Thank you very much for this detailed information, recently i bought an a-1 with auto-bellows and a 50mm macro lens all from canon, but i didn't knew much about the camera itself. I currently own and have used an ae-1 canon which is much simpler and i'm very comfortable using that one, but i think that the a-1 is gonna have a place in my gear that it deserves to have.
thanks your great at explaining this camera. I hope you do more videos like this for cameras / other gear. No fuss very straightforward and easy to understand.
BicycleFunk The stop-down lever pretty much just lets you preview your aperture setting. Normally the aperture would only stop-down as the shutter is released.
SilentS Also the light metering takes place before the aperture closes but the stop down lever allows the light metering to take place at the selected aperture and not full open. The stop down lever is also needed for certain non-FD lenses in order for auto aperture to work correctly. TL;DR The stop-down lever is mostly useful for previewing your depth of field.
Great review of this camera. I bought my 1st one in 1983 and spent many wonderful hours in the swamps of Louisiana on my off days taking beautiful pictures of wildlife. I did not retire this camera until 2003 when I went to digital.
I just bought this camera and being second hand it had no user manual. Your video was spot on for explaining the various operations of the camera. Thank you very much indeed... From the UK with love.
Love this video! I got the same camera this year and still practicing. I am new to film photography and having a hard time understanding the Av and Tv mode. Not sure which one to use while shooting.😅 Could you teach me please?😊
Bassically, of the two modes you'll want to use Av the most because you can control your depth of field. However, if you're shooting moving objects and you don't want any motion blur use Tv to select a fast shutter speed. It's probably worth googling something like "aperture priority vs shutter priority". Hope that helps!
can you explain a situation where the stop-down lever should (or could) be used? what is its purpose? i've had this camera for more than a year and have been using it in AV mode only.. so i decided to research more of its functionalities and experiment more with it
It's not something you're going to a lot but I would use it if I wanted a very specific depth of field. I would use the stop down lever to play with the aperture until I get the shot I'm looking for. I know that's not super helpful but it's what i've got.
i have a canon A1 And love it i take B&W Pictures at weddings with it and and scan the neg to digital with a epson 2580 photo scaner BTW i Do Have A Sony A330 DSLR Wich i Use for color Photos hehe
Firstly, I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as it's still working properly. In theory getting skin oils on the shutter could affect shutter speeds by adding weight and could transfer onto your film causing problems in development.
My A1 did not come with that silver plug you mentioned at 4:33- do you know if this is a problem or if it will affect the camera in any way? This was a really helpful and informative video for me, someone who's starting film photography! :)
I used to have 2 A-1 bodies and 5 lenses back in the 80's Sold them for digital kit. I had a gift of 2 x FD lenses so I decided to buy another A-1. It arrived today. It really was the MutzNutz of of it's time. Going to use that and my Yashica MAT 124G and see if I still have the knack!!
Bought the A-1 yesterday and waiting excitedly for its arrival on Wednesday . I have 3 questions if you don't mind. 1) your camera shows no brass showing through from general wear and tear. Is that because it's in mint condition or ?.? 2) the second lens looks like the 100-200mm. What is your honest opinion on using it as I'm thinking of buying one. 3) what is the full description of the first lens you fitted? Good results from that one? Thank you, great video, I'll watch it again when my camera arrives.
I had a two Canon A-1 Cameras, they had that Shutter sound right out of the Box, it seemed like a Signature sound to me, I like it. Both of my Canons were stolen. For years I didn't have a Canon A-1, until last year, I bought two on Ebay, the Lenses didn' t cost $25. I liked the Video, I Love the Canon A-1 Camera.
I would really appreciate a quick video on how to repair the shutter squeak, I've found a couple other videos that are a little fuzzy and poorly explained. I feel like you would do a good job of explaining the process as clearly as possible.
SilentS I will and report back. It doesn't quick blink on bat check, so I guess that'd be it. Definitely worked before. One of my fav features on the camera because I like to set the timer and then see how far I can run away before it fires ;-) www.flickr.com/photos/splatone/18312402325/in/dateposted-public/
Useful video thanks! Can you tell me if the ASA/exposure compensation top circle - the part with the numbers actually printed on it, is supposed to spin easily if you're not pressing the ASA dial lock thing or the exposure comp wheel unlock button? Mine moves with just a light finger touch (just the top part with the numbers, not the main knobbly outer wheel) Thanks!
