The 35mmCanon A1, Still As Good As You Remember?

[@GoldtriggerDude]

I bought one of these in the late 70's. I considered it an upgrade from the AE1 which I had previously purchased. The thing is built like a tank and still works, although the shutter mechanism was stuck and I had to perform minor surgery to get it to work. What a revolutionary product!

[@mmmmmaverick]

How did you fix the shutter? Mine is also stuck

[@pwood5733]

‘Its a camera that just dosn’t get in the way”. Brilliant description. I found this to be the case with my old olympus om10

[@kacerory3598]

You all prolly dont care but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

[@jalenalfonso8733]

@Kace Rory Instablaster ;)

[@kacerory3598]

@Jalen Alfonso i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@David-yt6kp]

You should have 10 times the subscribers you currently have. Good content, good know-how, good eye, and a smart, lovely model. Keep doing what you're doing and expand on it.

[@olitography]

Thank you! 😃

[@beneunson]

Your channel is excellent, thank you for such considered and insightful videos - the lighting of the final A-1 photos is just superb

[@olitography]

Thanks Ben, really appreciate that. I’m off to finish learning Bach on the guitar from your channel. Like a throwback from lessons at school.

[@GeoffreyInsch]

Yes! Always love your videos. I just made my way through all the videos of yours I hadn't watched yesterday and was sad there wasn't more. Perfect timing on this release.

[@olitography]

Awesome, so glad you like the videos.

[@hamish5214]

The Canon camera isn't the only mechanical beauty in this video... Looking at that MGB gt like damn...

[@j.c.103]

Oh, i thought it's a Volvo 😅

[@vintagephotographer]

Great video. I've owned my A1 from new and still think it's a superb camera. I was wondering why you didn't try fully programmed mode in the interests of letting go completely? Thanks, too, for the mini sneeze tutorial! Not something I've experienced with mine as yet, but from what I've heard it's only a matter of time.

[@marklittrell3202]

I've had an AE-1 Program and 2x A-1s. The Shutter squeal/squeak is really part of a larger problem. Some folks "solve" it themselves by adding lubricant, but if not careful that can cause more damage. It also is only hiding the real problem. If I recall the experts' comments on it, it has to do with the axles that have the gears on them and the holes the axles ride in elongating. Over time as it gets worse it's not just a sound, but can actually change the shutter speeds off of what you've set them to and possibly impact the light metering too. It's a larger issue. You can put it off a while, but the fix is a little costly because among other things the fix replaces the worn parts and runs a full recalibration of all the shutter speeds and light metering sensors. Worth it, since it'll make your camera last another decade or so of heavy use.

[@Zulu-jz7jt]

Canon and Nikon were then and today major rivals. To say Nikon is better is asinine. They are equally Great it all comes down to preference. Back in the day both makers had another Arch rival called Minolta which was later bought out by Sony. The Big five were Penta,Minolta, Olympus, Canon & Nikon but not in any particular order. Those old manual focus SLR cameras are still Viable today. As long as 35mm film still exist they'll always be photographers that still want and use SLR 35mm cameras. Hopefully in time all of these brand will emerge majorly. Digital is Great but one really learn about photography through 35mm cameras.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

This whole video feels like it was made in 1983 - brilliant!

[@wreckingpress7080]

Having a Canon ae-1, ae-1p, at-1, and most recently the a-1 I still find myself going back to the at-1 with the old needle and loop. I know what my exposure compensation looks like right away without turning dials.. but I'm finding the a-1 Pretty handy with the led inside.

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Great content! Happy 2021! I am looking forward to watching more of your journey and videos in the future!

[@olitography]

Happy new year to you too.

[@angelh1743]

Thank you so much. I found my father's old 1978 Canon A1 and wanted to know more about it. Waiting on battery to arrive today by amazon. Unfortunately the old Sigma lens is filthy on the inside. Seal must have worn out. I've got 3 used lenses coming in this Friday. Bought color film yesterday. Waiting for B&W film to arrive tomorrow by amazon. I hear these old 35mm film cameras are amazing at reproducing that old classic B&W photos like in the 40's up to through the 70's nostalgia style. Can't wait to try it out.

