I bought my A1 in 1980 and took 100s of pictures with it. In 1982, I married and a few years later, my wife didn’t like taking pictures with the A1 because she had to manually focus. The Rebel came out and I traded my A1 and lenses for an auto focus Rebel. Eventually digital cameras came out and the Rebel fell into disuse. I recently purchased a Nikon Z50 which I love. In January, my son passed from Covid (at 30)… while going through his things, I found that he had an A1… I had no idea that he had it. Now I have an A1 again and I plan on using it in his memory. My next purchase will be a film developing kit so I can develop the exposed film. I already have the hardware to scan the negatives.
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. As a parent myself I can think of nothing worse than losing a child. My sincere condolences. The A1 had quite a good run before autofocus took over. Not so the T90. That was a truly amazing camera, but even when it was new there were already AF cameras and these soon dominated. Years ago, my brother developed his own film. It didn't seem too bad doing B/W, but color was a lot trickier. Doing your own developing gives you complete control over the creative process. The problem for me with two young children is lack of time! Thanks for your comment.
I've been using my A1 for almost 20 years and I've finally learned what some of the buttons do! This is an excellent and clear video thank you! I load my film differently but as long as it works there's no wrong way!
That's very kind of you Gemma, your comment is much appreciated 🙂 I'm not sure how you load your film but, as you say, if the end result is the same it doesn't matter. Happy shooting!
True. He's a very good explainer. I was shooting 35mm rangefinder cameras back in the 1960s, and I had to learn a lot of this stuff on my own, sometimes through trial and error, also through photography magazines such as MODERN PHOTOGRAPHY. I was processing my own black and white film and making prints in the bathroom whilst my proud parents suffered - we only had one bathroom! I was also a photographer for my high school yearbook, and processed and printed in an on-site darkroom. You're doing a fantastic job explaining all this. I'm looking at A-1 cameras online and I'm going to buy one pretty soon, so your video fills in a lot of the questions I have. I sold all my gear during a hard period about 8 or 9 years ago, and concentrated on iPhone photography. Now I'm getting the film itch once again. I do have an EOS Elan IIe which needs a new lens, but looks like it's in working order otherwise. Thanks for the great video!
I have my father's Canon A-1 and stumbled across this video looking for an explanation as to how to do multiple exposures. Totally blown away at how in-depth and helpful this is. I even bookmarked this to come back to it later on. It is a video that I wish I had when first given the camera. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.
Hi Jason, you're most welcome and thank you for your kind comments! I'd done a video previously and forgotten a few points, so I thought I'd make another (this one) to include the omissions. It didn't actually take long. Some other videos I've made have taken a lot longer. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
DUDE, I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I recently inherited my late brother's A-1 and this video was EVERY SINGLE THING I wanted to know! Even down to the little side buttons! You're the hero we need.
Just picked up an A1 as a complete novice! This video was excellent, thorough but concise, really appreciate your knowledge. Looking forward to taking her out for some shots! I'm sure i'll be coming back to this video time and time again as I learn, very informative, thank you
Thank you! People get bored with TH-cam videos quickly so I need to go through the content quite quickly. Sometimes I want to take longer to explain, but it is necessary to try to strike a balance. I made a previous video about the A1, but left out a few things. In this one I think I covered everything and my target audience was complete novice level. If you do have any questions, feel free to ask. There's no such thing as a stupid question!
The accuracy within the first 2 seconds lol I know nothing about photography and I am inheriting my dads camera that he used taking pictures of me my whole childhood lol ❤ thank you for this tutorial
Wonderfully explained. It's the best video on this camera I have seen so far. I just got one of these cameras on a thrift shop and I just can wait to go out and shoot with it.
Pleasure! Thanks for your comment. If you have any problems feel free to leave a question. I'm sometimes a bit slow to respond, but I try to help everyone who asks.
I just got my dad's old canon a1 and was so confused with so many buttons and options (I'm used to using an f1), so this video is really helpful to. Thank you so much!!
You are very welcome, thanks for leaving a comment! There are lots of people like you who have inherited these cameras, which is why I made this video. I've never actually used an F1 so if I get hold of one I will give you a shout!
Thank you for this. I read the manual and this is an excellent fill-in-the-blanks tutorial! I can hardly wait to use the pristine Canon A-1 that was just gifted to me!
Pleasure, thanks for your comment! The manual is actually very good, but if you aren't familiar with the camera I think it helps to actually see the real thing. Enjoy your new camera!
Fantastic tutorial! Thank you very much! :) I only just received a Canon A1 + can't wait to start shooting with a film camera. I've mostly just used digital cameras, but think I can learn a lot from shooting film. Thanks again for your fantastic tutorial!
Thank you Sara, very kind! The more technology improves, the less we have to think. These days just point your phone or camera, click, and you will get a good shot 99% of the time. There was a lot more thinking about exposure in the film days and that's how I learned the basics. It was also necessary because there was no instant feedback. If you take a shot with a digital camera you know straight away if it's OK, and if not you just change a setting and take another shot. When you have to wait for your film to come back from the lab you don't have this luxury. I have to admit I really enjoy the convenience of digital but occasionally I also enjoy reeling off a roll of film! Enjoy your A1!
After moving to digital in 2004 I didn't use my film gear for a long time. I do miss the convenience and ease of digital when I shoot film now, but it's actually quite good fun and brings back a lot of happy memories. Thank you!
I have a A1 and have never seen a better tutorial on this camera than yours. Thank you for posting this video. I also have a AE1 and enjoy both film cameras. It is getting hard to find film and even harder to find developing at a reasonable price.
Thank you! I'm in Thailand and film is very easy to find, but it's expensive. I've been paying Bt320 (almost $10) for a 36 exp roll of Portra 160. The developing cost is Bt80 (almost $2.50) without scanning - I do my own scanning. It soon adds up when you consider the cost of digital!
Thank you for a great video! My grandad passed away over 10 years ago and just got this out of storage to finally use again. There's even an old roll of film in the camera still.
