Film Cameras

35mm Focal-Plane Shutter SLR Camera

AV-1

AV-1

AV-1

  • Japan
  • Americas
  • Europe, Asia, Oceania
  • Outline
  • Specifications
Marketed May 1979
Original Price 57,000 yen (w/New FD 50mm f/2)

Even though the camera would cost more, shutter speed-priority AE cameras were important to Canon since users could comprehend shutter speeds easier than aperture settings. However, in America and other overseas markets, aperture-priority AE 35mm cameras were in the majority.

Overseas distributors also clamored for an aperture-priority AE model. Canon responded with the AV-1.

When this camera appeared, a new type of FD lenses featuring instant mounting/demounting was also introduced. A low-cost FD 50mm f/2 lens was made available for the AV-1.

Type 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Picture Size 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8, New FD 50mm f/2 (Quick mount/demount type)
Lens Mount FD mount
Shutter Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. X, B, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. All speeds stepless and controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with adjustable delay and blinking LED).
Flash Sync X-sync hot shoe.
Viewfinder Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.87x magnification, 92% vertical coverage, 93% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Exposure meter needle, shutter speed scale, overexposure and underexposure warnings, battery check index and camera-shake warning, and Flash-ready indicator provided.
Metering &
Exposure Control
SPC for TTL full-aperture metering with aperture-priority AE (center-weighted averaging). Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.4: EV 1 – 18. Film speed range from ISO 25 to 1600.
Power Source One 4G-13 6 V mercury oxide battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery
Film Loading &
Advance
Slotted take-up spool. Advances with camera-top lever’s 120 stroke (partial strokes enabled). Ready position at 30.
Frame Counter Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Film Rewind Camera-top crank
Dimensions &
Weight
139 x 85 x 48 mm, 490 g