My favorite 35mm Film Camera; Canon A1.
Once getting into film photography, I got obsessed fast with different camera bodies and lenses. Wanting to try them all. The aesthetic, the vintage charm….Each camera had something special I wanted to experience myself in hand. I always had an interest in Canon so naturally, I looked into their film cameras. I tried a few since they were easy and pretty cheap to acquire along with some lenses; the famous AE-1, the EF “Black Beauty”, and the A1. The Canon A1 is the one that stole my heart. And money.
I don’t quite remember what order I acquired these cameras but I enjoyed them all. The photos I got out of them were all so beautiful and just truly enjoyed shooting with them. But the A1 had something special that kept me reaching for that one more.
It has several automatic exposure options (Aperture and Shutter Priority), Fully automatic (program mode), fully manual, expose compensation, double exposure, self timer, and a lock mode to keep the camera from accidentally shooting a blank frame. The LED screen in the viewfinder shows you your exact settings and will blink if the camera thinks it is not the correct exposure. While all the buttons and dials around the camera can look confusing, I think that’s my favorite part. The mechanics of it make it that more enjoyable to use, at least for me, and add to its aesthetic and charm. Once you learn what each knob and dial does, it becomes pretty intuitive.
I think the one tiny feature that sets this camera apart in my hand is the accessory grip you add right over the battery door. It does make it quite annoying to need to change the battery, but the grip is very much worth the hassle as it makes the camera so easy to hold and makes the shooting experience so easy and enjoyable.
The one downside…..it needs a battery to operate. Eventually, this camera’s electronics will give out and will become a beautiful paper weight. While I already prepared for that day by having a back up body (because I can’t help myself), these cameras were still made to last. And for a camera made in 1978, it still works as intended and takes such beautiful photos. Or should I say, a tool to help me capture beauty and vibes I find in everyday life.
This is the camera that just feels it fits in my hand perfectly and makes taking photos easy and effortless. That’s what I find is the magic of film cameras. Or any camera in general. Some just speak to you and make you want to go out and take photos. Experience the world and get off your couch and your phone. And that’s the point. While we all become obsessed with buying more and more gear, once you find the one tool that speaks to you, it makes living life just a little easier.
*All photos taken on Canon A1 using various FD mount lenses and film stocks
What is your favorite 35mm Film Camera? Have a different system completely you love? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!