Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

By James Artaius, Digital Camera World
"I can't say yes or no, but… there is a consumer base that wants a retro body" says Canon exec.

"Is a Canon RE-1 retro camera on the way? Or a similar vintage-inspired Canon camera like it? It feels like a genuine possibility, even a probability, following recent comments from a Canon exec."

"...Fujifilm and OM System / Olympus have made their names with some of the best retro cameras. So it seems an obvious open goal for Canon to do likewise, and make a mirrorless update of something like the Canon AE-1 – another of the best film cameras ever made.
And, while the company won't confirm that it's making one, Canon is aware of the customer appetite for such a product – and reminds us that it listens to its customers.
In an interview with Camera Beta (translated by Asobinet), the director of optical development at the company's R&D center, Junichi Murakami, was directly asked, "Canon has a lot of historic bodies, but do you have any plans or ideas to release a retro camera?"

While the answer seems noncommittal, it doesn't take much reading between the lines to see that Canon has given this far more than just a second thought.

"In conclusion, I can't say yes or no, but as you say, some consumers are particularly fond of some of the best-selling models of the past, their design and appearance.

"In addition, you can see that our EOS body, whether in appearance or operability, has been improved by listening to customer feedback and requests. We attach great importance to the fact that there is a consumer base that wants a retro body, but it is a pity that we do not have more information to tell you."

Canon has made plenty of classic film cameras, but the AE-1 is probably its best known – which is why, to my mind, that would be the obvious model to update in mirrorless form..."

I would like to see an APSC retro digital III-A with matching prime Serenar lenses and a FF Digital F-1 (Original) and a variant with a vertical grip like the R3 but looking like the F-1 (Original) with a motor drive and FD looking primes. Also original FD lenses could be easily used to keep the retro look from fisheyes to super telephotos.

BebuLamar

I think the A1 is prettier than the AE-1 and it's dials are more like the modern dials.

Ollieboy

👍👍

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I completely agree. The A1 would be a much better choice for a retro camera.

BebuLamar

It already has all 4 exposure modes, Av, Tv, Program and Manual and thus the controls can be very similar.

Darkroom317 Loc: Mishawaka, IN

I think a rangefinder would be cool. Something like a L2, P or Canon 7

BebuLamar

Whatever retro camera they want to make it won't be neither SLR nor Rangefinder.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Of course.
We are talking about body style.
The other retro looking cameras are not rangefinders or SLRs either.

Alafoto Loc: Montgomery, AL

I liked my A-1s, back in the day.