Thank you! I'm sorry to hear about your granddad. I moved from the UK to Thailand in 2003 and left my film cameras in storage. When I finally retrieved them, they were fine, and hopefully, yours is too. My cameras also had old rolls of film in, and when they were developed, they still looked OK. You might have a few pleasant surprises when you get the film developed!
Thank you! From the comments I have received, I've found out that a lot of people have acquired these cameras through inheritance. If you're really lucky you will have inherited a selection of good lenses as well!
Talk about a quick and concise tutorial! I recently found my grandfathers A 1 in our attic, complete with a 50mm and 28 mm lens and this video has been such a simple and yet helpful resource!
Thank you! I, too, have both those lenses. The cameras often came with a 50mm f/1.8. After I bought a 28mm f/2.8, I much preferred the wider angle, and it stayed on the camera most of the time. Have fun!
Perfect video for newbies. Bought my A-1 at an estate sale for 15USD a few years ago. Now I feel much more confident in being able to play around with the settings.
Bought an A 1 today at a rummage sale from the original purchaser from 1979. Came with the 50 mil, 80 to 200mil lens, auto winder and some extras. All paperwork original that came with it and a leather carrying case for 80 dollars. I cant wait to try it out and this video was amazing. New sub, keep up the awesome work.
I just bought a canon A1 and its the most complex film camera I’ve had yet, so I watched the original video and the for dummies one! I found both really helpful in getting to know the A1! Thanks a lot 🐢
Thank you! It seems complex at first, but actually it's very basic. I wasn't intending doing a 2nd video, but I realized that a really simple version was necessary and also it was an opportunity to include the bits I forgot in the first video. Glad you found it useful!
Great review. I've owned this camera for 40 years (was my first camera). Continued to use it (now alongside a digital). I also recently bought a friend one. This is really great for her. There is one querk worth noting. Sometimes the LED display goes to flashing EEEEE. Usually after the depth of field preview has been used. Cure is to set the 'multiple exposure lever' and re-cock the shutter.
Thank you! It's similar for me. Mine was a 21st birthday present in 1981. The EE EEEE problem and how to reset it appears in comments quite regularly. The other quirk is that the A1 tends to overexpose. I've compared it against my T90 and the difference is a stop or more. I tell people to wind in a little negative EC. Thanks for your comment!
Bought this for myself and I kinda regret it til I found this video! 😂 I never thought that this camera has an Automatic mode and told myself I should’ve gotten the AE1 Program instead LOL thanks for this video!!! ❤️❤️
Thank you! The A1 does everything the AE1 P does and it also has an aperture priority mode. It's very flexible. When it was released it was a revolutionary camera. The metering isn't great and it tends to overexpose, so I would recommend dialing in a stop or so of negative exposure compensation. Enjoy your shooting and Merry Christmas!
I just bought my A1 camera 😇😇 I’m gonna try my first ever film with the fully automatic program first (just to play safe) thanks for the instruction Sir!
That's what I would recommend at first. Once you're comfortable with the camera you can then try the semiautomatic modes, which are actually very easy. With the Av and Tv modes you can get a lot more creative controlling depth of field and freezing or blurring motion. Happy shooting!
I bought a Canon AE-1 many moons ago, like 40 years ago, now that I am retired am trying to get back into film photography, so bought two used Canon cameras, a Canon A-1 and a Canon AE-1 , and had to go on the internet to find out how they work as neither camera came with a lens but after watching your picture show, I am pretty well aware I can manage everything on my own, keep up the good work, will be back if I run into a problem
I have just been gifted with 2 A1s from two dear family friends and I am so thankful for this video! My sister and I can't wait to start snapping away.
You're very fortunate! I get comments from people desperate to get a good A1, but they can't find one. I hope you were gifted a few good FD lenses too 😉
@@PhilUKNet wow I didn't know they were so popular. They have been in storage for years, so some of the lenses has a mold grown inside. The 50mm lens unfortunately has mold. I am hoping to send it off for a clean, buy I live in Botswana, Africa so I might not be able too. Very very thankful for my friends generosity.
@@aristabooyse3685 Me neither. I made videos about the Canon A1 and T90. The T90 also uses FD manual focus lenses and is FAR superior to the A1. However, the T90 video gets very views. Conversely, the A1 video gets lots of views. It has surprised me. Good luck getting your lenses cleaned. If gear is stored in a high humidity environment, mold is often a problem.
Thanks for the video Phil! I work as a photographer, and even though my first ever camera in early 2000s was a film camera, that's a long time ago, and I am now just getting back into film, and so far only been shooting with a few point and shoot cameras! Finally ordered a Canon A1 the other week, and this video definitely helps a lot and makes me a bit more confident so I know a few ins and outs before getting started! PS: I was waiting to see that selfie of yours 😉
Thanks for the comment! My A1 was a 21st birthday present at the end of 1981. It makes me feel really old 🙁 Have fun with your new camera. I'd like to do more film shooting, but at the moment with the kids at home all the time studying on-line I just never seem to have any free time. The selfie thing is an interesting phenomenon. With smart phones these days all I ever see is people taking selfies. I've been keen on photography since 1981, but one subject I have never considered taking photos of is me! I have taken tens of thousands of photos over the years, but photos of me are very few and far between. No doubt this has been driven by the advent of social media, which seems to have made people much more vain and narcissistic.
@@rkjelseth Long story, but I moved to Thailand in 2003 and left all my film gear in the UK. I went back in 2017 and managed to retrieve some, but not all, of my gear. The A1 body I have now is actually my brother's, which he gave me, and it's slightly newer than mine. I'm not ever sure that I will see my original A1 ever again 🙁 You're right, though. Back in my single days I travelled a lot and the A1 went everywhere with me! When I retrieved some of my film gear I also retrieved some of my negatives. The process of scanning them in brought back lots of memories. I'd love to get my hands on the other negatives, but I'm not sure I ever will. I couldn't find them when I went back to the UK. Anyway, good to hear from you!
It seems that quite a few A1s are inherited! One of my A1s has recently started playing up, and I've just sent my T90 to the States for repairs. All these cameras are very old now, and finding the right people to repair and service them is becoming increasingly difficult. Anyway, happy shooting!
