My Favorite 35mm SLR Ever: The Canon A-1

[@GoldtriggerDude]

I got one in 1979. I took tons of great pictures with it. Retired it after digital cameras came into being. I had it on display on a shelf at home (along with my AE-1 Program) and recently decided to mess around with it. The thing is built like a friggin tank. It still works (So does the AE-1P). All I needed to do was buy a battery. Amazing engineering by Canon at the time. Quality lasts!

[@shawsr7]

Thank you for your expertise. I bought an A-1 from an estate sale recently. You made me feel better of my purchase.

[@cjsansoo7]

I've had my A1 since 1981 and I still use it. It's like a part of the family. I've got four great lenses. 50 mm 1.4 ssc, 28 mm 2.0 ssc, 85 mm 1.8 ssc, and the 135 mm 2.5 sc. With the motor drive along with the 199 A Speedlite. What more could you ask for? Thank you for not making me feel old. LOL.

[@robbiecresswell7996]

Bought my A-1 in 1978. Shot hundreds of rolls of slide and b/w film through it. Concerts, travel, sports, it never quit. I still have the camera and the MA-1 motor drive. Think the motor drive shot a blazing 5 FPS.

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Awesome review Zach. The A-1 is a classy piece of analogue hardware. Love my FD glass.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaelh7506]

I had used an AE-1, AE1-P but my Favorite was the A-1 had a 1.2 Aspherical prime lens with a Motor drive, As a High school guy that was lots of money. Mom and dad always got me camera gear for my birthday and Christmas. They kept me out of trouble as a kid. In my 9th grade year and the end of the year, I joined our newspaper. Then in my 10-grade year, I became the photography editor I had so much fun plus I had darkroom experience. My dad shot weddings before I was born, with a Berkie and James 4x5 4.7 lens. But my favorite was the A1. I have a canon 300d, but its about to die. I graduated Highschool in 1977.

[@meysambabaei5760]

beautiful camera. I really like to see your timeline and count how many cuts it has😜

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Haha. Sooooo many.

[@CanoeToNewOrleans]

Got my dad's A-1 recently. The thing is a beast. Solid. Dependable. Enjoying results with XP2.

[@Hondo-i7w]

For excellent-mint condition the prices are higher from 3yrs ago even without the lens. I've seen them in the mid-$200-$300 range from time to time. Most times in bargain to good condition at lower prices.

[@stevencottam7570]

I had mine since 1980, feels so good to hold

[@anthonymiller8979]

Just bought one of these myself. Pretty easy to find and as you say, not a huge investment if it gets damaged or some of then functions quit working. I would feel way more comfortable using this often than I did my Leica llla and 50mm Summitar. My other favorite is my old Pentax Spotmatic SL

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Very nice. My first 35mm SLR was a Pentax KX. I’ll always have a soft spot for that camera.

[@iodine_x]

Back when I had Canon the A1 was a dream camera of mine to own, but times changed and I ended up with Nikon, but I still seriously love the A1 and the F1 bodies. Sexy cameras. Kinda miss my old AE1.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I had an F4. It was great for certain things, but I like having a camera that I can carry with me at all times. The RB is heavy enough. Hahaha

[@iodine_x]

@@ZachParksPhoto dude the Nikon F4 sucks to lug around, but I love the camera dearly! Lol. It's a trade off. I can't wait to show off my new Konica C35 AF2. Should be here soon. That's gonna be a fun street camera.

[@TrashPanda.Garage]

you should show us all of the cameras you have and what film, just a quick gear video! keep up the awesome work!!

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I only have two cameras. It would be a short video. Haha

[@TrashPanda.Garage]

@@ZachParksPhoto Ooh LOL oh well :D

[@chrissetian]

I got mine with 50mm f/1.8 for around $70, it was in excellent condition but the shutter was squeaky.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

That canon squeal is definitely a common issue. Easy to fix though.

[@chrissetian]

@@ZachParksPhoto yeah, fixed it myself

[@ZainRiza]

It’s mine too! Simple and does everything really well.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Exactly. Easy to use and does everything you need it to.