+Tazzfalcon Turing the top part with the actual numbers sets the exposure compensation (the numbers on the right of the wheel if you're behind the camera). It should not move freely. Must be something wrong with the lock for the exposure compensation.
+SilentS thanks for replying so quickly. I'm not sure it is the lock for exposure comp that's wrong? The main part of the wheel, the knobbly outer most bit as i'm calling it doesn't move unless you depress that button. The top part though with asa as well as exposure comp f-stop markings printed will move though. I wondered whether it maybe should be glued to the rest of the wheel?
+Tazzfalcon Just to clarify, in normal operation, the knobbly outermost bit moves only when you depress the small silver lever on the rim. The whole knob should move only when you depress the round exposure comp lock button (to the right of the knob). If it's just the numbers that are moving, then it could be that the label has come loose and needs gluing down. I'm not sure if the numbers are on a sticky label or how they are applied. If that's the case, before you glue it down, you'd want to depress the round comp lock button and rotate the knob as far as it will go CW so you can line the 1/4 on the label up with the marker for the exposure comp. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
+SilentS that's just wjat I was thinking thank you for confirming! I've swapped film now and can see that's definitely what need doing as it comes all the way off the knob when the film winder is pulled up and you turn the camera upside-down! Cheers for you advice. Much appreciated!
+Tazzfalcon I have the same problem, I just wrap an elastic band or a hair band around the ring and wrap it around where the strap connects to the body, if that makes any sense???
What do you do if your camera lens (like the 50mm F1.4) does not have an A option for the aperture? Do you need to match the setting you are using on your camera (in Av mode)?
Hey there. I do not understand how the multiple exposure lever works. To capture standard frames, is it supposed to be under the big winding lever or exposed from it?
Well that was simple enough! Thank you very much, literally just got the a1 like an hour ago and trying to figure out how all the buttons work and all the settings it has.
Alright understood that part. Now, how do I meter the light bouncing off from the subject with the camera? Just by holding the the exposure lock button?
Prav Sivakumaran Unfortunately it looks like the prices for FD lenses have jumped a bit from the last time I was looking at them on ebay. Though 90GBP still sounds a little high.
Prav Sivakumaran I would say that many great photographers learned with way less tech than is present in the A-1. It's a great camera and auto-focus is really a crutch anyways.
I'm not sure what the real question is here. Digital certainly has many benefits over film but I think it's the limitations of film that make it a great medium to work with. The A-1 is definitely a powerful film camera but it's completely up to you whether or not to shoot film or digital.
This is a long shot as this is an older video. I purchased this recently as my first camera for a hundred bucks with some lenses. I finished a roll of film (well I got close, I probbaly had 5 exposures left or something) but when I tried to unload it, it didn't go all the way back into the film canister. Like it had like 3 frames essentially just dangling there that I couldn't figure out how to get back in. Do you think this is the camera or maybe I just did something wrong
The camera should wind the film all the way into the canister. If the film was able to be pulled off the film advance spool, I can't think of a reason it wouldn't be able to get all the way in unless there was something up inside the film roll itself....? Were you not able to turn the winding crank anymore, like was it stuck?
It wasn't stuck but it just stopped pulling the film back in. Just kind of unwinding but not actually doing anything, I remember that I lost resistance. Maybe it got unconnected or something?
If the winder still turns, that would be my only guess. Maybe your next roll will work better. Your question inspired me to go out and shoot with the A-1 today. Thanks!
Yes. The viewfinder also displays eeee eee where I'm assuming light readings are supposed to go. I'll check out repairs but buying a "new" camera would probably cost as much as repairing the current one.
I just got this camera a few days ago from someone who wasn't using it anymore and i can't wait to shot b&w with it. Great info.
Brilliant overview of the A1. Every budding photographer should have one to learn what taking photos is all about. Thanks
super informative, can't believe there was so much i didn't already know
Beautiful camera just picked one up and beautiful video. Ultra informative and no excess nonsense. Awesome
Are you sure you didn't want any hyperlapse shots, gratuitous drone footage, or annoying music? I can always add some in.