[@olitography]

The old Lenses often take in the look of there vintage, the one that’s dirty can be cleaned you need a lens screwdriver it’s two screw drivers with bats between them, they go in the notches and you can unscrew the lenses and clean them.

[@turtlefoot13]

Once again, great video. I love seeing these great, classic cameras being used.

[@wilmotpd]

I purchased a Canon A-1 in 1980 new for $ 679.00. And, at that time, it was a big chunk of money by today's standards. I think if you take inflation into account the equivalent would be roughly $1,600.00. I would, at that point in time, consider the A-1 to be the flag ship of 35mm cameras along with the Nikon F2 and F3. Certainly the most technologically advanced at the time. I still own one and it's my third favorite camera. Third to my Hasselblad 500 cm and Pentax K1000. I still feel the Pentax K1000 holds a place in line. Being totally manual it teaches the most basic and fundemental concepts of photograpy. What better way to learn such concepts as depth of field, motion control and so much more. It's too easy to place the A-1 on auto when you get frustrated and start to rely on technology rather then experience. But I would certainly agree it would be the next step up.

[@VWLivin]

Dude. New sub. Awesome video and amazing images! I just picked up the A-1 with an FD 85mm f1.2 L attached at a local shop. Now I'm pumped to get out there and get it done.

[@olitography]

I really liked that camera, enjoy

[@mcentos]

Great solution to the squeaky issue of this fantastic camera! I've watched other videos where it was said to put the needle from below but it didn't work, then watched this video and.. actually you saved me 200€ ! I think your way to do it is the killer one, as in this way you can directly access the shutter rail where the noise comes from

[@Skraeling1000]

Interesting vid, thanks! I used to collect old cameras until my wife complained of the space they were taking up! Unusual ones you might like to try would be the Zorki 4k, the Exa IIA and the Lubitel medium format.

[@ciprianoravet]

It's always the wife 😂

[@Xenonic2]

When I got into photography, I was set on buying a Canon because that’s what I knew of photography. Canon makes good cameras so why not buy one of theirs for my film photography journey? However, my friend from university helped me make a better choice. He introduced me to the Nikon FE2. Which, counter to the Canon AE-1 (camera I was I interested in from the start), had much more to work with. Not only did Nikon introduce the F-Mount for lenses by the time the FE2 was introduced, but they have incorporated it into modern photography today! There were so many factors that made the FE2 the better choice, such as the sound the camera made when my friend winded his film, the light meter needle which helped me make the best choice of shutter speed, and the shoe mount that made flash sync speed faster. In the end, the 1/4,000 sec shutter speed is what sold me. My friend told me, “if you want to shoot a picture of a skateboard doing a trick in mid air with a crisp look, this is what you want.” The thought of that possibility and more sold me. My FE2 has been with me for almost two years and I’ve learned so much with it. It’s never let me down and continues to produce great pictures, assuring me that I’m a pretty good shot sometimes as well. So with that being said, I guess I’ve grown to have a similar opinion to your father about Canon cameras hehe.

[@olitography]

I love to hate on my Fe and Fe2 because they were broke more often than they worked. At the time i guess they were doing 200+ rolls a year, but i was always surprised that when the Nikons shutters gave out the Pentax could still hack it. I've had no such history with the Canon, its great your getting good results from them, I know there's a motor drive for them somewhere, if i ever find it you can have it.

[@Xenonic2]

@@olitography really? Ever since I fixed my FE2 and my FM2, they never broke on me. I’m still about 40+ rolls into them both so I can’t speak much yet about it functionality long term, however right now it’s light and feels great when shooting. Honestly, looking for an F3 to invest in somewhere in the near future.

[@lensman5762]

In 1976, I had a Sinclair Black Watch. Hopeless as a watch, out of this world as a design icon. Sadly I binned it in 1978, sick of constantly changing those mercury batteries. Those red LEE's in the A1 reminded me of that watch.