Just bought an A1 secondhand and was wondering how to use it properly. I chanced upon your video and I think after watching it I’m quite set to shoot my first roll! :-)
Hi Phil, I have just started a BOA in photography at the grand old age of 64, having used digital for the past zillions of years, I was given the A1 and sent out on a walkabout to snap in manual mode as you can imagine my results were very poor after developing the film another first, So decided to do a little research and found you tube, a very informative tutorial hopefully I can now do a little better thank you.
Hi Thomas, and thanks for your comment! My experience was the other way round. I started with the A1 in 1981 and moved to digital around 2000. Cameras are so good now that you don't need to know anything about exposure to get great images. Using an old film camera in manual mode is a good way to learn. In my experience, I have found that the A1 overexposes. I have two A1 bodies and they are both the same. Be careful of this if you use the camera metering system. I normally set the camera to 2/3 of a stop less by dialing in some negative EC. If you have access to one, you can also check using an external light meter. Let me know if you have any A1 related questions.
Thanks Phil as I said it was difficult but with what you have learned me I may be a little better, thanks for the exposure tip I have a roll to shoot so will be processing soon I will let you know how I get on Thanks Tommy
I love my A-1. Got it when I was 20 something in the mid-90's as an upgrade from the Practika MTL-50 which had been my faithful (and very sturdy, if not exactly subtle) companion since I was 13. A-1 looked scary. Very very complicated and pro-looking after the simplicity of MTL-50. Soooo many buttons, gimmicks , incomprehensible numbers around the basic knobs I knew so well, multi-priority modes.... I feared i would never be able to master the sophisticated black beast. And I didn't. Never fully. Especially how to use correctly the semi-automatic modes and correctly set the aperture/shutter priority versatile knob. Same with the exposure compensation fraction scale. No idea on earth what that was for. One of the reasons being that the shop could not give me the actual user guide. And I had to make do with the guide of the AE-1 instead. Close enough, but not enough^^. Especially in those days when there was no internet around to download the unfindable from dedicated sites. And this is where your video is perfect. A few of the A-1 buttons and inscriptions were still a mystery to me. Besides, I had lost touch with photography as I entered active duty in.society, and with film photography and film cameras in general as A Nikon Bridge I was offered for my 40.th birthday had made me veeeeeeery lazy. Not bothering with its stupid and über-annoying menus, I used it as a point and shoot on automatic [scene] mode. I.m grateful to it as it got me back on the 'let's take photos' wagon but It also made me long for the feel you get when operating a film camera and the beautiful eyesight of my FD lenses. And when I got A-1 out of its bag after years of abandonment, I found out that it was now almost as strange to me as when I first got it. Besides my head is now slow at computing exposition variables, it's no longer second nature. I have to reacquire the reflexes and it starts with refreshing on the specifics of my camera. Which this video does marvelously in a simple and concise way. Thank you for making and posting it. I will most certainly watch your other video on A-1.
Thanks for your comment! I remember thinking how complicated the camera was. I also clearly remember feeling overawed with the technology back in the early 80's. Nowadays, the functionality seems quite basic, as does the technology due to the way technology has advanced since then. You're so right about the pre-Internet age. We take it for granted now that any information we want will be instantly available, but it was all so different just a few years ago. Without a user manual it would have been difficult to figure things out.
They are good, reliable cameras - even after all this time. The only weakness is the metering. The A1 has a tendency to overexpose, but this can be compensated for. Hope you can find one for a good price!
It's a personal preference. With film I usually shoot semi-automatic and with digital I shoot mostly fully automatic. With the A1 the camera normally selects shutter speeds that are too slow in auto, but this isn't a problem with the EOS M6 Mk 2 that I use now. Flash photography is where I normally choose manual. I expose for the background using manual exposure and leave the flash's feedback loop to sort out the subject exposure. It's good to have a camera that has several exposure modes so you have maximum flexibility. That was the great thing about the A1 in its day.
Thanks for this Canon A1 overview Phil, it's very helpful. I have a quick question for you. When shooting in Aperture priority mode, do you have to have the aperture ring on the lens set in the A position as you do for shutter priority, or does it not matter if the lens is set to the A position or not? Thanks in advance!
Pleasure! Yes. If you're shooting in Av or Tv mode you need to have the aperture ring set to A. In both of these modes the aperture is being set via the dial on the camera and in order for the camera to be able to communicate with the lens and control the aperture it needs to be on the A. As soon as you turn the aperture ring away from the A you are in manual mode. The only way then you can set the aperture is by turning the aperture ring and the camera can only control the shutter speed.
You're welcome! I got the camera in the early 80's so I'm quite familiar with it, but many things aren't obvious or intuitive. I'm glad you found the video useful. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the video, Phil. It really took me back. Can you remind me what the hearing-aid type battery receptacle on the bottom of the A-1 powers? What size battery does it need? Thanks again.
Pleasure! On the bottom? There is no battery on the bottom. The only thing on the bottom is a little cap that covers the opening for the film advance mechanism. You remove this when you want to use a power winder with the A1. Is this what you meant? th-cam.com/video/ejIX8O0WAYI/w-d-xo.html
@@daisyesbi If you can see the display in the viewfinder and you can use the camera it must have worked. If the LED on top of the camera doesn't blink during the battery test, the LED (or the LED circuit) could be broken. What happens if you use the self-timer? Does the shutter fire after 2 or 10 seconds and while you are waiting for it to fire does the LED blink? If the shutter fires with the self-timer but the LED doesn't blink the LED is probably at fault.
Hi! It works fine thank goodness 🤣 you're right, it's just the led that has some issues. Ano the question, if I choose the aperture, do I need to adjust the aperture ring on the lens as well or just the one on the body?
@@daisyesbi In aperture priority mode (Av) you select the aperture using the dial on the body and the lens aperture ring MUST be on A. If you move the aperture ring away from A you are in manual mode. The aperture will be whatever it says on the aperture ring and the camera will not be able to automatically change the aperture. Always keep the lens aperture ring on the A unless you want fully manual exposure mode.
