Canon A Series

Canon AV-1

The Canon AV-1 is an SLR camera. It was introduced by Canon in 1979. The price for one with lens was 57,000 yen at that time.

The Canon AV-1 offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. It was equipped with the revised FD (New FD) bayonet. Mostly the camera comes it with the Canon New FD 50mm f/2. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus function.

The Canon AV-1 has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The correct exposure is measured through the lens. The camera has an aperture priority mode, where the photographer selects the desired aperture setting and the camera automatically sets the correct exposure time. This model does not have a proper manual mode.

The photo camera comes with a bulb mode. An external flash can be used on the PC flash port or hot shoe for pictures. The flash sync speed is 1/60 second.

Films for the Canon AV-1

The Canon AV-1 requires 35mm film. 35mm film is still made and will develop without problems at most photo labs. Possible films for the Canon AV-1 are the Agfaphoto Vista 400* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 400* for B&W photos.

The Canon AV-1 can be mounted on a tripod. There is also a thread for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer. The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 13.9 x 8.5 x 4.8 cm. The weight is 490 grams. The camera requires four LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

canon-av-1-35mm-slr-kamera-schwarz
Version with black finish
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Technical Specifications

camera_spec
Property Specification
Film format 35mm
Picture Format 36 mm x 24 mm
Lens type Interchangeable lens
Shutter Speeds 1/1000 to 2 seconds
Bulb Mode Yes
Adjustable aperture No
Adjustable shutter speed No
Auto exposure Yes
Light Meter Yes
Supported Film Speeds ISO 25 to ISO 1600
Flash Connector Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
Flash Sync Speed 1/60 second
Tripod Mount Yes
Cable Release Thread Yes
Self-timer Yes
Power Supply 4x LR44 batteries
Size 13.9 x 8.5 x 4.8 cm
Dimensions in Inches 5.47 x 3.35 x 1.89 inches
Weight 490 grams
Release Date 1979
Age Up to 47 years
Production start 1979
Manufacturer Canon

Used Prices

The current average price for this camera is 103,00 € based on 99 offers, as of 6.7.2026.

Average Price per Year

  • 2026: 105,52 €
  • 2025: 111,81 €
  • 2024: 113,61 €
  • 2023: 112,57 €

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ about the Canon AV-1

Is the Canon AV-1 a digital camera or does it use film?

How do you focus the lens on this camera?

What kind of battery does the camera need?

Can I use a flash with the camera?

Does the camera have different shooting modes?

Canon A Series

REF. PATTERN 04 SCALE 1:100
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