[@JamieMPhoto]

Great reshoot! I fixed my shutter squeal from the bottom and guessed with gravity ... your method is certainly easier. ha.

[@olitography]

I didn't try the other way, but felt when i took the bottom off, there was more to get wrong when putting it back together

[@sergiolzt]

The use of 35mm cameras or other film formats nowadays may just be out of nostalgia, passion, artistic expression or even curiosity. Objectively, few photographers would use this equipment for commercial photography. But I still love it!

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Happy new year and good to see you again Ollie!

[@olitography]

Happy new year to you to

[@andfelmarin46]

konica autoreflex t2, tengo esta cámara pero no he encontrado vídeos sobre ella. :(

[@Bethk10]

Great video! I am about to take my inherited Canon A1 on holiday. Quick question. When using in fully automatic mode, I can see ‘eeeee’ in the viewfinder. What does this mean??

[@j.c.103]

Thanks for this review ! I like the night portraits very much ! A few days before i purchased an A1, now excited when she will arrive. I bought it primarily because of the Av mode , i miss it on my other Canon cameras, secondarily i bought it because it's a legendary and beautifully black analogue tool. The program mode isn't my thing, will use it in Av and Tv mode. Maybe it works with my Canon 299t flash too ?

[@olitography]

I don't know about the flash. But its a great camera, enjoy

[@marcp.1752]

Lovely Model, great Video, Vintage Feeling!

[@olitography]

Thank you sir

[@39exposures]

If you compare A-1 to any Nikon of same price range and production time, it does feel different. Nikon FE2 or FM gives that feel of a "built like a tank" device. All knobs and switches are way more sturdy on Nikon.

[@olitography]

:) I’m not a Nikon fan boy. I have both the FE2 and the FM2 and they were the bane of the early days, the motor drives used to rip the guts out, shutters always failed. All of my Nikons are broken, and on top of all of that the lenses focus in the wrong direction. Just can’t win with Nikons.

[@mrstandfast2212]

Great video as usual. I've always admired the Canon A1, but always thought that it looks hard, like a doorman at a disreputable club. Interesting to note that we never saw the MGB moving, go on admit that it broke down. (Sarcastic comment from someone who prefers Triumphs ... which also break down) Did you ever manage to get get the Pentacon FB working? I always liked those cameras and occasionally consider buying Pentacon F or FM. Please continue to produce your unique videos, they're always interesting and different.

[@mrstandfast2212]

Apologies, I commented before seeing the last few seconds. The reason being I had to rescue a mouse which was providing 3vening entertainment for my wicked cats.

[@olitography]

My Cat loves to hunt as well. The B runs ok, but i don't drive it much. though i'm having trouble with the vacuum advance on the motorway so it stutters at speed sometimes. Canon film cameras al seem to look that way i think

[@mrstandfast2212]

@@olitography Ah, those good old twin SU carbs if standard. Not always easy to balance, I had the same set up on a Riley 4/72 and found I needed a new pipe. Check your jets, they wear slowly and result in flat spots under acceleration. I switched to a single 1 1/2" SU carb and the difference in performance was negligible but easier to set up. I was only joking about the B, I actually like them, especially with a full length Webasto roof. I do hope you have another go with a Pentacon. You're videos have inspired me to try out some of the old cameras I bought over the years, which ended up on shelves acting as book ends. I've just run a roll through a Voigtlander Bessa from 1929, a Beauty Lightomatic iii (what a great name!) and I'm currently trying a Bosley 35 Model B which is a bizarre little rangefinder from the USA. The Pentacon video inspired me to dig out my Praktica MTL 3 which was my first proper camera, and I love the simplicity of it. Plenty more to go at on my lockdown exercise walks.

[@olitography]

@@mrstandfast2212 99% Of fuel issues are ignition related,

[@dennislim2891]

Great camera works....wow..I love your photoes..^^with canon A-1.

[@slr7075]

You have to try the Canon F-1. Its the most Nikon feeling Canon FD camera.

[@jordanbrown6889]

Sounds like a bad thing.