Hi Phil, thank u so much for this video! The best and most useful tutorial for beginners I've ever seen! I just bought a second-hand canon A-1 and struggled to get used to it.( A-1 is my first manual film camera. I only used point and shoot camera in the past) If you don't mind I wanna ask a silly question. I put a battery in A-1 and about 3 to 4 hours later, the battery is dead, should I go to the repair center and check my camera?
Thank you! Although Canon says a year, the battery will actually last for several years. Although there could be a fault with the camera that is draining the battery, I have never heard of this. As a first step I would try replacing the battery again. Try buying one from a different source in case the first source has a lot of old stock. I doubt that many of these batteries are sold and it's possible that you bought an old one that was almost depleted. If the same thing happens with another new battery, you may have a problem finding someone who can repair these cameras. The people with the right skills probably retired years ago. Good luck!
I've never tried a film camera but something took over me and I want to, first I'll go for a point and shoot that I've got from my parents to see how film feels Then my plan is to go for an SLR, first planned AE-1 but here their prices are ridiculous I guess because of the popularity and most novices going for them and there's not that many of them selling. I need to add because of lenses and other accessories I think my best bet would be Canon as Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Minolta seem to be quite rare and expensive in Bosnia (not that FD lenses are much more common but at least there are some) Cheapest option seems to be AT-1 and as interesting as it would be going for a fully manual one for my first SLR to really learn hot to do it I do think it could be a big bite. AV-1, AL-1 and AE-1P are non-existent on this market so that leaves the A-1, surprisingly not that much more expensive than AT-1 yet cheaper than AE-1, gives me the choice to go fully auto and just do the focus myself which should be hard to fuck up but also to go manual and learn, kinda made my mind on it to go for A-1 even though it seems to be actually the semi-pro choice but I'm open for advices, thanks for this video it really helped me understand the A-1
Thanks for the info on the used market for film cameras. I had no idea. I'm surprised that A1s are cheaper than AE1s. It sounds as though you don't have a lot of choice where you are, so just get what is available at a fair price. Something else that surprises me is why there is so little love for the T90, which is a far superior camera to the ones you mentioned. I agree that Canon would be a good choice. Not only because of availability, accessories and lenses, but also reliability. Good luck tracking something down!
I bought my A1 in 1980 and took 100s of pictures with it. In 1982, I married and a few years later, my wife didn’t like taking pictures with the A1 because she had to manually focus. The Rebel came out and I traded my A1 and lenses for an auto focus Rebel. Eventually digital cameras came out and the Rebel fell into disuse. I recently purchased a Nikon Z50 which I love. In January, my son passed from Covid (at 30)… while going through his things, I found that he had an A1… I had no idea that he had it. Now I have an A1 again and I plan on using it in his memory. My next purchase will be a film developing kit so I can develop the exposed film. I already have the hardware to scan the negatives.
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. As a parent myself I can think of nothing worse than losing a child. My sincere condolences.
The A1 had quite a good run before autofocus took over. Not so the T90. That was a truly amazing camera, but even when it was new there were already AF cameras and these soon dominated.
Years ago, my brother developed his own film. It didn't seem too bad doing B/W, but color was a lot trickier. Doing your own developing gives you complete control over the creative process. The problem for me with two young children is lack of time! Thanks for your comment.
That’s mad love 🖤
I've been using my A1 for almost 20 years and I've finally learned what some of the buttons do! This is an excellent and clear video thank you! I load my film differently but as long as it works there's no wrong way!
That's very kind of you Gemma, your comment is much appreciated 🙂 I'm not sure how you load your film but, as you say, if the end result is the same it doesn't matter. Happy shooting!
True. He's a very good explainer. I was shooting 35mm rangefinder cameras back in the 1960s, and I had to learn a lot of this stuff on my own, sometimes through trial and error, also through photography magazines such as MODERN PHOTOGRAPHY. I was processing my own black and white film and making prints in the bathroom whilst my proud parents suffered - we only had one bathroom! I was also a photographer for my high school yearbook, and processed and printed in an on-site darkroom. You're doing a fantastic job explaining all this.
I'm looking at A-1 cameras online and I'm going to buy one pretty soon, so your video fills in a lot of the questions I have. I sold all my gear during a hard period about 8 or 9 years ago, and concentrated on iPhone photography. Now I'm getting the film itch once again. I do have an EOS Elan IIe which needs a new lens, but looks like it's in working order otherwise.
Thanks for the great video!
Phil proceeds to roast our ass before educating us in the most articulate way. Phil is a treasure.
Not sure that ass-roasting was my intention, but thanks for the compliment!
This honestly is the best tutorial I’ve seen. Been using my camera wrong this whole time 😂😅
Thank you 🙂
same here !!
How were you using it wrong. I think I may be as well
RIP Uncle Henry, thanks for the great camera.
LOL! Thank you!
I have my father's Canon A-1 and stumbled across this video looking for an explanation as to how to do multiple exposures. Totally blown away at how in-depth and helpful this is. I even bookmarked this to come back to it later on. It is a video that I wish I had when first given the camera. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.
Hi Jason, you're most welcome and thank you for your kind comments! I'd done a video previously and forgotten a few points, so I thought I'd make another (this one) to include the omissions. It didn't actually take long. Some other videos I've made have taken a lot longer. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
DUDE, I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I recently inherited my late brother's A-1 and this video was EVERY SINGLE THING I wanted to know! Even down to the little side buttons! You're the hero we need.
LOL! I can feel the love. Thank you. It's not every day I receive comments like this. Happy shooting 😃
Just picked up an A1 as a complete novice! This video was excellent, thorough but concise, really appreciate your knowledge. Looking forward to taking her out for some shots! I'm sure i'll be coming back to this video time and time again as I learn, very informative, thank you
Thank you! People get bored with TH-cam videos quickly so I need to go through the content quite quickly. Sometimes I want to take longer to explain, but it is necessary to try to strike a balance. I made a previous video about the A1, but left out a few things. In this one I think I covered everything and my target audience was complete novice level. If you do have any questions, feel free to ask. There's no such thing as a stupid question!
