Even though the camera would cost more, shutter speed-priority AE cameras were important to Canon since users could comprehend shutter speeds easier than aperture settings. However, in America and other overseas markets, aperture-priority AE 35mm cameras were in the majority.
Overseas distributors also clamored for an aperture-priority AE model. Canon responded with the AV-1.
When this camera appeared, a new type of FD lenses featuring instant mounting/demounting was also introduced. A low-cost FD 50mm f/2 lens was made available for the AV-1.
| Name: | Canon AV-1 |
| Manufacturer: | Canon Japan |
| Made in: | Japan |
| N°: | 860564 |
| Production Date: | 1979 |
| Type: | 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera |
| Series: | A Series |
| Picture Size: | 24 x 36 mm |
| Normal Lens: | Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8, New FD 50mm f/2 (Quick mount/demount type) |
| Lens Mount: | FD mount |
| Focus: | Manual Focus |
| 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 stepless and controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with adjustable delay and blinking LED). |
| Dimensions & Weight: | 139 x 85 x 48 mm, 490 g |
| Production Period: | 1979 - 1984 |
| N° Produced: | 200.000 |
| Original Price: | 57,000 yen (w/New FD 50mm f/2) |
| Indexed Price (Approx): | 715 EUR |
| Avg Ebay Value: | 60-120 EUR |
Source: Canon Camera Museum, Wikipedia.org, Camera-wiki.org, knippsen.blogspot.com