Very informative it’s one of the very best cameras ever made in my opinion
Thank you very much for this detailed information, recently i bought an a-1 with auto-bellows and a 50mm macro lens all from canon, but i didn't knew much about the camera itself.
I currently own and have used an ae-1 canon which is much simpler and i'm very comfortable using that one, but i think that the a-1 is gonna have a place in my gear that it deserves to have.
thanks your great at explaining this camera. I hope you do more videos like this for cameras / other gear. No fuss very straightforward and easy to understand.
Thank you...Good video. Very helpful..Now to go shoot on my Canon A-1
AWESOME just bought one and this was exactly what i was looking for. Thank you very much :)
Best video on this camera.
Sounds like there is the typical squeaky sound of a defective shutter. Some A-1 have, some not. The shutter needs a very small amount of specific oil.
Thanks for this video, very helpful!
I don't understand the stock down lever purpose btw
BicycleFunk The stop-down lever pretty much just lets you preview your aperture setting. Normally the aperture would only stop-down as the shutter is released.
SilentS Also the light metering takes place before the aperture closes but the stop down lever allows the light metering to take place at the selected aperture and not full open. The stop down lever is also needed for certain non-FD lenses in order for auto aperture to work correctly.
TL;DR The stop-down lever is mostly useful for previewing your depth of field.
SilentS neat, thanks!
It's a really good manual. It could be even better if you used not so bright background. The body of the camera is black, right?
Great review of this camera. I bought my 1st one in 1983 and spent many wonderful hours in the swamps of Louisiana on my off days taking beautiful pictures of wildlife. I did not retire this camera until 2003 when I went to digital.
great job! you just inverted the exposure lock and exposure preview... they are the other way round
Good catch. I've always wondered why the exposure preview button looks more important with the silver ring around it, even if it isn't.
I just bought this camera and being second hand it had no user manual. Your video was spot on for explaining the various operations of the camera. Thank you very much indeed... From the UK with love.
Thank you. Taking photography class now and the prof didn’t even know how to use this camera. This was very informative and helpful!!!
Awesome video. Congrats!
Love this video! I got the same camera this year and still practicing. I am new to film photography and having a hard time understanding the Av and Tv mode. Not sure which one to use while shooting.😅 Could you teach me please?😊
Bassically, of the two modes you'll want to use Av the most because you can control your depth of field. However, if you're shooting moving objects and you don't want any motion blur use Tv to select a fast shutter speed. It's probably worth googling something like "aperture priority vs shutter priority". Hope that helps!
I'm buying this camera hopefully Friday but bills come first :( but definitely in the next two weeks. Great video
Cameras and lenses come first!
can you explain a situation where the stop-down lever should (or could) be used? what is its purpose?
i've had this camera for more than a year and have been using it in AV mode only.. so i decided to research more of its functionalities and experiment more with it
It's not something you're going to a lot but I would use it if I wanted a very specific depth of field. I would use the stop down lever to play with the aperture until I get the shot I'm looking for. I know that's not super helpful but it's what i've got.
@@ASilentS thank you! i kind of guessed it isn't used a lot
i have a canon A1 And love it i take B&W Pictures at weddings with it and and scan the neg to digital with a epson 2580 photo scaner BTW i Do Have A Sony A330 DSLR Wich i Use for color Photos hehe
Question where is the winder for it camera and the flash plus another questions is Appiture the same with f/s ?????.
good information
Thanks for explaining all the features. I will be following your videos .keep up the good work.
That dang squeak! Very dandy camera though. I have the AE-1 Program myself and I love it.
Hi I just got given one of these it looks like new but the metal lever only moves half way,any idea what could be wrong?
Why is it bad to touch the shutter? What if I accidentally grazed it while cleaning dust out?
Firstly, I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as it's still working properly. In theory getting skin oils on the shutter could affect shutter speeds by adding weight and could transfer onto your film causing problems in development.
Ok thank you! I'm shooting with it now and it's fine, guess I'll see after development.
This is great! Very helpful
Hi even if I insert a new battery my check light does not blink. Any Suggestions?