I’ve learned so much from this tutorial and keep coming back to it every once in a while 😊 great stuff!!!
Thank you Linda, you're very kind! If I missed anything or something isn't clear, feel free to ask.
The accuracy within the first 2 seconds lol I know nothing about photography and I am inheriting my dads camera that he used taking pictures of me my whole childhood lol ❤ thank you for this tutorial
You're most welcome! Your Dad had excellent taste. Hopefully, you inherited a few nice lenses as well 🙂
The right level of detail, covering everything about the A-1. Great video!
You're very kind, thank you!
Thank you so much for this video! Have my A1 a couple of years now but only knew a handful of buttons. This is truly helpful
Pleasure! Thanks for letting me know.
Wonderfully explained. It's the best video on this camera I have seen so far. I just got one of these cameras on a thrift shop and I just can wait to go out and shoot with it.
You're very kind, thank you! Have fun shooting!
Thank you so much Phil! Im not completely new to film photography and got the A-1 recently. Your video was a big help! Much appreciated!
Pleasure! Thank you for the kind comments 🙂
I've been reading the manual on my Dad's ol' trusty, but this really simplifies it a bit. Thanks for the clear and concise explanations.
Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad it helped!
Thanks for this, I just got an A1 and I'm totally new to film photography and I would be lost without this tutorial!
Pleasure! Thanks for your comment. If you have any problems feel free to leave a question. I'm sometimes a bit slow to respond, but I try to help everyone who asks.
I just got my dad's old canon a1 and was so confused with so many buttons and options (I'm used to using an f1), so this video is really helpful to. Thank you so much!!
You are very welcome, thanks for leaving a comment! There are lots of people like you who have inherited these cameras, which is why I made this video. I've never actually used an F1 so if I get hold of one I will give you a shout!
Thank you for this. I read the manual and this is an excellent fill-in-the-blanks tutorial! I can hardly wait to use the pristine Canon A-1 that was just gifted to me!
Pleasure, thanks for your comment! The manual is actually very good, but if you aren't familiar with the camera I think it helps to actually see the real thing. Enjoy your new camera!
You got it spot on with the fact that this was an inherited gift but I have done previous digital photography
If it was inherited I hope you inherited a nice selection of FD Lenses as well!
Fantastic tutorial! Thank you very much! :) I only just received a Canon A1 + can't wait to start shooting with a film camera. I've mostly just used digital cameras, but think I can learn a lot from shooting film. Thanks again for your fantastic tutorial!
Thank you Sara, very kind! The more technology improves, the less we have to think. These days just point your phone or camera, click, and you will get a good shot 99% of the time. There was a lot more thinking about exposure in the film days and that's how I learned the basics. It was also necessary because there was no instant feedback. If you take a shot with a digital camera you know straight away if it's OK, and if not you just change a setting and take another shot. When you have to wait for your film to come back from the lab you don't have this luxury. I have to admit I really enjoy the convenience of digital but occasionally I also enjoy reeling off a roll of film! Enjoy your A1!
Very cool! I've had an A-1 for almost 30 years, but never really used it...now, retired, I'm gonna start...can't wait! Thank you so much! Subscribed!
After moving to digital in 2004 I didn't use my film gear for a long time. I do miss the convenience and ease of digital when I shoot film now, but it's actually quite good fun and brings back a lot of happy memories. Thank you!
Another great overview of the A-1. This explains so much that so easily understood about the many functions of this camera.
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Your explanation is clear and easy to understand. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you!
Thank you SO MUCH for making this! So helpful & easy to follow!!
Pleasure, I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for your comment!
Just got into film again and picked up an A1. This video is extremely helpful, thanks a lot man!!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for commenting. Happy shooting!
I have a A1 and have never seen a better tutorial on this camera than yours. Thank you for posting this video. I also have a AE1 and enjoy both film cameras. It is getting hard to find film and even harder to find developing at a reasonable price.
Thank you! I'm in Thailand and film is very easy to find, but it's expensive. I've been paying Bt320 (almost $10) for a 36 exp roll of Portra 160. The developing cost is Bt80 (almost $2.50) without scanning - I do my own scanning. It soon adds up when you consider the cost of digital!
SUCH a clear, informative, and helpful video! Well done! Sending thanks from the states!
You're very kind! Thank you 🙏
Thank you for a great video! My grandad passed away over 10 years ago and just got this out of storage to finally use again. There's even an old roll of film in the camera still.
Thank you! I'm sorry to hear about your granddad. I moved from the UK to Thailand in 2003 and left my film cameras in storage. When I finally retrieved them, they were fine, and hopefully, yours is too. My cameras also had old rolls of film in, and when they were developed, they still looked OK. You might have a few pleasant surprises when you get the film developed!
Great video, I inherited an A-1 and had no clue. Now it gets exciting📷
Thank you! From the comments I have received, I've found out that a lot of people have acquired these cameras through inheritance. If you're really lucky you will have inherited a selection of good lenses as well!
Talk about a quick and concise tutorial!
I recently found my grandfathers A 1 in our attic, complete with a 50mm and 28 mm lens and this video has been such a simple and yet helpful resource!
Thank you! I, too, have both those lenses. The cameras often came with a 50mm f/1.8. After I bought a 28mm f/2.8, I much preferred the wider angle, and it stayed on the camera most of the time. Have fun!
Perfect video for newbies. Bought my A-1 at an estate sale for 15USD a few years ago. Now I feel much more confident in being able to play around with the settings.
That was a good price! Thanks for your comment.
Bought an A 1 today at a rummage sale from the original purchaser from 1979. Came with the 50 mil, 80 to 200mil lens, auto winder and some extras. All paperwork original that came with it and a leather carrying case for 80 dollars. I cant wait to try it out and this video was amazing. New sub, keep up the awesome work.
You got a good deal! Further, all the original paperwork being there tells me the previous owner looked after the equipment. Have fun!
This is the most useful tutorial, thanks a lot!!!!
