Canon AL-1 (1979)

Targeting users who had difficulty focusing through the viewfinder, the AL-1 featured an electronic focus-assist system besides aperture-priority AE.

The system searches for the peak of the subject’s image contrast obtained by three linear CCD arrays. The bottom of the viewfinder has arrows indicating the direction to turn the focusing ring to achieve focus. When focus is achieved, the in-focus mark between the two arrows lights.

The exposure is controlled by a TTL silicon photocell and aperture-priority AE with centerweighted averaging metering. All shutter speeds are electronically controlled and stepless. The camera is also compatible with all FD lenses.

 

Name	Canon AL-1
Manufacturer	Canon Japan
Made in	Japan
N°	1096290
Production Date
Type	35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Series	A Series
Picture Size	24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens	Canon FD 50mm f/1.4, FD 50mm f/1.8
Lens Mount	FD mount
Focus	Focus aid with CCD focus detection. Focusing brightness range of EV 3.5 – 18 at ISO 100 and f/1.4.
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 electronically controlled. Auto shutter speeds from 2 to 1/1000 sec., and manual shutter speeds from 1/15 to 1/1000 sec. and B. Built-in self-timer (with blinking LED).
Dimensions & Weight	142 x 87 x 48 mm, 490 g
Production Period	1982 -
No Produced
Original Price	90,000 yen (w/FD 50mm f/1.4)

 

 

(source: Canon Camera Museum, Wikipedia.org, Camera-wiki.org, knippsen.blogspot.com)