Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Background and Identification

The Canon AE-1 Program is a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera (SLR) that uses Canon’s FD-mount lens system. The AE-1 Program was introduced as the successor to the Canon AE-1 in 1981. The biggest difference between the AE-1 and AE-1 Program is the addition of the Program AE mode, which was first seen in the A-1 model. The Program mode sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically with a slight bias towards the shutter speed setting. In this mode, the user focuses the camera and presses the shutter button. For additional control, users can utilize the AE-1’s shutter priority auto-exposure and full manual mode.

The AE-1 Program has a right-handed “action grip” on the camera’s front, similar to the A-1 model. It supports the A-1 model’s Motor Drive MA, but requires another electrical contact on the camera’s base plate. The AE-1 Program has a film speed of ISO 12 to 3200 in the manual setting. The camera’s viewfinder uses LEDs to show information and settings to the user. Similar to the A-1 camera, the AE-1 Program supports interchangeable focusing screens that can be changed by the user.

The Canon AE-1 Program includes the name “Canon” printed on the front of the camera above the lens. The model name “AE-1” is printed in the upper left-hand corner of the camera’s front face. The lens’s specifications are printed on the camera’s lens cover.

Technical Specifications

Overview:

  • Maker: Canon Camera K. K.
  • Type: 35 mm SLR

Lens:

  • Lens mount: Canon FD

Sensor/medium:

  • Film speed: ISO 12 to 3200 [manual]

Focusing:

  • Focus: Manual

Exposure/metering:

  • Exposure: Program, shutter priority, manual
  • Exposure metering: EV1 to EV18 @ ASA 100

Flash:

  • Flash: Hot shoe
  • Flash synchronization: 1/60 s

Shutter:

  • Shutter speed range2 s to 1/1000 s

General:

  • Battery: 4LR44 6V battery or 4 LR44 1.5 volt batteries
  • Dimensions: 87 × 141 × 47.5 mm
  • Weight: 575 g
  • Made in: Japan

Additional Information