If you have a Canon AE-1 in your photography arsenal, consider it an innovative, durable camera. The metal and polycarbonate film-based camera from 1976 was one of the first to introduce photographers to automatic photography. Set the exposure mode to "Program" and the lens to automatic, or "A," and you could aim and shoot. This feature made capturing images quicker since photographers no longer had to manually adjust several camera settings.
AE-1 History
The Canon AE-1 is a single-lens reflex, or SLR, camera. In addition to the automatic option, like many other cameras of the same era, the AE-1 offered fully manual exposure options including aperture, shutter speed, film speed and lens focusing. Unlike digital cameras, the Canon AE-1 does not offer an image preview option, white balance settings or custom functions. Photographers used the camera to record images on film, which was later developed into negatives that were used to make prints.
Lens Options
Like all SLR cameras, the Canon AE-1 uses interchangeable lenses. Canon manual focus and automatic focus FD-series lenses fit the AE-1. When the camera graced photography retailer shelves, salespeople often paired it with a Canon FD 50 mm f/1.2L lens. Although this multipurpose fixed-focal length lens doesn't zoom, it works well for everyday group shots or pictures of nearby scenery. Other popular focal lengths marketed to accompany the Canon AE-1 included a wide-angle 24 mm lens and a telephoto 85 mm lens.
Battery Power
The Canon AE-1 can use several types of 6-volt alkaline or lithium batteries. Compatible model numbers include A544, 544, PX28, PX28L, 4LR44 and 4SR44. The camera doesn't have an LCD to indicate when the camera battery gets low. Instead, locate the battery indicator button on the top of the camera. It is near the rewind lever, just under the serial number printed on the left side of the camera. Press the button and listen for a beeping sound. A new battery will beep six times per second. A low battery will beep three times per second.
AE-1 Accessories
Even in the 1970s, photographers wanted optional accessories for their cameras. The Canon AE-1 has a hot shoe, which accommodates an external flash unit. Since the camera doesn't have a built-in flash, the option to attach a flash meant greater versatility for photographers shooting in low-light conditions. The maximum flash sync speed for a Canon AE-1 camera is 1/60. An electronic cable release, rubber eye-cup and carrying strap can also attach to the AE-1.
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