The Canon AL-1 is a 35 mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Launched in 1982, this film camera includes an FD mount that works with Canon's interchangeable FD lenses. The AL-1 features Quick Focus with an in-focus indicator light visible in the viewfinder. An action grip allows a comfortable fit for the right hand. Some of its key specifications facilitate quick mastery of the camera.
Film Loading
The AL-1 has a slotted take-up spool for film loading. With each photograph taken, the frame counter counts up. A large rewind crank at the top of the camera extends to allow smooth rewinding on the spool as you depress the film rewind button on the camera bottom. After fully rewinding the film, you raise the rewind knob to unlock the camera back and remove the film roll.
Canon FD Mount
The Canon breech-lock mount or FD mount allows changing lenses with reduced abrasion on the contact surfaces. Introduced in 1971, the FD mount has an inner diameter of 48 mm and flange back of 42 mm. The FD lenses range from 7.5 mm, f/5.6 fish eye to 1200 mm super telephoto.
Quick Focus
The viewfinder's fixed eye-level pentaprism features 0.87X magnification. The AL-1 has a laser matte focusing screen. To help determine accurate focus through the viewfinder, the Quick Focus feature has a green circle light up with the subject most clearly in focus. This in-focus indicator light lies between two arrows that indicate the direction to rotate the focusing ring.
The Quick Focus feature can guide a person with poor eyesight or during dim conditions. Quick Focus may be an advantage to achieve accurate focus for subjects that are difficult to focus. Quick Focus differs from the later invention of auto focus, which features electronic communication between the lens and camera body.
Camera Body Specifications
The AL-1 requires two standard AAA size batteries. This camera has a through-the-lens (TTL) system with three charge-coupled device (CCD) line sensors. Camera dimensions are 5.6 inches x 3.4 inches x 1.9 inches. This lightweight camera body weighs 17 ounces.
The shutter button includes a finger rest. Depressing the shutter part of the way activates the meter reading and range finding. Pressing the shutter button all the way down then opens the shutter to take the photograph. The horizontal-travel focal plane shutter includes cloth curtains.
Shutter speeds range from bulb to 2 to 1/1,000 second. A 10-second self-timer allows the photographer to be in the picture or reduce the chance of camera shake during a long exposure. A rotating dial adjusts the film speed in a range from IS0 25 to 1600.
The aperture-priority priority feature allows the photographer to select the lens opening or aperture with center-weighted averaging metering. The camera's TTL silicon photocell electronically controls the shutter speed. A manual override allows the photographer more control of the shutter speed and aperture for a correctly exposed image.
Tags: Quick Focus, allows photographer, range from, accurate focus, camera body