Thank you 😊
Thanks mate, very instructional video. Cannot wait to start shooting with my A1.
Pleasure!
I just bought a canon A1 and its the most complex film camera I’ve had yet, so I watched the original video and the for dummies one! I found both really helpful in getting to know the A1! Thanks a lot 🐢
Thank you! It seems complex at first, but actually it's very basic. I wasn't intending doing a 2nd video, but I realized that a really simple version was necessary and also it was an opportunity to include the bits I forgot in the first video. Glad you found it useful!
I want to sell my A1 camera
thank you so much, i just got my first manual camera and is this one and this helped me a lot!
Thank you!
Well, thank you, sir! Having recently bought a Canon A1 without the manual, your video was really helpful. Cheers.
Pleasure 🙂 Thanks for letting me know 🙏
Thank you soooo much for sharing your time and experience! Im so excited to start using my camera now that its a bit less intimidating!!💖💖
Thank you!
@@PhilUKNet 💖💖
And i was testing my battery wrong. Now i see my battery is fine and i can get right into it! 💖💖
This is extremely helpful. I feel like I am more confident in using this camera. Thank you! :)
Thanks for letting me know, that's great to hear 😃
This is the best guide!!!
Very kind, thanks!
Thanks for this video!! Incredibly clear and easy to follow tutorial!
Thank you! If you have any questions, feel free to ask 🙂
@@PhilUKNet ❤
This is brilliant. Thanks Phil.
Very kind. Thank you!
Much help, thank you so much, I appreciate it!
Glad it helped! Thanks for letting me know.
Thank you so much for this video, very helpful.
Pleasure! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Very well done. Thank you for this.
Thank you!
Outstanding!
Thank you!
Thank you too!
Thanks for sharing! Such a great video!
Thank you 😊
Super helpful! Thanks Phil!
I'm pleased it helped. Thanks for your kind comment!
Best video I found online for this camera :)
Thank you!
Great review. I've owned this camera for 40 years (was my first camera). Continued to use it (now alongside a digital). I also recently bought a friend one. This is really great for her. There is one querk worth noting. Sometimes the LED display goes to flashing EEEEE. Usually after the depth of field preview has been used. Cure is to set the 'multiple exposure lever' and re-cock the shutter.
Thank you! It's similar for me. Mine was a 21st birthday present in 1981. The EE EEEE problem and how to reset it appears in comments quite regularly. The other quirk is that the A1 tends to overexpose. I've compared it against my T90 and the difference is a stop or more. I tell people to wind in a little negative EC. Thanks for your comment!
Thank you so much ! I just got a a-1 from my aunt, this might help me a lot !
Pleasure! I hope you got a few good lenses as well! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Thank you, this was an amazing video!
Thank you!
Thank you for video! Very informative !
Thank you!
Wonderfully explained ! thank u :)
Glad it was helpful! Thank you 🙂
Bought this for myself and I kinda regret it til I found this video! 😂 I never thought that this camera has an Automatic mode and told myself I should’ve gotten the AE1 Program instead LOL thanks for this video!!! ❤️❤️
Thank you! The A1 does everything the AE1 P does and it also has an aperture priority mode. It's very flexible. When it was released it was a revolutionary camera. The metering isn't great and it tends to overexpose, so I would recommend dialing in a stop or so of negative exposure compensation. Enjoy your shooting and Merry Christmas!
This is so helpful! Thanks 😊
Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad that it helped. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
this was awesome! thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you for your expertise.
Experience more than expertise! Thanks!
I just bought my A1 camera 😇😇 I’m gonna try my first ever film with the fully automatic program first (just to play safe) thanks for the instruction Sir!
That's what I would recommend at first. Once you're comfortable with the camera you can then try the semiautomatic modes, which are actually very easy. With the Av and Tv modes you can get a lot more creative controlling depth of field and freezing or blurring motion. Happy shooting!
Thank you! Excellent and very usefull video.
Thank you!
Excellent video.Thank you👍
My pleasure. Thank you too!
Thank you so much omg. Incredible!
You're welcome!! 😀
I bought a Canon AE-1 many moons ago, like 40 years ago, now that I am retired am trying to get back into film photography, so bought two used Canon cameras, a Canon A-1 and a Canon AE-1 , and had to go on the internet to find out how they work as neither camera came with a lens but after watching your picture show, I am pretty well aware I can manage everything on my own, keep up the good work, will be back if I run into a problem
Thanks, and good luck sorting both cameras out!
thank you, thank you and thank you for this video.
Pleasure!
Thank you so much about this tutorial! :)
Pleasure. Glad it helped!
Excellent video and explanation!
Kind words. Thank you!
I have just been gifted with 2 A1s from two dear family friends and I am so thankful for this video! My sister and I can't wait to start snapping away.
You're very fortunate! I get comments from people desperate to get a good A1, but they can't find one. I hope you were gifted a few good FD lenses too 😉
@@PhilUKNet wow I didn't know they were so popular. They have been in storage for years, so some of the lenses has a mold grown inside. The 50mm lens unfortunately has mold. I am hoping to send it off for a clean, buy I live in Botswana, Africa so I might not be able too. Very very thankful for my friends generosity.
@@aristabooyse3685 Me neither. I made videos about the Canon A1 and T90. The T90 also uses FD manual focus lenses and is FAR superior to the A1. However, the T90 video gets very views. Conversely, the A1 video gets lots of views. It has surprised me. Good luck getting your lenses cleaned. If gear is stored in a high humidity environment, mold is often a problem.
Dude thanks so much just got one for my first photo class and was a little confused
Glad it helped!
Thanks, immensely helpful!
Thank you!
Thanks very much for your great video !
Thank you 🙂
great video walk through
Thank you!
I took my A-1 out today, loaded wit Tri-X, and really enjoyed shooting with it.
Despite the convenience and ease of digital I know what you mean. It's fun! How does the Tri-X look? I haven't tried it.
