<p>The A-1 was my first "REAL" camera, and I purchased it in 1985. I still use it as my primary camera, even though I own several FD varients. I like my T90 but I don't love it. The A-1 just feels like a solid tool, like grandpa's wrench. The T90 has these flimsy doors that just don't cut it for me. </p>
<p>As a first camera, I am absolutely for getting a Canon A-1. Just get one that's well-sorted and has recently been CLA'ed. You'll spend an extra few bucks in the beginning, but you'll save a lot over taking it to a repair place (if you can find one). The ebay squeek kit is a joke; I wouldn't even consider going that route. What I love about the A-1 is that for as many features as it has, it can be a minimalist camera as well. Full manual is perfect, and the control wheels are as intuitive as anything you'd find on a modern EOS. </p>
<p>I take my A-1 everywere and am amazed at how many people come out of the woodwork to talk about the good old days when cameras like these were the norm. I'm not a big fan of plasticky cameras. I got rid of my EF gear save for the EOS5 (A2E international) and a couple basic lenses. I never shoot digital and pretty much only shoot with my FD gear now. I've always felt that people who learned on film are better photographers because they don't get the instant gratification of seeing thier photo on a tiny screen, and they have to work to compose their shots and think about exposure and of course, you can't just fix it in photoshop. You have to work for your shots because film isn't cheap.</p>