Canon F1 vs A1 – Which Camera Is Perfect For You?

Welcome to an exciting journey through the world of classic Canon cameras!

In this comprehensive comparison article, we will explore two iconic pieces of photographic history: the Canon F-1 and the Canon A-1.

These legendary 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras have left an indelible mark on the world of photography, each with its own unique set of features and capabilities.

So, read this full comparison for help choosing the right camera.

Canon F1 vs A1 – Comparison Table

Comparison table of the Canon F-1 and the Canon A-1:

Feature	Canon F-1	Canon A-1
Format	24 x 36mm	24 x 36mm
Photographic Modes	Match-needle, manual, and AE modes	Shutter-speed, aperture, programmed, full AE flash, stopped-down AE, manual override
Interchangeable Lenses	Canon FD, FL, R, and non-FD lenses	Canon FD and FL lenses (stopped-down AE)
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism	Fixed eye-level pentaprism
Magnification	0.8x at infinity (standard lens)	0.83x at infinity (standard lens)
Focusing Screen	Interchangeable (13 types available)	Standard split-image microprism rangefinder
Light Metering System	TTL metering by silicon photocell	TTL Central Emphasis metering
Meter Coupling Range	EV-1 to EV-20 (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens)	EV-2 to EV-18 (ISO 100, FD 50mm f/1.4 lens)
Shutter Speed Range	1/2000 to 1/125 sec. (mechanical)	30 sec. to 1/1000 sec. (electronically controlled)
ISO Film Speed Range	ISO 6-6400	ISO 6-12800
Exposure Compensation	+2 f/stop range (1/3 increments)	+2 f/stop scale (1/3 increments)
Shutter Type	Horizontal-travel, titanium focal-plane	Cloth focal-plane with shock absorber
Exposure Preview	Available	Available
Multiple Exposure	Yes	Yes
Flash Synchronization	Up to 1/90 sec. (electronic flash)	X-synch at 1/60 sec., FP and M-synch at 1/30 sec. and slower
Self-timer	Electronically controlled	Electronically controlled
Power Source	6V lithium, alkaline, or silver oxide battery	6V silver oxide or alkaline manganese battery
Size (mm)	146.7(W) x 48.3(D) x 96.6(H)	141 x 91.5 x 47.5 (body only)
Weight (g)	795 (body only), 1,030 (with FD 50mm f/1.4 lens)	620 (body only), 830 (with 50mm f/1.8 lens), and 860 (with 50mm f/1.4 lens)
Price	Check Price On Amazon	Check Price On Amazon

Canon F1

The Canon F-1 is a name etched in the annals of photography history. Released in 1971, this 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera has earned its place as an iconic and enduring legend.

In this exploration, we will delve into the key specifications, features, and capabilities of the Canon F-1.

Form and function

Format: The Canon F-1 operates in the standard 24 x 36mm format, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of film types.

Interchangeable Lenses: This camera supports Canon FD lenses for full-aperture metering and Canon FL, R, and non-FD lenses for stopped-down metering. This versatility allows photographers to adapt their gear to different shooting conditions.

Exposure Modes: The Canon F-1 offers a diverse set of exposure modes, including match-needle and stopped-down manual exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority, stopped-down AE, and flash AE when main accessories are attached.

The Viewfinder Experience

Viewfinder: The camera features a standard interchangeable eye-level pentaprism viewfinder. With 97% coverage and 0.8x magnification at infinity when using a standard lens, it provides a clear and immersive view of your subject.

Viewfinder Illuminator: A notable feature is the viewfinder illuminator, which lights up the display for 16 seconds when the meter mode selector is set to LIGHT and the shutter button is pressed halfway. This aids photographers in low-light situations and enhances overall usability.

Dioptric Adjustment: The built-in eyepiece can be adjusted to a standard -1 diopter, allowing users to fine-tune the viewfinder to their eyesight.

Light Metering Mastery

Light Metering System: The Canon F-1 employs a TTL metering system powered by a silicon photocell (SPC). It offers center-weighted average, selective-area, and spot metering options achieved by changing focusing screens.

