Canon AV-1 Review

The AV-1 in an interesting camera design because it is part mechanical and part electronic. If you liked the high quality build of the Canon FTb, then this camera is a step forward where they use electronics to control the shutter speed automatically. This means that the photographer simply has to set the aperture value (AV) and the camera automatically chooses the appropriate shutter speed for optimum exposure of the film.

Compared to the AE-1 and AT-1, a noticeable difference is the missing ridge on the top cover, thereby making the AV-1 shorter in height. This camera is a more compact version similar in size to the Olympus OM10. Consequently, it is the lightest 35 mm SLR in the A-line. This makes it an ideal camera for those who want to carry it everywhere and produce the highest picture quality.

With aperture priority, you no longer require a shutter speed dial, and the selector is usually set to AUTO for most of the time, allowing the technology to work it out for you. This leaves you with composing your frame, and working on the depth of field, as professionals do.

If you are always forgetting to switch OFF the camera, then you will be glad to know that this camera does not have a power button. Instead, it has a two-stage shutter release button, and on stage one, it powers the viewfinder and electronics.

This is a nice piece of substantial electronic and mechanical engineering measuring 139 mm × 85 mm × 47.5 mm in size, and mass 512 g.

The Canon AV-1 was very similar looking to the AE-1 except for one main difference. According to the Canon AE-1 Specifications - Manual Page 8, the automatic exposure (AE) mechanism uses shutter priority.

This camera has an electronic timer with a 10-second time lag activated by pressing the shutter release button. The red LED at the front increases its flashing frequency before releasing the shutter.

The film advance lever requires a single stroke of 120°, and has a 30° stand-off.

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