Canon A-1 Video 1: Tutorial, Beginner Guide, Interface, Layout, and Review

[@Penfriendrocks]

22:23 AHHHHHHH so *that's* what's wrong with my A1! I assumed it was user error, hence finding your ace video and sitting down to properly learn how to use it. But that's exactly what mine does. I have the bug! Dang. And you're so right about the battery draining. Bah! At least once I finish watching your videos I can take it for a proper test drive and see what the photos are like. Thank you for all this!

[@DavidHancock]

Yeah, it's more common than it used to be now, too. But the good news is that as long as you take the battery out, everything else works normally.

[@Penfriendrocks]

Oh@@DavidHancock I'm trying to figure out what you mean - does this camera work without batteries? Are you saying the battery is causing the weird bug, or are the bug and the fast-draining battery two separate issues? Thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

@@Penfriendrocks I goofed in my first response. So the battery is required for all camera functions. If your camera is draining batteries, then just take the battery out when not using the camera. When using it, the battery may drain a bit faster because of the capacitor drain issue, but the capacitor draining issues won't affect other camera functions. I think that was what I meant to type and I'm not sure why I messed up my first reply so well.

[@Penfriendrocks]

Gotcha, thank you! @@DavidHancock

[@toddduncan4071]

The A1 was one of my first cameras! The A1 and 1V are my two all time favorites and I still shoot the 1V. Happy shooting to you all!

[@DavidHancock]

Nice!

[@jamesal6138]

Glad to see you've updated this manual! Keep up the great work David!

[@DavidHancock]

Yeah, it was WAY overdue. :D

[@jamesal6138]

@@DavidHancock Understatement of the decade! Keep it up!

[@jamesal6138]

​@@DavidHancock​ you are hands down the the best source of information on youtube for all these analogue beauties.

[@galenhamrick2739]

Awesome video, thanks a lot

[@chipmunkhunt]

I ordered your book. I bought an A1 about a year ago and haven't used it till yesterday with a motor drive MA.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and I hope the book and videos help!

[@sputumtube]

Always wanted one of these when they first came out. Given that 'deal-breaker' battery drain problem though, I'm glad I didn't bother.

[@DavidHancock]

Today that's more of an issue. I've run into it in a handful of these. Unfortunately, it's an issue with the AE-1 and AE-1 Program bodies, too.

[@m_______x]

Awesome video! Thank you for posting this. I love the Canon A-series and I've learned so much from your videos.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@wannabedavinci2596]

I live in the caribbean and it’s very hot and humid. I want to store my camera and lenses properly, but I heard you mention to not store them in plastic containers. I was going to buy a weather tight container and place silicone bags inside. If this is incorrect then how should I store them?

[@DavidHancock]

You can do that and in fact I use Pelican cases for much of my gear. You will want one or more reusable dessicant packs to store in the case. When the beads change color, recharge them in your stove or toaster oven. Here is an associate link to the type of packs I use: amzn.to/4akaUtd

[@wannabedavinci2596]

@ phewww, thank you!

[@timjames6190]

He auto settings like the A1 AE1 AE1 program and so on

[@DavidHancock]

@@timjames6190 the function is the same but the actual way of setting them up varies slightly by camera.

[@jonathandowman2770]

Great choice! F-1, A1, T90...though I picked up an EOS1n in August and I love it

[@DavidHancock]

The 1N is a great camera.

[@sputumtube]

I kick myself for selling my T90 - it was flawless in almost every way.

[@Nick-qq2nq]

I am new to this and just purchased an A-1. Couple of odd things I noticed….number one, the view finder switched seems to be reversed. When the white dot is covered, I see the viewfinder display. When it’s showing, I don’t. Also the battery check light is very inconsistent despite a new battery. Sometimes it flashes fast, sometimes not or not at all. The light also blinks on its own when the viewfinder is off. Am I doing something wrong here? Thanks!

[@DavidHancock]

Huh. That's interesting. I had to go back to the manual and make sure I didn't mis-speak in the video, but yeah, the manual indicates that covering the white dot turns off the display. I guess it could be that the wiring is backwards? For the battery check, that's more concerning. That could indicate faulty electronics or a loose connection somewhere. It's distinctly possible those issues are related as the buttons are the same assembly. It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. It sounds like something may be a bit wonky inside your camera. But if it still works otherwise, well, most old cameras have some quirks.

[@jarojuggin]

your S’s give me a headache

[@DavidHancock]

That's probably because I'm actually 45 snakes in a human costume.

[@jarojuggin]

your audio pisses me off

[@DavidHancock]

Fortunately there are other KZbin channels you can watch.