Meter Coupling Range: With ISO 100 film and an f/1.4 lens, the meter coupling range spans from EV-1 to EV-20, ensuring accurate exposure in various lighting conditions.

Exposure Preview: Photographers can preview their exposure settings by turning the meter mode selector to one of three modes and pressing the shutter button halfway, providing real-time feedback before capturing the shot.

Exposure Compensation Dial: The camera offers a +2 f/stop range in 1/3 f/stop increments, enabling precise exposure adjustments.

Shutter Mastery

Shutter: The Canon F-1 boasts a horizontal-travel titanium focal-plane shutter with four spindles. It operates via an electromechanical hybrid control.

• Mechanical control offers speeds from 1/2000 to 1/125 sec., sync at 1/90 sec., and “B” (bulb).
• Electronic control provides speeds from 1/60 to 8 seconds.

Mechanical Shutter Release: In the event of a battery failure, photographers can still use mechanically controlled shutter speeds by removing the battery from the camera.

Film and ISO Flexibility

ISO (ASA) Film Speed Scale: The camera supports ISO film speeds ranging from 6 to 6400, providing flexibility in choosing the right film for your photographic vision.

Shutter Dial: A broad range of shutter speeds is available, from 1/2000 to 8 seconds, along with “A” (aperture priority) and “B” (bulb) settings.

Shutter Button: The two-step shutter button features an electromagnetic release. When the battery is removed from the camera, only mechanically controlled speeds can be used.

Additional Features

Power Source: The Canon F-1 operates on a single 6V lithium, alkaline-manganese, or silver oxide battery, with a battery life of approximately one year under normal use.

Battery Check: A battery check function allows users to verify the battery’s power status by pressing the battery check button.

Multiple Exposures: Photographers can create multiple exposures by engaging the rewind lever before recocking the shutter. Canceling this feature is as simple as lightly pressing the shutter button.

Flash Synchronization: The camera supports flash synchronization speeds of up to 1/90 sec. with electronic flash and FP- and M-sync at 1/30 sec. or slower. Direct contact at the accessory shoe accommodates hot-shoe flash units, and a threaded PC socket (JIS-B type) enables cord-type or multiple flash photography.

Handling and Dimensions

Camera Back: The camera back is opened by pressing a safety stopper while pulling up the rewind knob. It is removable for attaching accessories like the Data Back FN or Film Chamber FN-100.

Film Loading: Film loading is hassle-free, thanks to the multi-slot take-up spool.

Film Advance Lever: The single-stroke film advance lever provides a 139° throw with a 30° stand-off. Ratchet winding is possible for smoother and more controlled film advancement.

Frame Counter: An additive-type frame counter automatically resets to “S” upon opening the camera back and advances during multiple exposures.

Film Rewinding: Film rewinding is accomplished by releasing the rewind lever (“R”) and turning the rewind crank. “R” automatically resets when the camera back is opened or when the shutter button is lightly pressed.

Dimensions and Weight: The Canon F-1 measures 146.7mm (width) x 48.3mm (depth) x 96.6mm (height) and weighs 795g body-only or 1,030g with the FD 50mm f/1.4 lens attached.

Final Thoughts

The Canon F-1 is more than a camera; it’s a testament to Canon’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in the world of photography. With its solid build, versatile features, and precision controls, it continues to be a beloved choice among photographers who value timeless excellence in film photography.

Whether you’re a collector cherishing a piece of photographic history or a photographer seeking an exceptional tool for creative expression, the Canon F-1 stands as a true legend in the world of film photography.

Canon A1

The Canon A-1, a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, stands as a testament to Canon’s commitment to innovation, precision, and versatility in photography. Released in 1978, the A-1 is a beloved classic among photographers and collectors alike.

In this section, we will explore the key specifications, features, and capabilities of the Canon A-1 and make it a timeless choice for both novice and experienced photographers.

Versatile Photographic Modes

Photographic Modes: The Canon A-1 offers a wide array of photographic modes to cater to different shooting scenarios.

