The Canon AE-1

the first Microprocessor-equipped SLR

Canon AE-1 SLR Camera

The AE-1 with an FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. “nifty fifty”. This was the “kit lens” for this camera. Note the battery compartment door to the left of the lens on the front of the camera.

Canon AE-1 SLR Camera

To the right of the lens mount on the silver top plate is the PC Socket for a plug in flash attachment.

Canon AE-1 SLR Camera
Canon AE-1 SLR Camera
Canon AE-1 SLR Camera
Canon AE-1 SLR Camera

A small number of AE-1’s were released in an all black finish. These cameras were identical to their “silver” counterparts. This camera is shown with the Canon Auto Winder “A”. which gives you automatic film advance after each exposure. However, it does not offer auto rewind.

Canon AE-1 SLR Camera
Canon AE-1 SLR Camera

Dates:                       April 1976 to 1984

Type:                        35mm Manual Focus SLR

Lens Mount:             FD

Focus:                      Manual

Exposure:                Manual or Shutter Priority

Flash:                     Hotshoe / PC Socket Sync

Shutter:                 Electrically controlled cloth horizontal Focal Plane 2 sec. to 1/1000th

ASA / ISO:              ISO 25 – 3200

Frame Rate:           Manual Lever Winding

Battery:                  4LR44/4SR44 (6v)

 

Notes:  

When the AE-1 was introduced in 1976 auto exposure cameras were at the top end of the market and consequently quite expensive. The AE-1 brought auto exposure to the market at a price that amateurs could afford and as a result it was a resounding success.

This camera was never intended as a “pro” machine. It had straightforward controls and automatic aperture to attract newcomers to SLR’s. It did because it was the first SLR to sell over a million units. In the second hand/collector market these cameras a very common. Most of these cameras were black with silver top and bottom plates but a few were released all black.

Canon introduced structural plastic into the AE-1 to make the camera lighter and cheaper. The whole A series had an aluminium alloy chassis with a plastic top deck. However Canon went to great lengths to put a brushed aluminium finish on the plastic so that it was not obvious. In fact, even knowing that the top is plastic, it looks and feels metallic. The bottom plates are brass with the same metallic aluminium finish.

Extensive electronics and the introduction of moulded plastic parts allowed for a reduction in the total number of parts used and of course that meant easier assembly and lower cost.

Shooting the AE-1

The AE-1 is a joy to shoot. It is simple to use. You have the option of Manual in which case you select aperture and shutter speed. If you select Automatic then you select the shutter speed and the camera selects the aperture. It works really well, other than you can’t check the picture on the back of the camera after you shoot.

The trigger is a two stage affair. When pressed half way the light meter is activated. However, when the button is not depressed no current flows to the light meter and the battery power is concersved.

There is no switch on the camera. You select Auto on the lens barrel and you are in automatic. There is no effect on the meter needle. In manual you set the aperture to whatever the needle says. But the meter is not connected and does not move when you change aperture. In manual there is a flashing red M above the meter scale. If there is not enough light, there is a red warning light beneath the meter scale.

 

Canon AE-1 SLR Camera

Looking at the AE-1 from the top you can see that the lens is set to automatic. There is no manual/auto switch on the body itself. There is lots more to learn. You should check out the Instruction Manual. Better yet, take one out and try it.

In the Collection I have the following example:

Collection No.:    C-35

Serial No.:           5601889

Model:                 Silver Top

Condition:           Excellent – works well

Accessories:     Winder A

Acquisition:       17 Jan 16

 

In the Collection I have the following example:

Collection No.:    C-111

Serial No.:           1167071

Model:                 Black Top

Condition:           Excellent – works well

Accessories:     Winder A

Acquisition:       April 2016

 

Canon LogoThis page is not a review of this Canon equipment but rather a record of an item in my collection. I have no connection with Canon and receive no remuneration nor benefit for this listing. It is for my own use and possibly your enjoyment!.