From the perspective of a Canon 35mm camera user since these A1 and others were new, it was a revolutionary feature to have AE (aperture priority), TV (shutter priority) essentially automating exposure control allowing the Artist-Photographer to focus in creative image making instead of being obsessed with the mechanics of proper film exposure. This innovation began with the Canon A1 which is has since become a standard feature on nearly every still modern camera since. ~Credit to where credit for innovation should be appreciated and recognized. With more passage of time it was Canon that made the idea-concept of auto focus work in ways it does today. Canon was not the first, but they put in place the technologies and innovations (completely abandoned the FD lens mount replacing it with the EF lens mount causing great anger and fury among Canon 35mm camera owners at that time, but proved to be the absolute correct decision with the passage of time). Canon was an optics innovator from the first mass produced Aspheric lens elements, synthetic fluorite crystals large enough for telephoto lenses (300mm f2.8), Individually selected lens aberration corrective element as needed to optimize each lens produced (L series), Special multi-coatings allowing very complex lens designs to be produced and more. Canon's K35 series (based on Canon L series, used by Stanley Kubrick and many others) of Cinema lenses from the 70's have now become a highly sought after Cinema and Video fixed prime set today. Canon and Fujinon makes some of the Worlds most complex and largest zoom ratio lenses produced to today.

It was certainly the most technologically advanced 35mm camera on the market when it debuted in 1978. I think "best" is a highly subjective term, though, especially with the benefit of four decades' of hindsight. But the A-1 definitely had an advanced feature set at the time that still makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to shoot 35mm today. It's a great camera...enjoy!

It is a very competent camera, but the best and for what purpose? I don't own them, mine are mostly Nikons, Leicas and Hasselblads, but I think that a decent and fully functioning Olympus OM4Ti is rather hard to beat. It is a shame that good examples are now very difficult to get hold of. Good presentation though.

Hardly the best.