[@justjerry1078]

They have issues with battery discharge, just to let you know. An issue I am currently attempting to rectify.

[@ataboyboyboy8895]

Awesome camera, it looks beautiful, has everything you need, and handles beautifully. Got one in 1984, used it like mad.i had to sell it to finance my degree. Then got lost real life. On the way I had canon t90! Canon 100, canon 1000fn, canon EOS 1n, leica d-lux 7, canon 5D mark ii, FED 3, but my heart has always been with canon a1. Do not buy a cheap one, they are old and have problems. Search for one that has been cleaned and serviced. I got one for £130 fully serviced body only. I already have 4 lenses from the canon t90.

[@ren6726]

I love the A1 my first film camera!

[@francisbombus3949]

Totally agree...love my A-1. Btw did you shoot the Lomo 800 @ box speed? Greetings from Germany ✌🏻

[@ZachParksPhoto]

It’s such a great camera, and yes, the Lomo was rated at 800. 👌🏻

[@awmexia]

Where did you get that accessory for the shutter button?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I get all of mine from www.themoregooder.com He makes a really great product and they’re a fraction of the price you see other companies sell them for.

[@brettwood737]

A-1 is where it's at, simply love mine. Also thanks for the shutter priority lock button info, I never knew it did that.

[@stefangrubesic2708]

I just got it a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it, it's my first camera and I really think it's the best one I could've gotten as a first one, sure Nikon FA would perhaps be better but it's more expensive and the lenses are sooo expensive for them, I think New F-1 isn't much more expensive surprisingly but let's be real as a beginner it would be too much, even the A-1 outclasses my capabilities quite a bit for now

[@eveanddell]

Great review and awesome shots! Just got mine. While the price has gone up a bit, I love it. What strap do you have there?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it. Pretty sure the strap was just a $10 strap from Amazon. Haha

[@KingofStreet3]

Fast forward 2 years. Price nearly doubled. I got mine for free under the impression it was a paper weight, but one battery search later, it works, LED screen and all. But torn between selling it cause I have a Nikon FE with two lenses so yeah lol.

[@unaimateo]

Love the strap man! Where did you get it from?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

It’s a cheap $13 strap from amazon. I love them. Haha

[@JamieMPhoto]

I have a graveyard of FD cameras that have locked up ... I do love them, though. I'm eyeing a T90 if I don't get my New F-1 fixed, though. A real shame to put the glass to waste... I never realized that about the front button thing! Awesome, and thank you for sharing.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I’ve always eyeballed their F-1 models, but the A-1 takes the cake every time. Haha. I may pick up an F-1 at some point though. I’d love to actually take one for a spin.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

T90 is electronic nightmare when it doesn’t work but a workhorse when functioning properly. I would reckon a Canon F-1 old or Canon Ftb to use your FD lenses.

[@JamieMPhoto]

@@btrdangerdan2010 Thank you! Yeah, I'll probably get the F-1 serviced since I think it was just a minor misalignment or something that took it out. It's such a tank, so I was bummed when it happened.

[@matthewb21]

Nice one. I've never shoot analogue Canon's. I'm always drifting trough Pentax gear for some reason. Now I use fully manual MX with SMC M35/2 and ME Super with SMC M50/1.7 for some A mode action. Love both for handling, size and wonderful viewfinders. Cheers from Poland mate!

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Very nice. I’ve always loved Pentax cameras, as well. My first 35mm was a KX with a busted light meter. I learned everything I know on that camera.

[@adambumgardner6231]

Soft shutter button? Where'd you get it?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

It’s from The More Gooder. He makes some awesome buttons and accessories for great prices.

[@adambumgardner6231]

Thanks, I lowkey dislike convex shutter buttons (my a6000 is flat) and I want a concave for the ae1

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Adam Bumgardner you can order them however you want from him. It’s great.

[@adambumgardner6231]

Thank youu

[@stefankoen]

How do you know if you overexpose or under expires or correctly expose with this camera I don’t understand the metering system

[@ZachParksPhoto]

There is an LED meter read out in the viewfinder. That tells you what you setting should be. If you’re shooting in aperture/shutter priority, it will show you what you have selected and what you corresponding aperture/shutter speed will be.

