I like the way the camera feels all around. I am not a big person, but with a standard 50mm lens I can hold the camera and shoot with one hand while using the other hand to hang from trees, etc. Also, it's a simple to use camera, which allows adding complex functions in a snap. Overall, it's a user-friendly camera (never really read the manual). I love the fact that it can go from full manual to full program so everyone can use it. Although outdated, the metering is good and simple. Too bad Canon does not make anymore like that. This one is made like a tank (but not as well as the older EF's & F1's).

Weight is a bit of problem on long hikes.

I bought the camera used, in mint condition for $350 about 5 years ago, after my EF died. The guy who sold it to me was a professional photographer and had put a lot of miles on the camera. I have managed to drag it thru lots of hikes and taken it on all of my trips, and meanwhile, have put a few scratches on it. Still after all these years it is working fine. Now I am looking to get a good used T-70 only to avoid damaging my A-1 on the hikes. Those newer autofocus cameras just don't do anything for me. I also have found out that the flash photography works great if you leave the camera in Program or either of the priority modes, especially when taking pictures with bounced flash off the walls. Camera's reaction to the change of light strength is impressive.

Customer Service

Never used. But there are lots of on-line sources for this camera.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EF, Nikon FG

Simplicity at its best. Solid and relatively light to tug around.

Need to send in for overhaul from time to time to avoid shutter squeaking problem. But if it doens't bother you, it will still function properly.

If you are looking for a good manual focus camera to own, this one should be seriously considered. I've used the A-1 since 1983 and it's been very reliable and very simple to operate. Along with a bunch of Canon manual focus lenses and accessories available on the used market, you just can't go wrong. I've done wedding photography with the A-1 system, I've taken the A-1 with me everywhere on vacations, and I always got excellent image results. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, I really recommend this camera.

Customer Service

Sent camera in for overhaul, no problem.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS-1, Rebel, Rebel Xs, A-2, Elan IIE, A-1, AE-1, T-90. Nikon F3 and F4

Features, 50mm f/1.4 lens, portability.

After prolong usage, shutter squeaks.

My point of reference camera to other line of cameras that I have; Canon FT QL, EOS-3.

Customer Service

Excellent. Till this day, Canon Marketing Malaysia still services the A-1.

Similar Products Used:

Canon FT QL

My Canon A-1 was charmed. It was stolen and recovered THREE TIMES! Once, in Palm beach, I was in a high speed police chase to get my camera back. Amazingly, the perps took shots of themselves which were used in court (perfect exposure, bad composition). Second time it was stolen from my house (as opposed to my neck) and the police again returned it. Third time, the robbers dropped it outside my house (hands too full with my stereo I guess) and it got water damage in the rain. Canon said it was beyond repair. Yet it still worked for seven years, just making a weird sound with the fps on some shots. Worked just great 'till I lent it to this cute redhead. My camera felt betrayed. Did hundreds of assignments, 1000's of rolls. I've owned two other a-1's since then, which I use tor backups, 2nd films, and wwhenever I want something that's not all plastic and not all autofocus. This camaera is charmed.

Redheads.

I can't believe how lucky I've been with these cameras. Great shots, great karma. Autofocus, matrix ev, and a gazillion flash modes aren't everything. If you know your stuff, you end up turning most of that off anyway.

Customer Service

I got a great deal on refurb of my last Canon A-1, which I baught from the Key West Police. I have no idea why my relationship with these cameras so often involves law enforcement--I'm kinda a hippy, not a cop.

Similar Products Used:

You name it. I like having all the options of the A-1. Thruth be told, it ends up on manual or shutter priority 99% of t

Solid, smooth operator. Nice bright screen.

None

Solid trusty workhorse that just keeps going. You can keep you're digi toys. It's the image that counts isn't it? and this well do nicely.

Similar Products Used:

Just about everything.

Durability, functionality, accurateness

none...

I purchased my A1 in 1980 and have worked as sports and feature photographer for newspapers, free-lance, and weddings. I have shot literally thousands of rolls of film...never had a single problem. I've sent the camera to a Canon service center in CA twice, once because I dropped the camera on concrete (it still worked, but the hotshoe was busted), and again for preventive maintenance/tune-up. Both times Cannon service was top notch. Overall it's an awsome piece of equipment. If you want to learn photography and don't mind not having autofocus, search no further. Get yourself an A-1, you won't be disappointed.

Customer Service

Awesome

Similar Products Used:

AE1
Leica

What a jerk!. I gave my A-1 equipment away because I switched to Nikon autofocus. Now, when I visit my sister, I crave my old Canon.

The A-1 offers complete exposure control and I found the metering excellent for a camera of this generation. It's very easy to use in auto and manual modes. It takes some time to understand the layout for more sophisticated options, but the added flexibility is excellent when you take the added time.

Viewfinder information is very good and handling is superb.

The option to use shutter or aperature priority made this camera a major step up in the evolution of autoexposure control and use. TTL flash is also very good. Reliability? Two bodies, several thousand rolls a piece, no jams, no breadowns. Just a few double exposures.

I liked the Nikon FE2 which I bought to complement my autofocus Nikons, but the A-1 was an absolute joy.

None in its day. In comparison to contempory cameras, only autofocus and fill flash are major missing features.

If you're looking for a manual focus camera, this is it.

Linda, please give back my A-1 and those lovely Canon lenses. I miss them!

Customer Service

Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta SRT 101
Nikon FE2
Nikon N8008s
Nikon N90s

It takes great pictures. This camera is jsut one great image maker. Combine this body with a very good lens ... & you'll be in for some great times. And ... your great times will be rewarded with great images.

None

If you want to really learn all there is to know about photography (from every aspect)... you'll need to try out one of these cameras with manual focus, manual metering, etc. This camera will teach you the basics better than an auto unit anyday. It's like learning to do math in your head ... versus on a calculator. In the end, you may arrive at the same answer. But, the only way you'll ever truly understand the "process" that one must undergo to get to the final answer ... is to put aside the calculator & go "fully manual" now & then. Give it a try.

Customer Service

No contact

Similar Products Used:

Nikon, other Canon's, Pentax

Best camera I have ever owned. Bought in 1976 and worked EVERY time! Had it cleaned once. Let's me go auto or total manual. Use it now with B&W film while I do weddings and portraits.

PC cord adapter quirky at times

Best camera to buy used for a starting camera nut. Amazing that they cost more used now than when they first came out. Shows what quality means!

Customer Service

No problems

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE-1, Canon Rebel XS, all of Mamyia line and some Nikon's.

Canon A series cameras were and are the best value, feature for feature. I recently returned to serious photography after borrowing cameras from my father for a few years. I wanted to capitalize on the glut of manual focus equipment on the market. I tried to go to Olympus (an old favorite) and then Nikon, but found several problems with the bodies I found. I now have 2 Canons (AE-1 and A-1) and I've decided they can't be beat, even after 20years.

Just the mirror noise that everyone says is shutter. This is the deceleration mechanism for the mirror and the lube dries out.

I think that old cameras are great! It takes me back to where I learned how to "see." While i know other brands of equipment could offer the same satisfaction, the proliferation of Canon and Nikon equipment made my decision clear. I will shoot with these fine cameras until I decide it's time to leap to Nikon autofocus.

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE-1, New F-1, Nikon FE, Olympus )M-1 and 2S, Nikkormat ELW and FT2.