what aperture will the picture then eventually be taken? Would the lens or the camera be the "Master" in this setup?
Thanks again!
You're welcome, thanks for the comment!
As soon as you move the aperture ring on the lens away from A, you are in manual mode and the camera cannot control the lens diaphragm.
If you set the aperture ring to f/5.6, that is the aperture that will be used for the shot. The viewfinder will show what aperture SHOULD be used for the shutter speed you are using, but the camera can't set the aperture when the aperture ring is not on A.
In your example, the camera will measure the light, and because you have selected f/4 in Av mode, it will select a shutter speed for f/4. However, as you have set the lens aperture to f/5.6, which is smaller than f/4 and lets in less light, the photo will be underexposed.
Thank you for your expertise.
Experience more than expertise! Thanks!
Hi Phil, thank u so much for this video! The best and most useful tutorial for beginners I've ever seen! I just bought a second-hand canon A-1 and struggled to get used to it.( A-1 is my first manual film camera. I only used point and shoot camera in the past) If you don't mind I wanna ask a silly question. I put a battery in A-1 and about 3 to 4 hours later, the battery is dead, should I go to the repair center and check my camera?
Thank you! Although Canon says a year, the battery will actually last for several years. Although there could be a fault with the camera that is draining the battery, I have never heard of this. As a first step I would try replacing the battery again. Try buying one from a different source in case the first source has a lot of old stock. I doubt that many of these batteries are sold and it's possible that you bought an old one that was almost depleted. If the same thing happens with another new battery, you may have a problem finding someone who can repair these cameras. The people with the right skills probably retired years ago. Good luck!
You are a legend. Thank you!
@@lilitjaghouri888 Pleasure!
Thank you SO MUCH for making this! So helpful & easy to follow!!
Pleasure, I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for your comment!
Great job! I plan on purchasing one of this camera! Thanks
Thank you! Take your time and try to find one that has been looked after. Parts are almost impossible to find now, as are the skills to fix them.
@@PhilUKNet yes! I totally agree! Thank you
Thanksss! I am thinking to buy this A-1!
Want to step into film world!
They are good, reliable cameras - even after all this time. The only weakness is the metering. The A1 has a tendency to overexpose, but this can be compensated for. Hope you can find one for a good price!
this was awesome! thank you!
Thank you!
great video walk through
Thank you!
Thanks for the video Phil! I work as a photographer, and even though my first ever camera in early 2000s was a film camera, that's a long time ago, and I am now just getting back into film, and so far only been shooting with a few point and shoot cameras! Finally ordered a Canon A1 the other week, and this video definitely helps a lot and makes me a bit more confident so I know a few ins and outs before getting started!
PS: I was waiting to see that selfie of yours 😉
Thanks for the comment! My A1 was a 21st birthday present at the end of 1981. It makes me feel really old 🙁 Have fun with your new camera. I'd like to do more film shooting, but at the moment with the kids at home all the time studying on-line I just never seem to have any free time.
The selfie thing is an interesting phenomenon. With smart phones these days all I ever see is people taking selfies. I've been keen on photography since 1981, but one subject I have never considered taking photos of is me! I have taken tens of thousands of photos over the years, but photos of me are very few and far between. No doubt this has been driven by the advent of social media, which seems to have made people much more vain and narcissistic.
@@PhilUKNet I get your point!
So the A1 you own now is the very same you got back in 81? I bet you've told some great stories together! :)
@@rkjelseth Long story, but I moved to Thailand in 2003 and left all my film gear in the UK. I went back in 2017 and managed to retrieve some, but not all, of my gear. The A1 body I have now is actually my brother's, which he gave me, and it's slightly newer than mine. I'm not ever sure that I will see my original A1 ever again 🙁
You're right, though. Back in my single days I travelled a lot and the A1 went everywhere with me! When I retrieved some of my film gear I also retrieved some of my negatives. The process of scanning them in brought back lots of memories. I'd love to get my hands on the other negatives, but I'm not sure I ever will. I couldn't find them when I went back to the UK.
Anyway, good to hear from you!
@@PhilUKNet that's too bad about your negatives, but great you hear you have such a nice brother that gave you his A1! :)
Best tutorial I ever seen. Will get this camera from my mother and i didn’t know anything about old cameras.
Thank you sir ☺️
Praise indeed, thank you! Your Mum had good taste 🙂
Hi Phil. Great videos. Quick question regarding using the camera in fully automatic. What does it mean when it got ‘eeeeeee’ when looking through the viewfinder?
Hello Beth. I've only ever seen this error after messing around with the stop-down lever. If you push in the stop-down lever then release it without taking a shot, it can cause this error. To clear it, push the film advance lever into its fully retracted position. Underneath is the multiple exposure lever. Push this to the left, and then advance the film lever. This will cock the shutter without advancing the film, and it should clear the error condition. If it doesn't, then maybe you have a fault with the camera or the lens which will need fixing. Good luck!
This is the most useful tutorial, thanks a lot!!!!
Thank you 😊
thank you, thank you and thank you for this video.
Pleasure!
had a nice digital camera bought this at a garage sale for 10$ I'm lovin it
$10 was a steal if it's all working!
@@PhilUKNet this garage sale was the Bomb got a bunch of stuff a really good prices
@@JoeMama._. Quite a few people ask me where to buy A1's. It's impossible to answer. You just need to luck out, as you did!
@@PhilUKNet just put a new battery in it working fine just need film and a film scanner
@@JoeMama._. You really did luck out! I chose an Epson V600 scanner. It's reasonably priced and I've been pleased with the results.
This is extremely helpful. I feel like I am more confident in using this camera. Thank you! :)
Thanks for letting me know, that's great to hear 😃
I’m at the part where I’m torn between sell my recently acquired A1 or my FE which I had for a few months.
I've never heard of an FE, therefore can't give any advice unfortunately.
Really nice tutorial.
Thank you!
thank you! i thought my camera is broken but now i see i just had a hard time learning how to use it
You're welcome! I got the camera in the early 80's so I'm quite familiar with it, but many things aren't obvious or intuitive. I'm glad you found the video useful. Thanks for your comment!
thank you! just found my fathers A1 :’)
Pleasure! From the comments I receive, it seems that quite a few people get these cameras from relatives. Hopefully, you also found a few nice lenses with the camera!
@@PhilUKNet just one 24mm lens! super nice. although it is missing two parts, the that covers the battery, & the knob to open the camera to access the film :) gonna buy them if i can and a new battery see how this works
@@shmeeena The lens is quite unusual. Unfortunately, I think it will be impossible to buy those parts. Maybe you can find another broken A1 for spare parts or just leave as is. It doesn't look great, but you can still use the camera with those missing bits. Batteries are fairly easy to get.
@@PhilUKNet i took it to a shop that specializes in fixing cameras, they luckily had one similar for parts! now i just need to wait hopefully everything works out fine 🙏🏼
@@shmeeena Wow, you're very fortunate in knowing such a shop and very lucky that the shop has a parts donor in stock! Great news!
This is brilliant. Thanks Phil.
Very kind. Thank you!
My grandma gave me my grandpa's A1. I have a lot to learn, but I want to know everything!
Quite a few people who have left comments inherited their A1s. Hopefully, you inherited a few nice lenses as well! It doesn't take long to learn. The technology is very basic compared to today's cameras.
@@PhilUKNet I wish I could post pics on here, because I don't know if I'm reading it correctly... But there is a smaller lens in a carrying case that reads "Canon Macro Lens FD 50mm" and the one that he had still attached to the camera is a different brand, maybe Fambico? . It's weird since I just realized that towards the base of the lens it shows, "MADE IN JAPAN" but then also shows USA on the other end. The logo is rubbed off from use, but it has the word "Skylight R-8/40 67mm U.S.A."
@salgido A macro lens has a short minimum focusing distance. This allows you to get close to small objects in order to get a magnifying effect. Many third-party manufacturers made lenses with the FD mount so that they could be used on Canon manual focus cameras. I have used a few, but I have never heard of Fambico. The lens has a 67mm filter thread and a Skylight filter. You can unscrew the filter. Skylight filters are very common. They protect the front of the lens and filter some UV light to give you improved looking images.
@@PhilUKNet infirmation I had no clue about. Thanks for that. I hope you have a great evening. 👍🏼❤️ I
@@salgido Pleasure!
I am in love with this camera but can find it anywhere for a decent price
I'm not sure that I can help and I'm totally out of touch regarding prices. I got mine new in 1981. Many people who have left comments have either inherited cameras or found them in flea markets or second-hand shops. I guess that's the only thing I can suggest. Go to as many markets and used goods shops as you can and pray for some luck! Good luck!