• Shutter-Speed Priority AE: Allows you to prioritize shutter speed for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• Aperture Priority AE: Prioritizes aperture control, enabling you to control depth of field.
• Programmed AE: The camera automatically selects both shutter speed and aperture settings for convenience.
• Full-AE Flash Photography: Achieve perfect exposures in flash photography with specified Canon electronic flashes.
• Stopped-Down AE: For creative control, use this mode with manual override to achieve your desired exposure.
• Manual Override: When you want full control over both shutter speed and aperture, this mode lets you take the reins.

Optics and viewfinder

Interchangeable Lenses: The Canon A-1 supports Canon FD lenses for use with four full-aperture metering AE modes and with stopped-down AE. Additionally, Canon FL lenses can be used with a stopped-down AE.

Standard Lenses: The camera is often paired with Canon FD 55mm and 50mm lenses, providing excellent versatility for a variety of photographic situations.

Viewfinder: Equipped with a fixed eye-level pentaprism viewfinder, the A-1 offers a comfortable and immersive shooting experience.

• Field of View: The viewfinder provides a generous 93.5% vertical and 95.3% horizontal coverage of the actual picture area.
• Magnification: At infinity with a standard 50mm lens, the viewfinder boasts a magnification of 0.83x.
• Focusing Screen: The standard split-image microprism rangefinder aids in precise manual focusing.

Viewfinder Information: Vital information is presented as an LED digital readout below the visual field. This includes shutter speed, aperture, warnings for incorrect exposures, bulb indication, charge completion indicators with specified Canon flash units, manual aperture control signals, and error indications for incorrect stopping-down operations. Shutter speed and aperture data are displayed in 1/2-step increments.

Precision and control

Dioptric Adjustment: The built-in eyepiece is adjustable to a standard -1 diopter, ensuring clear viewing for photographers with varying eyesight.

Mirror: The instant-return mirror features a shock-absorbing mechanism, ensuring no image cut-off in the viewfinder, even with the FD 400mm telephoto lens.

AE Mechanism: The Canon A-1 boasts an electronically controlled AE mechanism powered by three LSIs, including one linear LSI and one bi-MOS IC for light metering.

AE Mode Selection: AE modes are effortlessly selected via the AE mode selector, offering two primary settings: Tv for shutter-speed priority AE and Av for aperture priority AE.

Light Metering System: The A-1 employs through-the-lens (TTL) central emphasis metering with a silicon photocell located just above the eyepiece lens. This system ensures accurate exposure by passing light through a Fresnel lens condenser.

ISO Film Speed Setting: The camera supports ISO film speeds ranging from 6 to ISO 12800 in 1/3 step increments, with a secure lock feature.

Meter Coupling Range

At ISO 100 with an FD 50mm f/1.4 lens, the meter coupling range spans from EV-2 to EV-18. In the programmed AE mode, this range depends on the programmed shutter speed and aperture combinations.

Exposure Compensation: Fine-tune your exposures with a +2 f/stop scale, marked in increments of 1/3 of a gradation, and additional 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, and 4 markings.

Exposure Memory: EV is stored and locked when the exposure memory switch is pressed. This allows for adjustments while maintaining the same EV stored in memory.

Exposure Preview: Gain insight into your exposure settings through the viewfinder digital readout by pressing the shutter button halfway or activating the exposure preview switch.

Manual Override: Achieve full manual control by disengaging the FD lens from the “A” mark and setting the AE mode selector to TV. You can manually control aperture with the aperture ring and shutter speed with the AT dial.

Shutter and film handling

Shutter: The Canon A-1 features a cloth focal plane shutter with four spindles. It operates steplessly from 30 seconds to 1/1000 seconds, incorporating shock and noise damper mechanisms.

• Shutter Speed Scale: Offers a wide range of speeds, including B, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and P (with the AE mode selector at Tv). The “P” setting is essential for programmed AE mode.

Aperture Scale: Aperture settings include 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, and 22 (with the AE mode selector at Av).

Shutter Release Button: The oversized, two-step shutter button with electromagnetic shutter release provides precise control. Pressing it halfway activates the meter circuit, while pressing it fully initiates shutter operation. It can be locked by setting the main switch to “L” to prevent accidental shutter release, and it comes equipped with a cable release socket.

