Do you have a question about the Canon AV-1 and is the answer not in the manual?
Introductory advice and initial steps for operating the camera.
Diagram labeling the various parts and controls of the Canon AV-1.
Highlights camera's ability to produce excellent photos in various conditions.
Focuses on indoor shooting capabilities, especially with flash.
Explains the camera's capability for rapid shooting with accessories.
Discusses the versatility with different lenses and accessories.
Instructions for inserting the battery to power the camera.
How to verify the camera's battery level.
Engaging the shutter lock lever for safety and battery saving.
Step-by-step guide for loading 35mm film into the camera.
How to set the camera to match the loaded film's sensitivity.
Explains the functions of the camera's selector dial.
Operation of the shutter button and film advance lever.
Procedure for rewinding exposed film back into the cartridge.
Instructions for removing a protective plastic insert before first use.
Guidance on using and managing front and rear lens caps.
Attaching lens hoods to prevent ghosting and flare.
How to mount FD lenses, including use of the AE lock pin.
Procedure for mounting lenses without a chrome breech-lock ring.
Step-by-step guide for removing lenses from the camera.
How to mount FD lenses with a chrome breech-lock mount.
Information on compatibility and limitations of FL lenses.
Instructions for attaching and using the neckstrap and semi-hard case.
List of compatible batteries for the camera.
Step-by-step guide for correctly inserting the battery.
Information on how long a battery typically lasts.
Situations requiring a battery check for proper function.
Interpreting the meter needle position to check battery power.
Advice on carrying a spare battery for extended use.
How the shutter release lock lever prevents accidental firing.
Details on the two-step electromagnetic shutter release.
How to operate the film advance lever for winding.
Explanation of the mechanism that prevents unintentional double exposures.
Detailed instructions for loading 35mm film into the camera.
Performing blank shots and verifying correct film loading.
Explanation of ASA and DIN standards for film speed.
How to adjust the film speed dial to match the film.
Overview of the five positions on the selector dial and their uses.
Explanation of aperture, f-numbers, and their effect on light.
How to adjust the lens aperture ring for desired f-stop.
Table providing guidance on selecting f-stops for different lighting.
General guidelines for choosing apertures for subject focus and blur.
Warning regarding the 'A' mark on the aperture scale and its implications.
Explanation of the shutter speed scale and warning indices in the viewfinder.
How the meter needle indicates the selected shutter speed.
Table for adjusting exposure based on meter needle position.
Notes on backlight correction and f-stop implications.
Identifying conditions likely to cause camera shake and blurry images.
Techniques to reduce camera shake for sharper photos.
Guidance on hand grip, body posture, and stance for stability.
Advice for maintaining stability in low-light shooting conditions.
How to frame subjects within the viewfinder for optimal composition.
Explanation of split-image, microprism, and matte screen focusing aids.
Description of indicators like meter needle, scales, and warning indices.
Essential checks to perform before taking a photograph.
How to properly press the shutter button for exposure.
How the frame counter tracks exposures and resets.
Step-by-step instructions for rewinding film before unloading.
How aperture size and shutter speed interact to control exposure.
How aperture choice affects the overall look and feel of a photograph.
Definition and factors influencing the range of sharpness in an image.
Illustrations showing the effect of different apertures on depth of field.
How to read and use the depth-of-field scale on the lens.
Using shutter speed to freeze action or create motion blur.
Minimum shutter speeds for stable hand-held telephoto shooting.
How aperture changes influence shutter speed for exposure.
Definition of EV and the camera's metering range.
Factors to consider when selecting film, like ASA and grain.
Understanding and correcting reciprocity failure with slow speeds.
Uses of filters for color correction, special effects, and light control.
Adjusting exposure for subjects with strong light behind them.
Handling situations with very dark backgrounds or subjects.
How the backlight control switch adjusts exposure for backlit scenes.
Using the ASA dial to make exposure corrections for specific frames.
Using the 'B' setting for exposures longer than two seconds.