[@stefankoen]

Zach Parks and in full manual mode. Does it show me what I should be using and how do I know if I’m wrong in my manual settings for the right exposure?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

In manual, it will tell you what your settings should be.

[@crazyfrets07]

Where did you get the cool shutter button top?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I get all of mine from The More Gooder. Check home out.

[@crazyfrets07]

@@ZachParksPhoto Rad! Thank you.

[@aristoioannidis7490]

The Lomo 800 really shines.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Lomo 800 has definitely become a favorite of mine over the last year.

[@patcormick]

Bro. I know this is on you Canon A1.. But could you give me some insight as to where I could find a reasonably priced Mamiya 645 in good shape? I've scoured ebay and I just dont know enough to call it

[@ZachParksPhoto]

If you’re a member of the “film photo gear” group on Facebook, I’ve seen a few listed in there recently.

[@patcormick]

Zach Parks I’m not but I’ll check it out. Thanks for the heads up! I subbed to the channel and followed you on the gram. I live relatively close just on the other side of the GA/SC border so it was cool to see some of your shots that I knew the area 👍🏼

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Pat cormick well, I very much appreciate the support. I love that area down there. I lived in Athens for a bit a few years ago.

[@patcormick]

Right on 👍🏼

[@MattyBoy23]

Ever had battery issues? My battery dies super quick in this camera

[@theanaloguecorner1119]

Super video as always! I was thinking about getting an A-1 as well, but I wasn't so sure, because I own way too much camera 😖 So this video is out in perfect timing!

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Haha. I can understand that statement. I’ve just skimmed my collection down to one SLR and one medium format. I may add a point and shoot back into the mix soon, but I’m enjoying keeping it simple.

[@jimi3314]

Drink every time he says “aperture” “aperture priority” lol

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I wouldn’t advise it. Well, you can. Just don’t try operating machinery afterwards.

[@kikezurek34]

I’m trying to buy one my friend is selling it for 150$ is it worth it

[@ZachParksPhoto]

If it’s in good shape, I’d say go for it. Although, you can find better deals if you look. You can normally find them for $100-$150.

[@kikezurek34]

Zach Parks so you think if I drop it 120$ good deal comes with lens straps and excellent condition

[@ZachParksPhoto]

$120 would be a great deal.

[@noctiscaelum1582]

Are any these images post edited?

[@ZachParksPhoto]

Some were. Some weren’t. Only minor adjustments to the ones that were.

[@jaserhunter]

At 11:20 that's the good stuff right there.

[@matthewdavis8199]

I didn't see any nice condition A1's with the 50mm 1.4 for much less than 2 1/2 times the price you said.

[@richarddutchholland4780]

The Canon A-1... no wonder I love my Fuji XT-4 .... like a modern version

[@ZachParksPhoto]

My digital setup is an XT-2. Haha

[@ianhand5006]

I prefer my T90, but I also love my Olympus OM-2n.

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I’ve never messed with the T90’s, but I hear great things. I love the aesthetics of the Olympus SLRs, but I don’t like the way they feel in my hands.

[@williefufu2985]

I like your enthusiasm for the Canon A-1. You are not 18 and just blabbing about a camera that was built before you were born, you know and love this camera.

[@syedbrothers1824]

I have cannon A1 camera and want to sell it

[@klofisch]

Funny..... Canon A-1 is worst Camera in my Collection. Since it doesnt support the user in manual mode. It shows time and aperture what is metered. It should show your settings and/or indicate how far you off the metering. Even my B-Praktica have this and they cost the half at their time compared to the A-1

[@klofisch]

And i don't know why i have to set the aperture at a separate dial when i can set it at the lens....

[@ZachParksPhoto]

To each their own. Obviously, I love the camera. I enjoy the fact that you use the dial to switch the aperture in priority mode. Means I can use my left hand to focus and never have to take the camera away from my eye.

[@dflf]

I hate the jump cuts

[@ZachParksPhoto]

I hate mayonnaise

[@mountainsun1]

I hate that my battery keeps dying. 🤷‍♂️