Canon A-1

1978

The A-1 was quite innovative when it was released in 1978. It was the first 35mm SLR that provided the four different exposure modes that we find in most modern cameras – Manual, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, and full Program.

Technicals Specifications:

Original List Price (1978): $419.95
Street Price (1979): $359.00
Price in 2025 Dollars: $1738.00*
Manufacturer: Canon
Model: A-1
Year Introduced: 1978
Film Format: 35mm
Lens: FD Bayonet, FDn
Shutter: Focal Plane
Self-timer: Yes
Shutter Speeds: 30 Secs – 1/1000 plus B
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: Yes
Film Speed/ASA Range: 6 – 12800
Flash Sync: Yes, PC-Terminal (X), and hot shoe
Film Advance: Racheting, single-stroke lever on top
Frame Counter: Yes
Exposure Modes: Manual, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, Program
Double-exposure capable: Yes, via lever underneath film crank.
Finder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.83x magnification. Split-Image Rangefinder with Micro-prism collar. Digital readout with red LEDs.
Focusing Screens: Six interchangeable
Mirror: quick-return
Battery: PX28A
Other points of note: Eyepiece Shutter

*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com

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