"AE-1," the Pioneer of Automated and Computerized Camera, Leading to the "New F-1," the Advanced Camera System
Unveiled in April 1976, the "AE-1" camera was the world's first 35 mm Auto-Exposure (AE) SLR camera equipped with a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The camera integrated the latest electronics and optics technologies. Together with the "A-1" camera having five AE modes, which was introduced in April 1978, the "AE-1" became a great hit.
At the time, the New FD lens series was released. An improved version of the FD lens, the New FD lens had an innovative mounting/dismounting mechanism. The instantaneous fit-and-lock mount system enabled easy and quick mounting/dismounting operations and gained further confidence of the user.
The top-of-the-line SLR "F-1" system camera, was reborn as the "New F-1" in September 1981 by incorporating microcomputer technology while strengthening reliability with proven quality and accuracy as well as rigidity. The "New F-1" camera acquired greater support among a wide variety of users, ranging from advanced amateur photographers to professional photographers.
In March 1983, the company released the T-Series cameras, which realized high-cost-performance through employing various automated functions and competitive pricing. The T-Series cameras include "T50," "T70" and "T80," culminating into the "T90," which was marketed in February 1986 as a professional model. The "T90" had durability and reliability professionals require for shooting under harsh conditions.
Canon’s First Lens-Shutter 35mm Auto-Focus Camera, "AF35M (Autoboy)
Canon introduced its first lens-shutter 35mm autofocus (AF) camera, "AF35M (Autoboy)" in November 1979. The camera featured an infrared active AF system developed by Canon, which allowed focusing even in the dark. "AF35M" was a totally automated system including automatic film winding and rewinding system. It was an instant hit.
Development of Full-Fledged Video Systems and Introduction of SV Cameras
With emergence of the unified 8mm video format in 1981, Canon set about developing video camcorders at full scale, which resulted in release of the "Canovision 8VM-E1" in 1985, the first integrated 8mm video camcorder in the world. On the other hand, the long history of 8mm film cinecameras reached its end with "AF310XL-S" released in September 1982.
Those days, an innovative still video (SV) camera was also developed, which used a magnetic media to record images as a substitute for film. Making good use of the expertise and experience from the electronic image transmission tests conducted during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Canon developed and released the “RC-701,” the company’s first SV camera and a group of system components in 1986.