[@alandargie9358]

I thought the Minolta XD-7 was the first with programme mode?

[@olitography]

The internet says it’s the Canon A1 “Canon - the A-1 Perhaps the most significant milestone of the 1970s era of SLR computerization was the 1978 release of the Canon A-1, the first SLR with a "programmed" autoexposure mode.”

[@acddejklor]

Canon was the first to market program mode as a stand alone feature but the Minolta XD-7 was the first. The Minolta’s program mode is baked in to its shutter priority setting - you set the shutter speed and it will function like shutter priority until the aperture range has been exhausted. If at that point it’s still off from a correct exposure, the camera will adjust the shutter speed to compensate. In practice it means a more programmable program mode than what the Canon a1 has.

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

Question -- injecting the oil in that hole did it ever leak everywhere in the camera after snapping the shutter?

[@olitography]

It never did, but I wouldn’t use too much, since doing the video. I’ve learned that’s more of a superficial fix, but it works

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

@@olitography Thank you for the advice!

[@BoredOfBills]

The news boys of the "Nikon Choir" all slag off Canon but as a fashion and portrait photographer of 35 years I'll still swear by my F1n (plus a load of rented large format) and I learned all my early lessons with an A1 and a willing girlfriend !

[@tonyharris8889]

Great video thanks. You used flash with flash trigger and receiver. Will my nikon sb910 work on the A1 and would I have to put the shutter speed on to 60 with the flash symbol?

[@olitography]

60 is good, the issue is that at higher speeds the shutter might not stay open long enough for the flash to fire. If that happens the shutter will appear as a black bar in your image.

[@Rkolb2798]

Did the MG need a jump start after the shoot ? 😊

[@olitography]

It didn't no, i didn't leave the light son too long

[@Rkolb2798]

Just teasing

[@cloudy9862]

Hi, would you recommend this camera for a beginner in 2022 for about $150 usd?

[@olitography]

If it’s a good one with lens yeah

[@cloudy9862]

@@olitography is a Vivitar 28-85 mm Zoom Lens a good lens

[@jrharrelson]

I was wondering what flash controller you are using? I had no idea you could use one with a camera that old. I personally have only shot canon film cameras, I love them, I do shoot nikon digital, however.

[@olitography]

It has flash sync on the side, so any controller will do I use the old calumet ones but a sync lead is just fine

[@davidrobinson7700]

Hi, I've just bought the Canon A-1. What flash set up did you use with it?

[@olitography]

Do t temper exactly either Bowens or Godox, you’ll need a system that can use a sync input.

[@subrotomitra]

Good one !!!

[@gianmarcomaioli]

Ollie, great vid once again! And happy 2021! You mentioned Instagram, have you got a profile?

[@craigalexander2037]

instagram.com/oliver_prout?igshid=1uydko7dy6jcl

[@olitography]

hello happy new year to you too, its @oliver_prout

[@gianmarcomaioli]

@@olitography Lovely, thanks!

[@syedbrothers1824]

Hello friend i am from Pakistan and i have sannon A1 camera now i want to sale it. Please tell me how i sale it Regards Usman

[@syedbrothers1824]

Cannon model A-1 model

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

The A-1 was my first 35mm. I had narrowed it down to the A-1 or the Olympus OM-2. I got a better Deal on the Canon. I used it for 4 yrs, it had it developed the Infamous Canon Squeak. And from Day One it always Overexposed by about a Half f-stop. Then One Day in June of 85 I woke and wanted to switch to Nikon...

[@olitography]

"And from Day One it always Overexposed by about a Half f-stop" It doesn't over expose by half a stop, you do, I've been promising to do this for a while but I will make a video of why I never use an in camera light meter.

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

Ok, It 's Meter was off by A Half Stop. as it's Max Aperture sensor/probe in the Camera Body was out of Calibration, making the camera think it was a Faster lens than it was. If used it in the Stopped Down Mode, the Exposure was very close, but Program, Tv, Av, resulted in Over Exposure.

[@apistosig4173]

Fab camera with a whole lotta' "you don'tt need" -