Thanks for the video Phil! I work as a photographer, and even though my first ever camera in early 2000s was a film camera, that's a long time ago, and I am now just getting back into film, and so far only been shooting with a few point and shoot cameras! Finally ordered a Canon A1 the other week, and this video definitely helps a lot and makes me a bit more confident so I know a few ins and outs before getting started!
PS: I was waiting to see that selfie of yours 😉
Thanks for the comment! My A1 was a 21st birthday present at the end of 1981. It makes me feel really old 🙁 Have fun with your new camera. I'd like to do more film shooting, but at the moment with the kids at home all the time studying on-line I just never seem to have any free time.
The selfie thing is an interesting phenomenon. With smart phones these days all I ever see is people taking selfies. I've been keen on photography since 1981, but one subject I have never considered taking photos of is me! I have taken tens of thousands of photos over the years, but photos of me are very few and far between. No doubt this has been driven by the advent of social media, which seems to have made people much more vain and narcissistic.
@@PhilUKNet I get your point!
So the A1 you own now is the very same you got back in 81? I bet you've told some great stories together! :)
@@rkjelseth Long story, but I moved to Thailand in 2003 and left all my film gear in the UK. I went back in 2017 and managed to retrieve some, but not all, of my gear. The A1 body I have now is actually my brother's, which he gave me, and it's slightly newer than mine. I'm not ever sure that I will see my original A1 ever again 🙁
You're right, though. Back in my single days I travelled a lot and the A1 went everywhere with me! When I retrieved some of my film gear I also retrieved some of my negatives. The process of scanning them in brought back lots of memories. I'd love to get my hands on the other negatives, but I'm not sure I ever will. I couldn't find them when I went back to the UK.
Anyway, good to hear from you!
@@PhilUKNet that's too bad about your negatives, but great you hear you have such a nice brother that gave you his A1! :)
Thanks for the video- i got an A1 from a relative (the manual was to an AE1, 😂), and then got another, better functioning A1 for actual use. Thanks!
It seems that quite a few A1s are inherited! One of my A1s has recently started playing up, and I've just sent my T90 to the States for repairs. All these cameras are very old now, and finding the right people to repair and service them is becoming increasingly difficult. Anyway, happy shooting!
Thanks, happy shooting to you too!
very useful. Thanks!
Thank you!
Great job! I plan on purchasing one of this camera! Thanks
Thank you! Take your time and try to find one that has been looked after. Parts are almost impossible to find now, as are the skills to fix them.
@@PhilUKNet yes! I totally agree! Thank you
Just bought an A1 secondhand and was wondering how to use it properly. I chanced upon your video and I think after watching it I’m quite set to shoot my first roll! :-)
I'm pleased to hear it. Thanks for letting me know! Happy shooting, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Really nice tutorial.
Thank you!
Hi Phil, I have just started a BOA in photography at the grand old age of 64, having used digital for the past zillions of years, I was given the A1 and sent out on a walkabout to snap in manual mode as you can imagine my results were very poor after developing the film another first, So decided to do a little research and found you tube, a very informative tutorial hopefully I can now do a little better thank you.
Hi Thomas, and thanks for your comment! My experience was the other way round. I started with the A1 in 1981 and moved to digital around 2000. Cameras are so good now that you don't need to know anything about exposure to get great images. Using an old film camera in manual mode is a good way to learn.
In my experience, I have found that the A1 overexposes. I have two A1 bodies and they are both the same. Be careful of this if you use the camera metering system. I normally set the camera to 2/3 of a stop less by dialing in some negative EC. If you have access to one, you can also check using an external light meter. Let me know if you have any A1 related questions.
Thanks Phil as I said it was difficult but with what you have learned me I may be a little better, thanks for the exposure tip I have a roll to shoot so will be processing soon I will let you know how I get on
Thanks Tommy
I love my A-1. Got it when I was 20 something in the mid-90's as an upgrade from the Practika MTL-50 which had been my faithful (and very sturdy, if not exactly subtle) companion since I was 13.
A-1 looked scary. Very very complicated and pro-looking after the simplicity of MTL-50. Soooo many buttons, gimmicks , incomprehensible numbers around the basic knobs I knew so well, multi-priority modes.... I feared i would never be able to master the sophisticated black beast.
And I didn't. Never fully. Especially how to use correctly the semi-automatic modes and correctly set the aperture/shutter priority versatile knob. Same with the exposure compensation fraction scale. No idea on earth what that was for.
One of the reasons being that the shop could not give me the actual user guide. And I had to make do with the guide of the AE-1 instead. Close enough, but not enough^^. Especially in those days when there was no internet around to download the unfindable from dedicated sites.
And this is where your video is perfect. A few of the A-1 buttons and inscriptions were still a mystery to me.
Besides, I had lost touch with photography as I entered active duty in.society, and with film photography and film cameras in general as A Nikon Bridge I was offered for my 40.th birthday had made me veeeeeeery lazy. Not bothering with its stupid and über-annoying menus, I used it as a point and shoot on automatic [scene] mode. I.m grateful to it as it got me back on the 'let's take photos' wagon but It also made me long for the feel you get when operating a film camera and the beautiful eyesight of my FD lenses.
And when I got A-1 out of its bag after years of abandonment, I found out that it was now almost as strange to me as when I first got it. Besides my head is now slow at computing exposition variables, it's no longer second nature. I have to reacquire the reflexes and it starts with refreshing on the specifics of my camera.
Which this video does marvelously in a simple and concise way.
Thank you for making and posting it. I will most certainly watch your other video on A-1.
Thanks for your comment! I remember thinking how complicated the camera was. I also clearly remember feeling overawed with the technology back in the early 80's. Nowadays, the functionality seems quite basic, as does the technology due to the way technology has advanced since then. You're so right about the pre-Internet age. We take it for granted now that any information we want will be instantly available, but it was all so different just a few years ago. Without a user manual it would have been difficult to figure things out.
Very good tuto.. Very completed..
Thank you!
Great video!
Thank you!
Again, thank you sir !!
🙂
Muchas gracias! muy completo!
