The AE-1 with shutter speed-priority AE and TTL metering became wildly popular in Japan and overseas.
However in a few overseas markets, the AE-1 had a high price tag. There were also many users who still preferred manual metering. In response to these people, the AT-1 was developed. It had the same body as the AE-1. It featured match-needle metering and TTL centerweighted averaging metering with CdS photocell. The camera could use the same accessories as the AE-1.
| Shutter | Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. X, B, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. All speeds controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with blinking LED). |
| Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level pentaprism. Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Metering match needle, overexposure warning (also battery check indicator), and underexposure warning provided. |
| - Magnification | 0.82x |
| - Coverage | 96% |
| Power | One 4G-13 6 V mercury oxide battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery |
| Size | 141 x 87 x 48 mm |
| Weight | 590 gr |
The AE-1 with shutter speed-priority AE and TTL metering became wildly popular in Japan and overseas. However in a few overseas markets, the AE-1 had a high price tag. There were also many users who still preferred manual metering.
In response to these people, the AT-1 was developed. It had the same body as the AE-1. It featured match-needle metering and TTL centerweighted averaging metering with CdS photocell. The camera could use the same accessories as the AE-1. So, the AT-1 is essentially an AE-1 without shutter speed-priority AE. It was produced to satisfied some overseas markets where price is a main factor for consideration for an SLR camera.
And for those who still preferred manual metering, the AT-1 was there to serve.
It shares almost the same dimension as the AE-1.
It has a match-needle metering and TTL centerweighted averaging metering (but with a less sensitive CdS photocell than comparative bodies around its time).
Accessories like Winders, Databack A and Speedlites designed for the AE-1 can be used and shared.
CANON AT-1 SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Picture Size: 24x36 mm
Lens Mount: CANON breech-lock bayonet (FD coupling)
Viewfinder Type: Fixed Viewfinder information: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.82x magnification, Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Metering match needle, overexposure warning (also battery check indicator), and underexposure warning provided.
Focusing Screen: Fixed split-image/microprism screen Focusing Method's: Manual DPT: -1.0
Shutter: Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Shutter Speeds: X, B, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. All speeds controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with blinking LED).
Flash Sync: X , 1/60 sec .X-sync automatic-switching sync contacts with German socket and hot shoe.
Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Shutter: Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains.
Battery: One 4G-13 6 V mercury oxide battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery
Loading: Multi-slot spool, emulsion-out winding
Film Transport: Slotted take-up spool. Advances with camera-top lever's 120 stroke (partial strokes enabled). Ready position at 30.
Rewind: Manual crank rewind after setting automatic resetting rewind button
Metering System: TTL, CdS cell for TTL full-aperture, match-needle centerweighted averaging metering.
Metering Range: EV 3 to +18 ISO 100
Exposure Mode(s): Manual
Self Timer: Electronic., LED
Battery check: Lever (Black C on top deck), Meter needle indication inside finder
Accessories: Power Winders A, A2, Databack A, A and G series Speedlites, eyesight correction lenses (Diopters)
Misc Spec: Depth of Filed Preview, Bulb for time exposure
For me this is an unsung hero of the FD range and one of my go to FD bodies along with my T90, new F-1 and AE-1P. I love the basic simple operation and cloth shutter and find it a joy to use. I usually pair it with a 50mm f/1.8 S.C and enjoy the vignetting that lens gives me wide open.
The AT-1 got me back into Canon FD after 20 years away. I enjoy it´s basic manual simplicity, and solid feel. It´s match needle metering allows fine adjustments in exposure compensation (the edge of the shutter speed needle diameter equates to 1/2 stop difference from the "correct" exposure), but unfortunately no exposure info is shown in the viewfinder. The Cds meter only reads down to EV3, but the AT-1 does retain the electronic shutter and magnetic shutter release button (less vibration) of other A series cameras.
On my AT-1 the ASA dial sticks and is difficult to alter, and the numbers are not easy to read with older eyes. The meter has a separate on/off switch, both it and the shutter release lock must be turned on for the shutter to fire. There is no auto cut-off on the meter, and the meter is still active when the shutter release is locked. So to remind myself to turn off the meter I stuck a bright fluro spot under the meter switch which is only visible when the meter switch is on. Works well!