Canon AV-1 35mm SLR Film Camera (Black, Body Only) *USED*

The Canon AV-1 is a stylish and user-friendly 35mm SLR, introduced in 1979 as an aperture-priority alternative to the world-famous AE-1. Designed to meet the demands of photographers who prioritize control over depth of field, the AV-1 automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed once the user sets the desired aperture on the lens. This "Av" (Aperture Value) focus makes it an excellent choice for portrait and landscape enthusiasts who want a more automated, point-and-shoot-style experience without sacrificing the artistic benefits of high-quality glass. The black body variant is particularly prized for its sleek, professional aesthetic, standing out among the more common silver-trimmed models of the era.

Technically, the AV-1 is built around a lightweight and compact chassis that is approximately 17% lighter than the original AE-1, making it a highly portable option for travel and street photography. It features an electronically controlled, horizontal-travel cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds ranging from 2 seconds to 1/1000 second. The bright viewfinder includes a needle-based scale that indicates the camera's chosen shutter speed and provides clear warnings for overexposure or camera shake. A notable specialized feature is the backlight compensation button located near the lens mount, which allows the user to instantly add 1.5 stops of exposure to prevent subjects from being underexposed when shot against bright backgrounds.

As a body-only offering, this camera provides a versatile foundation for any photographer invested in the Canon FD lens system. It utilizes the breech-lock FD mount, which is compatible with a vast array of vintage optics ranging from ultra-wide angles to powerful telephotos. While it focuses primarily on aperture-priority automation, the camera also includes a dedicated 1/60 second "X-sync" setting for flash photography and a "B" (Bulb) mode for long-exposure night shots. With its intuitive layout, including a single-stroke film advance lever and a straightforward ISO selector dial, the AV-1 remains a dependable and attractive entry point for those seeking the classic Canon A-series experience with modern, simplified operation.