Importance of tripods and cable releases for night/slow shutter shots.
Details on the optional Tripod Adapter A for mounting stability.
Using the self-timer as a substitute for tripod/cable release.
How to use the self-timer to include yourself in photos.
Procedure for activating and using the self-timer.
How to cancel the self-timer before shutter release.
Using the viewfinder cover to prevent light leaks and underexposure.
Situations where flash is recommended for indoor shooting.
Using Canon Speedlites for automatic flash photography.
Specific instructions for operating the Speedlite 155A with the camera.
How the camera switches between flash and normal AE modes.
Camera's required shutter speed for synchronizing with other flashes.
Performing manual flash photography with the AV-1.
Warning that flashbulbs cannot be used with this camera.
Introduction to metering when the lens aperture is closed down.
How stopped-down metering works with FL lenses and accessories.
Setting the lens for manual diaphragm control for metering.
Instructions for using the manual diaphragm adapter.
Setting manual diaphragm control for chrome mount FD lenses.
Using auto rings to bypass manual diaphragm setting.
Purpose of the film plane mark for precise focusing.
How to use the infrared mark for focusing infrared film.
Specific focusing adjustments required for infrared film.
List of accessories designed for Canon's A-series cameras.
Details on using specific Canon Speedlites with the AV-1.
Modes and operation of the Power Winder A for film advance.
Encouragement to explore additional lenses and accessories.
Suggestions for useful accessories like filters and magnifiers.
Importance of proper operation and maintenance for longevity.
Recommendations for storing the camera when not in use.
Instructions for cleaning the camera body and its parts.
Proper methods for cleaning camera lenses and the internal mirror.
Effects of cold temperatures on battery function and tips.
Advice on managing temperature changes to avoid condensation.
Introductory advice and initial steps for operating the camera.
Diagram labeling the various parts and controls of the Canon AV-1.
Highlights camera's ability to produce excellent photos in various conditions.
Focuses on indoor shooting capabilities, especially with flash.
Explains the camera's capability for rapid shooting with accessories.
Discusses the versatility with different lenses and accessories.
Instructions for inserting the battery to power the camera.
How to verify the camera's battery level.
Engaging the shutter lock lever for safety and battery saving.
Step-by-step guide for loading 35mm film into the camera.
How to set the camera to match the loaded film's sensitivity.
Explains the functions of the camera's selector dial.
Operation of the shutter button and film advance lever.
Procedure for rewinding exposed film back into the cartridge.
Instructions for removing a protective plastic insert before first use.
Guidance on using and managing front and rear lens caps.
Attaching lens hoods to prevent ghosting and flare.
How to mount FD lenses, including use of the AE lock pin.
Procedure for mounting lenses without a chrome breech-lock ring.
Step-by-step guide for removing lenses from the camera.
How to mount FD lenses with a chrome breech-lock mount.
Information on compatibility and limitations of FL lenses.
Instructions for attaching and using the neckstrap and semi-hard case.
List of compatible batteries for the camera.
Step-by-step guide for correctly inserting the battery.
Information on how long a battery typically lasts.
Situations requiring a battery check for proper function.
Interpreting the meter needle position to check battery power.
Advice on carrying a spare battery for extended use.
How the shutter release lock lever prevents accidental firing.
Details on the two-step electromagnetic shutter release.
How to operate the film advance lever for winding.
Explanation of the mechanism that prevents unintentional double exposures.
Detailed instructions for loading 35mm film into the camera.
Performing blank shots and verifying correct film loading.
Explanation of ASA and DIN standards for film speed.
How to adjust the film speed dial to match the film.
Overview of the five positions on the selector dial and their uses.
Explanation of aperture, f-numbers, and their effect on light.
How to adjust the lens aperture ring for desired f-stop.
Table providing guidance on selecting f-stops for different lighting.
General guidelines for choosing apertures for subject focus and blur.
Warning regarding the 'A' mark on the aperture scale and its implications.
Explanation of the shutter speed scale and warning indices in the viewfinder.
How the meter needle indicates the selected shutter speed.
Table for adjusting exposure based on meter needle position.
Notes on backlight correction and f-stop implications.
Identifying conditions likely to cause camera shake and blurry images.
Techniques to reduce camera shake for sharper photos.
Guidance on hand grip, body posture, and stance for stability.
Advice for maintaining stability in low-light shooting conditions.
How to frame subjects within the viewfinder for optimal composition.
Explanation of split-image, microprism, and matte screen focusing aids.
Description of indicators like meter needle, scales, and warning indices.
Essential checks to perform before taking a photograph.
How to properly press the shutter button for exposure.
How the frame counter tracks exposures and resets.
Step-by-step instructions for rewinding film before unloading.
How aperture size and shutter speed interact to control exposure.
How aperture choice affects the overall look and feel of a photograph.
Definition and factors influencing the range of sharpness in an image.
Illustrations showing the effect of different apertures on depth of field.
How to read and use the depth-of-field scale on the lens.
Using shutter speed to freeze action or create motion blur.
Minimum shutter speeds for stable hand-held telephoto shooting.
How aperture changes influence shutter speed for exposure.
Definition of EV and the camera's metering range.
Factors to consider when selecting film, like ASA and grain.
Understanding and correcting reciprocity failure with slow speeds.
Uses of filters for color correction, special effects, and light control.
Adjusting exposure for subjects with strong light behind them.
Handling situations with very dark backgrounds or subjects.
How the backlight control switch adjusts exposure for backlit scenes.
Using the ASA dial to make exposure corrections for specific frames.
Using the 'B' setting for exposures longer than two seconds.
Importance of tripods and cable releases for night/slow shutter shots.
Details on the optional Tripod Adapter A for mounting stability.
Using the self-timer as a substitute for tripod/cable release.
How to use the self-timer to include yourself in photos.
Procedure for activating and using the self-timer.
How to cancel the self-timer before shutter release.
Using the viewfinder cover to prevent light leaks and underexposure.
Situations where flash is recommended for indoor shooting.
Using Canon Speedlites for automatic flash photography.
Specific instructions for operating the Speedlite 155A with the camera.
How the camera switches between flash and normal AE modes.
Camera's required shutter speed for synchronizing with other flashes.
Performing manual flash photography with the AV-1.
Warning that flashbulbs cannot be used with this camera.
Introduction to metering when the lens aperture is closed down.
How stopped-down metering works with FL lenses and accessories.
Setting the lens for manual diaphragm control for metering.
Instructions for using the manual diaphragm adapter.
Setting manual diaphragm control for chrome mount FD lenses.
Using auto rings to bypass manual diaphragm setting.
Purpose of the film plane mark for precise focusing.
How to use the infrared mark for focusing infrared film.
Specific focusing adjustments required for infrared film.
List of accessories designed for Canon's A-series cameras.
Details on using specific Canon Speedlites with the AV-1.
Modes and operation of the Power Winder A for film advance.
Encouragement to explore additional lenses and accessories.
Suggestions for useful accessories like filters and magnifiers.
Importance of proper operation and maintenance for longevity.
Recommendations for storing the camera when not in use.
Instructions for cleaning the camera body and its parts.
Proper methods for cleaning camera lenses and the internal mirror.
Effects of cold temperatures on battery function and tips.
Advice on managing temperature changes to avoid condensation.
| Type | 35mm SLR |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Canon FD |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture-priority AE |
| Flash Sync | 1/60s |
| Weight | 490 g (body only) |
| Shutter | Focal-plane |
| Shutter Speeds | 2s to 1/1000s, Bulb |
| Metering | Center-weighted averaging |
| ISO Range | 25 to 1600 |
| Viewfinder | Eye-level pentaprism |
| Focusing Screen | Fixed |
| Film Advance | Lever |
| Film Rewind | Crank |
| Battery | One 6V 4LR44 battery |











