C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile35mm SLR
Canon A-11978
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Years
- 1978–1985
- Weight
- 620 g
- Shutter
- 30s – 1/1000s
- Meter
- ttl-center-weighted-spd
The A-1 (1978) is the consumer/enthusiast top of Canon's A-series. It was the first 35mm SLR to offer all four classical autoexposure modes plus manual: **Program** (camera picks shutter and aperture), **Aperture Priority** (you set aperture), **Shutter Priority** (you set shutter), **Stopped-Down**, and **Manual** — the PASM matrix that defined every subsequent enthusiast camera. A digital LED viewfinder readout displayed all four exposure values, replacing the analog meter needles of the AE-1.
Reference
Find film for your Canon A-1
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
ISO 400
BW
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
View profileC41
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
Develop 35mm film
Labs in our directory that process 35mm film.
Before you buy used
- **Shutter squeak** — universal A-series problem; harmless but loud. CLA fixes ($120–180).
- **Battery** — modern 4LR44 / PX28A works fine.
- **Light seals** — replace.
- **LED display** — bulbs in the LED display can dim or fail.
- **Foam mirror bumper** disintegrates.
- **Slow speed timing** drifts; long exposures may be inaccurate after decades without service.
About this camera
The first SLR with full PASM exposure modes. The camera that turned automatic exposure into a marketing pitch.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
- What film does the Canon A-1 use?
- The Canon A-1 shoots 35mm film.
- What battery does the Canon A-1 take?
- The Canon A-1 uses a 1x 4LR44 / PX28 battery.
- What lens mount does the Canon A-1 have?
- The Canon A-1 uses the Canon FD mount.
- What shutter speeds does the Canon A-1 offer?
- The Canon A-1's shutter speeds range from 30s to 1/1000s.
- What light meter does the Canon A-1 use?
- The Canon A-1 meters with ttl-center-weighted-spd.
