Canon AT-1 vs. AE-1

Comparing the AT-1 to the AV-1, we see that they have the same overall dimensions of 141 mm × 47.5 mm × 87 mm and weight of approximately 590 g. They both benefit from the newer high quality production techniques developed for this series. On my AE-1, the battery door was broken and missing, but it is identical to the AV-1. There are some minor cosmetic differences such as the concentric three-position switch on the film rewind knob not being present for the AE-1.

They both have the same basic parts including the electronic shutter mechanism; however, the AT-1 has a match needle full aperture metering system. It also has a high sensitivity CdS light sensor instead of the MOS integrated circuit (IC) with built-in silicon sensor and operational amplifier. Another major difference is that the AT-1 has a mechanical exposure computation system, which I thought was a more elegant and simpler design. Consequently, many professionals prefer this camera to the AE-1 because it gives them more control.

The viewfinder display is reminiscent of the Canon FTb, with the same aperture and meter needle arrangement. This was a system where you turned the aperture ring on the lens barrel until the aperture needle and meter needle in the viewfinder align. If you liked the FTb, then you could think of this as an upgraded version utilising modern manufacturing methods, with minimal electronics. The viewfinder assembly is extremely clear and simpler in design because they did away with the condenser lens, and condenser box under the pentaprism.

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