Canon began production of the AV-1, an aperture-priority 35mm SLR with a focal plane shutter and Through the Lens (TTL) metering, in 1979. Metering is center-weighted averaging with a back-light compensation option available. The AV-1 was one of the few Canon bodies that offered Aperture Priority (AV) auto exposure mode instead of the more common Shutter Priority (AE) mode.
In AV mode, the photographer selects the required aperture (f/1.8 to f/22) and the camera selects an appropriate shutter speed (2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec). The TTL metering requires a 4LR44 (6V) battery and has a LED display. The camera will not function without the battery or if the battery is running too low. The LED display also has a camera shake warning index at 1/30 when using the 50mm lens.
The only manual exposure modes are 1/60, when using flash synchronisation, or B (bulb) for timed exposures, and there are sockets for a cable release and tripod. The camera can be used in “A” (normal) mode with a Canon Speedlight flash units 155A, 177A or 199A. Other flash units can be used in “B” mode with 1/60 shutter speed. (I’ve used a Sunpack Auto14 flash unit at 1/60 with no issues). Apart from changing the aperture, the only other way to impact exposure is when the subject is backlit by using the button to compensate the exposure by +1.5 stops.
With this camera, Canon introduced a revised FD lens mount without the separate locking ring, the “new FD” series, and it can take the full range of Canon FD lenses. FL lenses can be used, but without full aperture metering. It came standard with a 50mm 1:18mm lens, which can use 52mm screw-type filters. I purchased this camera with a Tamron 71A 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 zoom lens, with an Adaptall-2 adaptor for the FD mount. I also have a 52-49 step-down ring that can be screwed onto the front of the filter, and a number of 49mm closeup and creative filters to use with it.
The camera is operated using a two-stage shutter release button – press it halfway to power on and check the meter, then press all the way to make the exposure. Focussing is done manually with the focussing ring on the lens. There is a self-timer option, but I haven’t tried it for risk of jamming the shutter.
The camera also came with a strap and two-piece hardcase. A dedicated film winder that advances the film at 2 frames per second can be attached to the bottom of the camera.
I really enjoy using this camera. I don’t find the restriction of aperture priority difficult at all. It’s quite easy to hold and use, and is compatible with a wide range of film speeds, from ISO 25 to 1600.
Photo Gallery
References: