Canon AT-1 (1976 - ~)

Canon AT-1 (1976 - ~)

#447

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The AE-1 with shutter speed-priority AE and TTL metering became wildly popular in Japan and overseas.

However in a few overseas markets, the AE-1 had a high price tag. There were also many users who still preferred manual metering. In response to these people, the AT-1 was developed. It had the same body as the AE-1. It featured match-needle metering and TTL centerweighted averaging metering with CdS photocell. The camera could use the same accessories as the AE-1.

Source: Canon Camera Museum

Canon introduced the AT-1 in late 1976, about eight months after the immensely popular AE-1 made its debut. Both SLRs utilize the FD lens mount.

While outwardly the two models are near-twins, and share many accessories, the AT-1 was an export-only model offering cost-conscious buyers a cheaper alternative. Where the AE-1 offers shutter-priority autoexposure, the AT-1 is a pure match-needle, manual-exposure camera. Its viewfinder display is a simplified throwback to earlier match-needle SLRs: an analog needle floats to reflect a TTL reading of the scene brightness; and the user adjusts either aperture or shutter speed until the EV "lolipop" aligns with the needle position. There is no indication of either the selected aperture or shutter speed in the viewfinder.

Despite these appearances, the AT-1 is not a full-blown retro mechanical SLR: it is based on the innovative cost-cutting electronics of the AE-1. The shutter is electronically timed and entirely dependent on battery power. A 10 second self-timer with blinking LED indicator is activated by rotating a tab alongside the shutter release to its forward position. (Rather illogically, returning the tab to its normal position does not cancel the self-timer; instead it fires the shutter immediately.)

While never selling in the same numbers as the AE-1 or AE-1P, today an AT-1 offers photographers access to numerous inexpensive, used FD-mount lenses, in a body free from extraneous bells and whistles.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Picture Size: 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens: Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 SC
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 controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with blinking LED).
Flash Sync: X-sync automatic-switching sync contacts with German socket and hot shoe.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.82x magnification, 93.5% vertical coverage, 96.3% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Metering match needle, overexposure warning (also battery check indicator), and underexposure warning provided.
Exposure Control:  CdS cell for TTL full-aperture, match-needle centerweighted averaging metering. Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.8 lens: EV 3 – 17. Film speed range from ISO 25 to 3200.
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: 141 x 87 x 48 mm, 590 g

Source: Canon Camera Museum


Model

Serial number 570051


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Canon Camera Museum


Manual

English manual

English booklet


Batteries

V28 PX 6V battery

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


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