Thank you very much for this thorough video ! Does the exposure compensation work in fully automatic mode ?
Pleasure! Yes, it does, and I would recommend dialing in some negative exposure compensation. In a video I have just made, I explain how the A1 tends to overexpose quite a lot and how some negative EC can counter this problem. It could just be a problem with my camera, but I've read several similar complaints about the A1 and it seems to be a fairly generic problem. Of course, you will be advised to do your own testing! ruclips.net/video/kx5oggaO_ck/видео.html
Excellent video and explanation!
Kind words. Thank you!
Super helpful! Thanks Phil!
I'm pleased it helped. Thanks for your kind comment!
Hi i would like to ask, why did my canon a1 shutter dooesn’t work if the lens in auto mode?
And Thankyou for the tutorial video, this help me so much
Hi Putri, I'm not exactly sure of your question and some more information would be useful. When you talk about the lens being in auto mode, do you mean setting the lens aperture ring to the green 'A'? What mode do you have the camera set to? When you say the shutter doesn't work, do you mean it doesn't release when you press the shutter release button? If you can give me some more information I can try to determine whether it's something you are doing, or whether there is a fault with the camera.
Could i get some help with afew quirks of my new A-1
I am a 17 year old who has been shooting film for just over 6 months now, i started due to a holiday to western Australia, and ive always appreciated film, and so loved the idea of having a "classic" holiday that i could remember through film, we bought a Voigtlander Vito B, this spread through the family and so i have just acquired an A-1 through my uncle, your video was extremely helpful as this camera is far more advanced than my completely manual 50s Vito, but there is afew quirks of my camera id like to clarify
The biggest one is my Canon has a 28mm lens on it, of which does not have (as far as i can see) any release button to remove the lens
At 15:45 you talk about the accurate aperture lever, mine has this, but it does not stay actuated, and so makes it almost impossible to hold the lever down, change the aperture, and take a photo, my best guess is the battery, which needs to be replaced, but im not sure how this would effect the mechanical switch?
on the bottom of my camera, next to the film wind release button, it does not have the silver pad with a slot in it (you can see this here 16:25) mine is open, like it has had this removed, which seems likely as the slot looks like where youd use a coin to unscrew it, like the finger plate (1:41) just would like to know what the mechanism underneath is for, is this just for maintenance? it looks like it has a keyed gear, maybe a more direct way to unwind the film incase the mechanism breaks is what im guessing, ill make a cover for it
and lastly, there is a nubbin, on the left side front face of the camera, below the battery check button, i found you could remove the small black cap over it, and im not sure what it is? looks like an oil nipple to me
thank you to anyone who has any ideas, they're greatly appreciated, hopefully someone sees this after 2 years of the video been up.
G'Day!
You can certainly release the lens. Hold the camera pointing towards you. At about 4:30 on the lens you will see a chrome button. Press it in and rotate the lens.
Not sure what the problem is with the stop down lever, but make sure that the lens aperture ring isn't on the green A when you try to press it in.
The silver cover that you don't have is to get access to the film advance mechanism. As you know, after every shot you have to wind on the film manually. You can also get winders and motor drives to do this automatically. They screw on to the bottom of the camera and connect to the film advance mechanism through this hole.
The nubbin on the front of the camera is the PC sync socket for flash. With a dedicated flash, such as the 199A, it connects electrically to the camera through the hotshoe. Some flashes don't do this, but they also have a PC sync socket, and you can connect the camera and flash with a PC sync cord. You can do the same if you want to use your flash off-camera, ie not mounted on the hotshoe.
Hope this helps. Let me know if there is anything else.
@Phil UK net Thank you for the speedy reply! didnt expect anyone to see this
That seems to be the issue, there is no button to release the lens, i have tried applying gentle turning pressure to see if it will simply twist off, but to no avail
wait, never mind, in writing this i tried one last time and it is indeed a simple screw on lens, but now im having trouble getting the lens back on, im lining the red dots up, and do not have it set on 'A' as ive heard putting it on set like this can damage the mechanical coupler, but its not twisting back on
yes i have it set off 'A' and the lever will still not lock into position, unlikely ill use it but still something to note
Ah these make perfect sense, my uncle was disappointed as he had a flash (good to know about the sync socket), new lenses, corded shutter release *and* a film advance motor (sadly all lost through the years, hopefully they'll pop up somewhere) so it would make sense that the film advance mechanism cover is missing
*EDIT:* in messing with the lens, a prong pretuding from the back of the lens moved up to the top of a slot, allowing me to get it on, not sure what i did, but its back on now
@Ira Carew I try to help when I can. It sounds as if your lens is broken. This type of connection is known as a bayonet mount, not a screw mount.
