Is a Canon RE-1 retro camera on the way?

A vintage Canon AE-1 with Canon FD 50mm f/1.8
(Image credit: Future)

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. 

We all know how successful the retro-inspired Nikon Z fc has been. (It's been so successful, in fact, that the imminent full-frame Nikon Zf is currently the worst-kept secret in the industry.) 

Nikon struck gold with its modern reimagining of the classic Nikon F film camera (via the Nikon Df), and 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. And I can't help but think that a Canon RE-1 would be just as big a hit as the Z fc has been for Nikon. 

(Image credit: James Artaius)

You might also be interested in the best Canon cameras on the market right now, along with the best Canon DSLR lenses and the best Canon RF lenses for mirrorless cameras. 

James Artaius
Editor in Chief

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.

Read more
Canon EOS RP Gold camera against a dark grey background
Is Canon really developing a retro camera? As a film fanatic, I hope the leaks hinting at a Canon AE-1 in digital form are real
Canon AE-1 Program on a park bench
I love the Nikon Zf – so I really hope rumors of Canon joining the retro camera revolution are true
A vintage Canon AE-1 with Canon FD 50mm f/1.8
I really want to see a modern take on the retro Canon AE-1, but probably not for the reason that you think
An Olympus Trip 35 sitting on the keys of a piano
If OM System reboots the Olympus Trip 35, it could conquer the camera market
Fujifilm X-T50 camera on a green a white table
Just how trendy is vintage? Retro cameras outnumber fancy flagships on this list of award-winning cameras
A vintage Canon AE-1 with Canon FD 50mm f/1.8
Canon AE-1 – the revolutionary camera bought by 4 million photographers
Latest in Film Cameras
A Pentax 17 film camera held in a hand outside next to pause symbol
Has Pentax hit pause on film cameras? Designer of Pentax 17 retires, Ricoh takes stock of future analog projects
Blue developer paste being squeezed from a vice-like implement
Polaroid’s saucy secret revealed: every batch of developer paste is different
A stack of piled up Instax film on a green surface
Fujifilm calls Instax Mini film a “mini darkroom,” I was gobsmacked when I found out why…
GIF from Mint & Rare Instagram Reel showing two vintage pocket-watch cameras
I can imagine James Bond using one of these ultra-rare pocket-watch cameras
A vintage Canon AE-1 with Canon FD 50mm f/1.8
Canon AE-1 – the revolutionary camera bought by 4 million photographers
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 mobile photo printer on a gray background with instant photos
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 is one of my favorite retro photo hacks – and it’s actually pretty cheap too
Latest in News
Pergear CFexpress 4.0 Type A Master cards
Pergear launches new super-fast AND super-cheap CFexpress Type A cards
Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8
Huge price drops on low-cost prime lenses for Sony and Fujifilm camera users
TikTok "ban notice" from January 19 2025, on top of an American flag
The TikTok ban is rapidly losing support, but if the legislation doesn’t change, senators warn that this is what could happen
Sony Venice Extension System Mini
BREAKING: Sony has just expanded its renowned cinema line with the Venice Extension System Mini
Canon EOS R3 at Lowest-ever price
The Canon R3 has a MASSIVE $1,000 discount in the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Nikon Zf + 40mm
The Nikon Zf with matching 40mm lens DROPS to new-low in the Amazon sale