Power Source: The Canon A-1 relies on a single 6V silver oxide battery or alkaline manganese battery. Under normal use, the battery provides approximately one year of operation.

Battery Check: The camera features a red LED on top that flashes on and off when the battery check button is pressed. The flashing frequency decreases as the power level decreases.

Handling and Dimensions

Main Switch: The main switch has two positions: “A” and L. At “L,” all circuits are off, and the shutter button is locked for safety.

Cancellation of Camera Circuit: Shutter and self-timer operations are canceled by setting the main switch to “L” or by pressing the battery check button.

Multiple Exposure: Create multiple exposures by setting the multiple exposure lever before winding the film advance lever to recock the shutter. The frame counter does not advance during multiple exposures, allowing for unlimited creativity.

Self-Timer: An electronically controlled self-timer is available, activated by pressing the shutter button. Choose between 2 or 10 seconds of delay, with a red LED indicator flashing to signal its operation.

Flash Synchronization: The Canon A-1 supports X-synch at 1/60 sec., FP-synch, and M-synch at 1/30 sec. and slower.

Flash Coupling: The accessory shoe features contacts for directly coupled flash units and automatic flash control contacts for automatic exposure. A JIS-B (PC)-type flash terminal with a shock-preventive rim on the front of the body ensures reliable flash connectivity.

Automatic Flash: Achieve full AE flash photography with specified Canon Speedlites, such as the 199A, 177A, 155A, and 133A. The shutter speed is automatically set, and the aperture is automatically controlled according to the flash settings.

Convenience and handling

Back Cover: The camera’s back cover is easily opened by pulling up the rewind knob. It is also removable for attaching accessories such as the Data Back A and comes equipped with a memo holder.

Film Loading: Loading film is a breeze thanks to the multi-slot take-up spool.

Film Advance Lever: The single-stroke film advance lever provides a 120° throw with a 30° stand-off. It supports automatic winding by mounting the Canon Motor Drive MA or Power Winder A.

Frame Counter: The additive-type frame counter counts back frames during film rewinding. It automatically resets to “S” when the back cover is opened and does not advance during multiple exposures.

Film Rewinding: Film rewinding is achieved by pressing the rewind button and cranking the rewind knob. The rewind button resets automatically when the film advance lever is turned.

Safety Devices: Several safety mechanisms ensure proper camera operation. The camera will not function with insufficient power; self-timer use is impossible with the shutter speed set to “B,” and film winding is disabled while the shutter is in operation. The controls can also be locked.

Compact Dimensions

Size: The Canon A-1 has compact dimensions, measuring 141 x 91.5 x 47.5mm (5-1/2″ x 3-5/8″ x 1-7/8″) for the body alone.

Weight: The body alone weighs 620g (1 lb. 6 oz.) with the battery included. When paired with the 50mm f/1.8 lens, it weighs 830g (1 lb., 12-3/16 oz.), and with the 50mm f/1.4 lens, it weighs 860g (1 lb., 14-5/16 oz.).

Final Thoughts

The Canon A-1 is a masterpiece of precision engineering and versatility. Whether you are a seasoned photographer seeking creative control or a beginner looking for a camera that combines automation with manual capabilities, the Canon A-1 stands out as a remarkable choice.

Its enduring legacy as an iconic camera ensures its place in the hearts of photographers and collectors, serving as a testament to Canon’s commitment to innovation and excellence in photography.

Final Words: Canon F1 vs. A1: Which One Should You Buy?

As we conclude this comparison between two legendary Canon cameras, the Canon F-1 and the Canon A-1, it becomes clear that each of these vintage gems has its own distinct charm and purpose in the world of photography.

The Canon F-1, with its robust build and comprehensive manual controls, is a favorite among purists and professional photographers who value precision and creative freedom.

On the other hand, the Canon A-1 strikes a harmonious balance between automation and manual control, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts and those looking for versatility in their photographic endeavors.

When deciding between the F-1 and the A-1, consider your individual preferences and shooting style. If you relish hands-on control and the tactile experience of photography, the F-1’s mechanical excellence will be your trusted companion.

Conversely, the A-1’s innovative electronic features and automation are designed to simplify the photographic process while allowing for creative experimentation.