Not sure if there is a problem with your stop down lever, but I have never found it particularly useful. It also makes the viewfinder very dark.
I too have lost accessories. I moved to Thailand 20 years ago and left all my film gear in the UK. I managed to retrieve some items in 2017, but there are still several lenses, winders and other accessories somewhere. Not sure if I will ever see them again 😩
@@PhilUKNet such a shame! hopefully you'll get them back one day
i figured out the "bayonet mount", all good now (look at previous post which i edited)
i have another thing to ask, i actually got in hand the camera just today as my dad stopped into my grandmas (where it was) to pick it up, but surprisingly, as my grandma is moving out, he also came home with her 1975 Ricoh kr-5 super ii, its much simpler than the cannon, and at a glance know all thats on it, but was wondering if you have a video on it, or if not is there any quirks i should know about
thank you so much for all the help, my friends obviously know nothing about these delightful machines, and are uninterested with them in favor of the sterile digital cameras they have on their phones, so its good to finally talk to someone about it.
@Ira Carew I think my gear is in the house that I currently let out, so it may not be there any longer depending on the honesty of the tenant! Never mind.
I'm glad you got the lens sorted out. I've only ever owned Canon cameras, so I'm afraid I know nothing about Ricoh. However, if you understand the basics of exposure, it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out.
You need to set the shutter speed on the camera and the lens aperture. You need to measure the light and set the appropriate shutter speed and aperture.
With the most basic cameras, these things were all done manually. There was a light meter, but this didn't actually set anything on the camera. As cameras advanced, eg, the A1, more things began to be handled automatically by the camera. I know nothing at all about the Ricoh camera, but it shouldn't be too difficult to work out.
Learning this stuff will give you a good grounding. Years ago, people needed to know this stuff, but these days you don't need to know anything in order to take photos. Have fun!
You are lucky, that you got the slide on the hot shoe with the camera. This little thing of plastic has a small edge on the foreend. This you could use to unlock the battery compartment. The two levers on the side are for shutting the finder. The A-1 has an own finder shutter, so might not use this feature.
Thanks for the tip! This is in the user manual, but I forgot to mention it. After owning the camera for so long it's amazing that the little piece of plastic is still there. Opening the battery compartment can be a little tricky, especially if you don't have fingernails. The lever mechanism to block out light to the viewfinder on the A1 is useful. When I started buying Canon digital bodies there was no mechanism to block off the viewfinder - just a piece of rubber on the strap to do this, which wasn't convenient at all. I guess it saved Canon some money!
@@PhilUKNet Modern times seems to let forget many old knowledge. Another lesser known part is the "Canon Manual Aperture Adapter". This item was delivered with every new FD lens ( without the breechlock ring) to close the aperture off the camera or uncoupled accessories. Many were discarded off the box as unnessary, so that they are today very scarce. Prices are around 20 Euros per item for this once free supplied part....
@@ingowalkerling5141 In the past I bought quite a few FD lenses (new and used), but I never saw one of these. Interesting!
Hi! I have a 52mm lense for my cannon A-1. What film do you recommend using? Just got handed this camera down from a friend and want to learn it before my trip in a couple weeks.
It's really up to you depending on your preferences and what is available. Black and white or colour? Negatives or slides? The ISO value is important with film because it can't be changed on the fly, as it can with digital cameras. 100 ISO has good detail but is quite slow indoors or when the sun disappears. Higher ISO values are more light sensitive, but have more grain. ISO 200 is quite a good compromise. Regarding film manufacturers, they are all good, but some people prefer the look of certain film. If you shoot a lot of portraits, Kodak Portra is nice for skin tones. Do some experimentation to see what you like!
Much help, thank you so much, I appreciate it!
Glad it helped! Thanks for letting me know.
Muchas gracias! muy completo!
@@felicitaspaglialunga1029 Pleasure!
Thank you for video! Very informative !
Thank you!
This is the best guide!!!
Very kind, thanks!
Wonderfully explained ! thank u :)
Glad it was helpful! Thank you 🙂