I have had this camera for several years. Always thought it was great, never new the whole story. I hope the eagle nest turns out
I just found it buried in the closest, after 8-10 years of storage
Thanks a lot for this simple, but veerryy helpful video!
Thanks -A beautiful camera very well described.
This is great, thank you!
Great video, just picked one of these up today. Very informative video
That was extremely clear and helpful. I haven't had my A! out in 20 years and now I want to go back to film and forgot how to use my A1, thanks
Glad you found it helpful!
thank you so much brotha
My A1 did not come with that silver plug you mentioned at 4:33- do you know if this is a problem or if it will affect the camera in any way? This was a really helpful and informative video for me, someone who's starting film photography! :)
evelyn31802 Other than dust and dirt getting in, it shouldn't be a issue.
I used to have 2 A-1 bodies and 5 lenses back in the 80's Sold them for digital kit. I had a gift of 2 x FD lenses so I decided to buy another A-1. It arrived today. It really was the MutzNutz of of it's time. Going to use that and my Yashica MAT 124G and see if I still have the knack!!
Bought the A-1 yesterday and waiting excitedly for its arrival on Wednesday .
I have 3 questions if you don't mind.
1) your camera shows no brass showing through from general wear and tear. Is that because it's in mint condition or ?.?
2) the second lens looks like the 100-200mm. What is your honest opinion on using it as I'm thinking of buying one.
3) what is the full description of the first lens you fitted? Good results from that one?
Thank you, great video, I'll watch it again when my camera arrives.
I had a two Canon A-1 Cameras, they had that Shutter sound right out of the Box, it seemed like a Signature sound to me, I like it. Both of my Canons were stolen. For years I didn't have a Canon A-1, until last year, I bought two on Ebay, the Lenses didn' t cost $25. I liked the Video, I Love the Canon A-1 Camera.
Very informative - thank you
I would really appreciate a quick video on how to repair the shutter squeak, I've found a couple other videos that are a little fuzzy and poorly explained. I feel like you would do a good job of explaining the process as clearly as possible.
I have just bought one to use with my FD lenses (my T90 has the dreaded sticky shutter! ) and found the video very helpful.
i need that lens :((
Any idea why my 10 sec timer would not be working, but 2 sec would? Low battery maybe? It blinks all the way and then nothing happens.
BicycleFunk Definitely check the battery. If it's not that, I have no idea why the 2 sec works but the 10 second doesn't. Good Luck!
SilentS I will and report back. It doesn't quick blink on bat check, so I guess that'd be it. Definitely worked before. One of my fav features on the camera because I like to set the timer and then see how far I can run away before it fires ;-) www.flickr.com/photos/splatone/18312402325/in/dateposted-public/
my advance lever isnt turning the cogs inside of my camera, how can i fix this
Is that 70-210 f4 lens good for portraits do you know? Thanks for the review!
Nice video, but sounds like you got a shutter squeak. You should clean that up mate
Very informative
useful !
Did you ever film yourself repairing the shutter squeak?
Useful video thanks! Can you tell me if the ASA/exposure compensation top circle - the part with the numbers actually printed on it, is supposed to spin easily if you're not pressing the ASA dial lock thing or the exposure comp wheel unlock button? Mine moves with just a light finger touch (just the top part with the numbers, not the main knobbly outer wheel) Thanks!
+Tazzfalcon Turing the top part with the actual numbers sets the exposure compensation (the numbers on the right of the wheel if you're behind the camera). It should not move freely. Must be something wrong with the lock for the exposure compensation.
+SilentS thanks for replying so quickly. I'm not sure it is the lock for exposure comp that's wrong? The main part of the wheel, the knobbly outer most bit as i'm calling it doesn't move unless you depress that button. The top part though with asa as well as exposure comp f-stop markings printed will move though. I wondered whether it maybe should be glued to the rest of the wheel?
+Tazzfalcon Just to clarify, in normal operation, the knobbly outermost bit moves only when you depress the small silver lever on the rim. The whole knob should move only when you depress the round exposure comp lock button (to the right of the knob).
If it's just the numbers that are moving, then it could be that the label has come loose and needs gluing down. I'm not sure if the numbers are on a sticky label or how they are applied.
If that's the case, before you glue it down, you'd want to depress the round comp lock button and rotate the knob as far as it will go CW so you can line the 1/4 on the label up with the marker for the exposure comp.
Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
+SilentS that's just wjat I was thinking thank you for confirming! I've swapped film now and can see that's definitely what need doing as it comes all the way off the knob when the film winder is pulled up and you turn the camera upside-down! Cheers for you advice. Much appreciated!
+Tazzfalcon I have the same problem, I just wrap an elastic band or a hair band around the ring and wrap it around where the strap connects to the body, if that makes any sense???
It is every helpful.Thanks!
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
didnt know about double exposure lever, great video
What do you do if your camera lens (like the 50mm F1.4) does not have an A option for the aperture? Do you need to match the setting you are using on your camera (in Av mode)?
Correct. Set the aperture on both the camera and the lens and let the camera set the shutter speed.
Hey there. I do not understand how the multiple exposure lever works. To capture standard frames, is it supposed to be under the big winding lever or exposed from it?
Exposed for normal operation, underneath the cocking lever to stop the film advance. Cheers!
Well that was simple enough! Thank you very much, literally just got the a1 like an hour ago and trying to figure out how all the buttons work and all the settings it has.
Also, what do you mean by "metering the exposure of the subject" at 7:14 ?
Getting close enough to the subject so the exposure will be metered for light reflected off the subject and not the light coming from behind it.
Alright understood that part. Now, how do I meter the light bouncing off from the subject with the camera? Just by holding the the exposure lock button?
My light doesn't flash ? whyyyyyyy
+Josh Rodrigues The battery check light? Do none of the electronics work on the camera? New battery? Mode selector switch not on L(ock)?
hi what is the name of the first lens you put on? is it a 32-105 f3.5?
35-105 f3.5
Cool although you say that lenses cost 20-30 dollars, I can't find any for £90
Prav Sivakumaran Unfortunately it looks like the prices for FD lenses have jumped a bit from the last time I was looking at them on ebay. Though 90GBP still sounds a little high.
Ok thanks so would you recommend a canon A1 for learning photography even though there is no auto focus?
Prav Sivakumaran I would say that many great photographers learned with way less tech than is present in the A-1. It's a great camera and auto-focus is really a crutch anyways.
I have this camera, is it worth anything since it is not digital or it is not a match to the new digital cameras ?
I'm not sure what the real question is here. Digital certainly has many benefits over film but I think it's the limitations of film that make it a great medium to work with. The A-1 is definitely a powerful film camera but it's completely up to you whether or not to shoot film or digital.
This is a long shot as this is an older video. I purchased this recently as my first camera for a hundred bucks with some lenses. I finished a roll of film (well I got close, I probbaly had 5 exposures left or something) but when I tried to unload it, it didn't go all the way back into the film canister. Like it had like 3 frames essentially just dangling there that I couldn't figure out how to get back in. Do you think this is the camera or maybe I just did something wrong
The camera should wind the film all the way into the canister. If the film was able to be pulled off the film advance spool, I can't think of a reason it wouldn't be able to get all the way in unless there was something up inside the film roll itself....?
Were you not able to turn the winding crank anymore, like was it stuck?
It wasn't stuck but it just stopped pulling the film back in. Just kind of unwinding but not actually doing anything, I remember that I lost resistance. Maybe it got unconnected or something?
If the winder still turns, that would be my only guess. Maybe your next roll will work better. Your question inspired me to go out and shoot with the A-1 today. Thanks!
welcome, thanks for the video! upload the pics!
My A1 seems to start a timer when I press the shutter, even when it's set to the automatic mode
You mean the A,L,2,10 switch set to A? If so, that sounds like a mechanical fault with the switch.
Yes. The viewfinder also displays eeee eee where I'm assuming light readings are supposed to go. I'll check out repairs but buying a "new" camera would probably cost as much as repairing the current one.
the eeeee's are a general error code and can many many different things unfortunately.
You might try cycling the shutter using the multiple exposure lever or replacing that battery. The are just general fault clearing steps.
thanks!
Do I need the battery for the shutter lever to work?
Yes.
Thanks!!!
Your camera has the "Canon Cough".
Someone didn't watch the whole video.
I have 2 cameras of this type .
helpful
would you teach me how to use mine XD
Any particular issues?