@@felicitaspaglialunga1029 Pleasure!
great video, thanks :)
Thank you 🙏
Great! 10 out of 10 👍👍
Thank you 🙂
Thanksss! I am thinking to buy this A-1!
Want to step into film world!
They are good, reliable cameras - even after all this time. The only weakness is the metering. The A1 has a tendency to overexpose, but this can be compensated for. Hope you can find one for a good price!
I love shooting manual ❤
It's a personal preference. With film I usually shoot semi-automatic and with digital I shoot mostly fully automatic. With the A1 the camera normally selects shutter speeds that are too slow in auto, but this isn't a problem with the EOS M6 Mk 2 that I use now. Flash photography is where I normally choose manual. I expose for the background using manual exposure and leave the flash's feedback loop to sort out the subject exposure. It's good to have a camera that has several exposure modes so you have maximum flexibility. That was the great thing about the A1 in its day.
Thanks for this Canon A1 overview Phil, it's very helpful. I have a quick question for you. When shooting in Aperture priority mode, do you have to have the aperture ring on the lens set in the A position as you do for shutter priority, or does it not matter if the lens is set to the A position or not? Thanks in advance!
Pleasure! Yes. If you're shooting in Av or Tv mode you need to have the aperture ring set to A. In both of these modes the aperture is being set via the dial on the camera and in order for the camera to be able to communicate with the lens and control the aperture it needs to be on the A.
As soon as you turn the aperture ring away from the A you are in manual mode. The only way then you can set the aperture is by turning the aperture ring and the camera can only control the shutter speed.
Great camera I'm using it since '93. Just a tip, in order to open the battery door, canon is using the hot shoe cover, that small tooth is for that.
It really is. Thanks for the tip. I knew this, but forgot to mention a few things in the video.
thank you! i thought my camera is broken but now i see i just had a hard time learning how to use it
You're welcome! I got the camera in the early 80's so I'm quite familiar with it, but many things aren't obvious or intuitive. I'm glad you found the video useful. Thanks for your comment!
THANK YOU
Pleasure!
Thank you Phil :-)
Pleasure!
I love this camera. Best thrift EVER
😀
Thanks for the video, Phil. It really took me back. Can you remind me what the hearing-aid type battery receptacle on the bottom of the A-1 powers? What size battery does it need? Thanks again.
Pleasure! On the bottom? There is no battery on the bottom. The only thing on the bottom is a little cap that covers the opening for the film advance mechanism. You remove this when you want to use a power winder with the A1. Is this what you meant? th-cam.com/video/ejIX8O0WAYI/w-d-xo.html
Got my a-1 today! Thanks for this video 🥺
Congratulations! Have fun. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
@@PhilUKNet question. I just replaced the battery however the led won't blink but I do see the LED in the viewfinder. Does that mean that it worked?
@@daisyesbi If you can see the display in the viewfinder and you can use the camera it must have worked. If the LED on top of the camera doesn't blink during the battery test, the LED (or the LED circuit) could be broken. What happens if you use the self-timer? Does the shutter fire after 2 or 10 seconds and while you are waiting for it to fire does the LED blink? If the shutter fires with the self-timer but the LED doesn't blink the LED is probably at fault.
Hi! It works fine thank goodness 🤣 you're right, it's just the led that has some issues. Ano the question, if I choose the aperture, do I need to adjust the aperture ring on the lens as well or just the one on the body?
@@daisyesbi In aperture priority mode (Av) you select the aperture using the dial on the body and the lens aperture ring MUST be on A. If you move the aperture ring away from A you are in manual mode. The aperture will be whatever it says on the aperture ring and the camera will not be able to automatically change the aperture. Always keep the lens aperture ring on the A unless you want fully manual exposure mode.
Hi Phil, thank u so much for this video! The best and most useful tutorial for beginners I've ever seen! I just bought a second-hand canon A-1 and struggled to get used to it.( A-1 is my first manual film camera. I only used point and shoot camera in the past) If you don't mind I wanna ask a silly question. I put a battery in A-1 and about 3 to 4 hours later, the battery is dead, should I go to the repair center and check my camera?
Thank you! Although Canon says a year, the battery will actually last for several years. Although there could be a fault with the camera that is draining the battery, I have never heard of this. As a first step I would try replacing the battery again. Try buying one from a different source in case the first source has a lot of old stock. I doubt that many of these batteries are sold and it's possible that you bought an old one that was almost depleted. If the same thing happens with another new battery, you may have a problem finding someone who can repair these cameras. The people with the right skills probably retired years ago. Good luck!
I've never tried a film camera but something took over me and I want to, first I'll go for a point and shoot that I've got from my parents to see how film feels
Then my plan is to go for an SLR, first planned AE-1 but here their prices are ridiculous I guess because of the popularity and most novices going for them and there's not that many of them selling. I need to add because of lenses and other accessories I think my best bet would be Canon as Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Minolta seem to be quite rare and expensive in Bosnia (not that FD lenses are much more common but at least there are some)
Cheapest option seems to be AT-1 and as interesting as it would be going for a fully manual one for my first SLR to really learn hot to do it I do think it could be a big bite. AV-1, AL-1 and AE-1P are non-existent on this market so that leaves the A-1, surprisingly not that much more expensive than AT-1 yet cheaper than AE-1, gives me the choice to go fully auto and just do the focus myself which should be hard to fuck up but also to go manual and learn, kinda made my mind on it to go for A-1 even though it seems to be actually the semi-pro choice but I'm open for advices, thanks for this video it really helped me understand the A-1
Thanks for the info on the used market for film cameras. I had no idea. I'm surprised that A1s are cheaper than AE1s. It sounds as though you don't have a lot of choice where you are, so just get what is available at a fair price. Something else that surprises me is why there is so little love for the T90, which is a far superior camera to the ones you mentioned. I agree that Canon would be a good choice. Not only because of availability, accessories and lenses, but also reliability. Good luck tracking something down!
gracias por el video ,
Thank you 🙂
Best tutorial I ever seen. Will get this camera from my mother and i didn’t know anything about old cameras.
Thank you sir ☺️
Praise indeed, thank you! Your Mum had good taste 🙂