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Canon AL-1 Quick Focus (QF) The AL-1 is not an autofocus camera - but will use the FD Lens
The Canon AL-1 Quick Focus (QF) was introduced in March, 1982. Even though Canon is the largest camera manufacturer in the world, but rivals such as Pentax, had beaten Canon in introducing an autofocus model, with the ME-F. Canon reacted to the threat posed by that model with the AL-1, which was generally regarded as a 'warm-up' model in respond to the competition. The AL-1 is not an autofocus camera, but rather an SLR with an electronic rangefinder to provide focus assistance. The first AF camera from Canon was the short-lived FD mount Canon T-80 introduced in April, 1985 ('Short-lived' because it was discontinued slightly over a year later in June, 1986 - because for AF it needed special lenses - only 3 were made)
The main selling point for the AL-1 was its Quick Focus feature, designed to equalize some of the doubtful problems regarding focusing in SLR cameras among beginners. Canon, as the world's largest camera manufacturer, the debut of the AL-1 was a further testimony of what it is capable of producing as a result of its huge investment in the R & D of camera technology. The focus assistance feature of the Al-1 seemed more like to fill-in the gap of the A-series models and fencing off the threats from Pentax and other rivals which may also have models of similar feature. The AL-1's in-focus indicator was quite appealing to the consumers who have eyesight problems or need further assurances regarding in-focus confirmation. The QF feature provides an electronic rangefinder system which has easy-to-see arrows that points the direction of the focusing ring of the mounted FD lens. A green spot lights up when the subject is in sharpest focus. And because the Quick Focus employed a TTL (through-the-lens) system using three CCD line sensors, virtually all of Canon's interchangeable FD lenses can take advantage of the focus assist feature found in this model. Main features of Canon AL-1 Quick Focus SLR camera
(1) Focus frame (2) Overexposure warning mark (3) Meter needle (4) Battery check/camera shake warning index (5) Shutter speed scale (6) Under exposure warning mark
Other significant features of the AL-1 was its bright viewfinder which used an improved overall laser-matte focusing screen with a convenient focus frame. The focus detection system command by a microcomputer "brains" take care of ranging detection and control exposure decisions. Surprisingly, unlike the other Canon A-series SLR cameras, which were 'Shutter priority AE' based, the AL-1, like the entry-level AV-1, was an Aperture-priority AE camera, which means you select the aperture and the camera sets the correct shutter speed. However, it has a manual override feature which the AV-1 does not have. The AL-1 was the only model within the A series models that had offered a function similar to an AF SLR camera. The Canon T-80, one of the T-series model, was the only AF 35mm SLR that utilized the breech lock FD mount. During its debut, Canon also made three AF lenses to complement it. The AF lenses carried the AC designation and were based on the FDn 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5, FDn 50mm f/1.8 and FDn 75-200mm f/4.5.
Targeting users who had difficulty focusing through the viewfinder, the AL-1
featured an electronic focus-assist system besides aperture-priority AE.
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