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*).
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon FD lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 2 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1600 |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| 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 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 106,17 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 100 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 111,40 Euro (120.15 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 113,17 Euro (122.31 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 111,60 Euro (120.15 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon AV-1
Is the Canon AV-1 a digital camera or does it use film?
The Canon AV-1 is a film camera. It uses 35mm film, which is still readily available and developed at most photo labs. You can use color or black and white film.
How do you focus the lens on this camera?
The Canon AV-1 has a manual focus lens. You need to adjust the focus ring on the lens yourself to get sharp images. It doesn't have autofocus.
What kind of battery does the camera need?
The Canon AV-1 uses four LR44 batteries. These are inexpensive and widely available, both online and in stores.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash. The Canon AV-1 has both a PC flash sync terminal and a hot shoe for connecting a flash. The flash sync speed is 1/60th of a second.
Does the camera have different shooting modes?
It has an aperture-priority automatic mode (meaning you set the aperture and the camera selects the shutter speed), and a bulb mode for long exposures. There is no full manual mode.