Canon AT-1

The AT-1 was a 35-millimeter single lens reflex (SLR) film camera, with a double-roller rubberised cloth curtain focal plane electronically controlled shutter, manufactured by the Canon Corporation of Japan in 1977. It was a battery-operated camera, without which the film advance lever remains stuck and the shutter appears jammed. Being a manual version of the AE-1, it lacked the expensive automatic exposure (AE) microprocessor technology, therefore establishing its value just below the AE-1 price threshold. The AT-1 has an FD lens mount and can accept FD and FL range of lenses. In this multi page review and repair guide, we see every aspect of the camera including battery type, how to load film, and current worth and value.

It was the second camera in the series, and identical to the AE-1 featuring the same electronic shutter mechanism, magnetic release, and automated flash synchronisation. However, the AT-1 uses the match-needle exposure mechanism.

Please refer to the Canon AE-1 How to Load 35mm Film article for more information about opening the back cover, loading film, and rewinding film. The steps are also identical to that shown in the Canon AV-1 How to Load Film article, because they all have identical film compartments.

In addition, it has a through the lens (TTL) light metering system consisting of a extended range CdS photocell instead of the silicon diode photocell that the AE-1 has. If you remember, I opened up my AE-1 for repair and found greenish oxide on the sensor window of PX1 IC, as shown in the Canon AE-1 Jammed Shutter Repair article. In many ways, the concept of this camera goes back to tried and tested designs and components.

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