The Canon EOS A2 is a single lens reflex camera. It was introduced in 1992 and sold on the American market. A similar model is the EOS A2E, but this one has an eye control of the autofocus point.
The lenses of the Canon EOS A2 can be changed. Lenses with an EF bayonet can be used. The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 is often found on the Japanese camera. The camera has a built-in autofocus system.
For exposure metering the Canon EOS A2 has an exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range from 6 to 6400. The film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge.
The light meter is designed to measure the exposure through the camera lens. The correct exposure is automatically set by the camera if desired. In addition to program auto, there are other exposure modes and a fully manual mode.
The available shutter speeds range from 1/8000 second to 30 seconds. A bulb setting is available on the Canon EOS A2. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter release button is pressed.
In low light conditions, the built-in flash can be used. This has a range of up to seventeen meters. An external flash can be used with the built-in hot shoe. The flash sync speed is 1/200 second.
The Canon EOS A2 has a built-in self-timer and a thread for a tripod. A 6V 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*) provides the power supply.
Films for the Canon EOS A2
According to the operating instructions, the Canon EOS A2 needs 35mm film. These films are still in production and can be obtained from almost every supplier of development work. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black and white images are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the AgfaPhoto APX 100*.
Colour film is developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 films are offered by most photo labs. The black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer.
The film is automatically forwarded by the camera. In high-speed mode, it manages up to five frames per second.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/200 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Estimated value / Used price | 117,45 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 19 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 170,19 Euro (184.01 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 117,71 Euro (126.64 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 120,00 Euro (129.89 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS A2
What kind of lenses can I use with this Canon camera?
The Canon EOS A2 uses EF-mount lenses. Many lenses are compatible, and the Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 is a common choice. You can swap lenses easily.
How does the camera handle focusing?
It has a built-in autofocus system. A similar model, the EOS A2E, even offers autofocus point control via eye-tracking. This makes focusing easy even for beginners.
What type of film does the SLR use?
The Canon EOS A2 takes standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white films work. These are readily available from most photography suppliers.
Does the camera have a flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a range of up to seventeen meters. There's also a hot shoe for using external flashes if needed, with a flash sync speed of 1/200th of a second.
What's the fastest shooting speed of the reflex camera?
In high-speed mode, the Canon EOS A2 can shoot up to five frames per second. This is quite fast for a camera of its time.