Canon AE-1: A Revolutionary 35mm SLR Camera

Key Characteristics and Features

• Total Automatic System: Features a built-in CPU for the first time in a 35mm SLR.
• Shutter Speed Priority AE: Ideal for fast-moving subjects, reducing camera shake.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Facilitates mobility and ease of handling.
• Continuous Shooting: Supported by the optional Power Winder A.
• AE Computer Flash: Introduced the Speedlite 155A, the world's first dedicated autoflash.
• Full Use of Canon FD Lenses: Compatible with Canon's advanced FD lens system.
• Low Battery Consumption: A single battery can last for approximately 20,000 shutter releases or one year.
• Convenient Finger Grip Bar: Designed for comfortable handling.
• Battery Check Button: Allows users to verify battery power.
• Electromagnetic Shutter Release: Offers a smooth, responsive shutter activation.
• Immediate Response Metering: Light metering takes as little as 0.001 seconds.
• Human Engineering Design: Features rounded contours and large operational parts.
• Other Features: Interchangeable back cover, memo holder, backlight control switch, and electronic self-timer.

Technological Advancements

The AE-1 was a pioneer in integrating a miniature computer (CPU) to manage exposure, memory, display, and timing functions, a significant departure from the predominantly mechanical designs of the era. This electronic brain, powered by Integrated Injection Logic (IIL) technology, offered precise control over shutter speeds and flash compatibility, unmatched by mechanical systems. The camera's modular construction, utilizing advanced LSI techniques and sealed circuitry, contributed to its reliability, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Canon also employed computers extensively in the design and assembly processes, influencing the use of plastic materials in camera manufacturing to reduce production costs.

The camera's exterior, while featuring a metallic finish, was achieved through an Iron Oxide coating beneath the plastic shell, giving it a premium feel. Key components like the lens mount, however, retained metal construction. The integration of electronics reduced the overall parts count significantly compared to mechanical cameras, contributing to its affordability and high-end features.

Operation and Setup

Basic Setup Steps:

1. Set the aperture ring of the lens to the "A" mark.
2. Load the battery (6V silver oxide or alkaline).
3. Load the film, ensuring proper film leader engagement and tautness.
4. Set the ISO film speed according to the film being used.
5. Look into the viewfinder, compose the picture, and focus.
6. Advance the film, check exposure, and press the shutter button.

Mounting the Lens: Align the red dot on the camera body with the red dot on the lens mount and turn the bayonet ring clockwise until it locks.

Loading the Battery: Open the battery chamber cover (using the viewfinder cover can help). Insert the battery with the '+' side up, ensuring the '-' contact is inserted first. The battery should last approximately one year.

Checking the Battery: Press the battery check button and observe the meter needle in the viewfinder. If it rests below the index mark, the power is sufficient.

Loading the Film: Open the back cover by pulling up the rewind crank. Insert the film cartridge, press down, and rotate the rewind knob until secure. Pull the film leader across and insert it into a slot on the take-up spool. Turn the film advance lever to wind the film, ensuring perforations engage the sprocket. Check for film slack and gently turn the rewind crank to tighten if necessary. Close the back cover until it snaps shut.

Setting the ISO Film Speed: After loading film, push the film advance lever out, lift the ISO ring around the shutter dial, and rotate to align the desired ISO number with the green index mark.

Film Advance and Shutter Release: Turn the film advance lever until it stops to advance the film and cock the shutter. The shutter button activates the meter when pressed halfway and releases the shutter when fully depressed. A shutter lock lever prevents accidental release.

Frame Counter: This additive counter advances with each film frame and resets to "S" when the back cover is opened. It counts up to 38 frames.

Shutter Speed Selection: The shutter dial controls exposure time, with speeds from 1/1000 to "B" available. Shutter speed choice depends on scene brightness and subject motion. For example, 1/30 sec for indoor, 1/125 sec for cloudy outdoor, and 1/500 sec for bright sunshine.

Reading the Exposure: The viewfinder displays exposure information. A meter needle indicates the light level, and warning LEDs signal overexposure (red zones) or underexposure (blinking red lamp).

Viewing and Focusing: The viewfinder features a split-image rangefinder and microprism ring for sharp focus confirmation. The image is in focus when the split image aligns.

Dioptric Adjustment Lenses: Optional lenses can be inserted into the viewfinder eyepiece to compensate for individual eyesight, allowing photography without glasses.

Holding the Camera: For stability, rest the camera on your left palm, grasp the lens focusing ring with your thumb and forefinger, and hold the camera body firmly with your right hand, thumb behind the film advance lever and forefinger on the shutter button. Pressing your left elbow against your body can further reduce camera shake.

Using the Self-Timer: Push the electronic self-timer lever forward and press the shutter button; the shutter will release 10 seconds later, indicated by a flashing LED. The self-timer can be canceled by pressing the battery check button.

Backlight Control Switch: This feature compensates for strong backlighting by increasing exposure by 1.5 f/stops.

Long Exposures and "B" Setting: For night scenes or fireworks, set the shutter speed dial to "B". The shutter remains open as long as the button is pressed. Use a tripod and cable release for best results. Note that "B" setting consumes battery power rapidly.

Stopped-Down Metering: Used with FL lenses or non-auto accessories. Requires pushing the stopped-down lever to lock the diaphragm before metering. Warning: Do not use stopped-down metering with FD lenses.

Manual Aperture Control: For accessories requiring manual aperture control, lock the automatic aperture lever in the manual position before mounting the lens.

Changing the Lens: Earlier FD lenses have a safety mechanism to prevent movement; press the lock pin to bypass it. Always handle lenses with care to avoid damage.

Infrared Index Mark: A red dot on the lens barrel indicates a focusing correction for infrared film.

Accessories

The Canon AE-1 is compatible with a range of accessories designed to enhance its functionality:

• Power Winder A/A2: Enables continuous shooting at up to 2 frames per second and automatic film winding.
• Speedlite 155A: A dedicated autoflash unit that automatically sets shutter speed and aperture for flash photography. Other Speedlite models (199A, 188A, 177A, 166A, 155A, 133A, 577G, 533G) offer various features and power outputs.
• Data Back A: An interchangeable back cover that imprints date and other information onto the film.
• Canon Bellows FL: An accessory for high magnification photography.
• Viewfinder Attachments: Angle Finders (A2, B), Magnifier S, Dioptric Adjustment Lenses, and Eyecup S.
• Other Accessories: Lens hoods, filters, extension tubes, copy stands, and tripod adapters.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the AE-1. Keep the camera clean using a blower brush and cleaning paper with cleaning liquid. Avoid dust and humidity, and protect the camera from extreme temperatures and chemicals. When storing the camera for extended periods, remove the battery and occasionally activate the shutter release button to prevent mechanical issues.

Specifications

• Type: 35mm SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) camera with electronically controlled AE and focal plane shutter.
• Picture Size: 24 x 36mm.
• Interchangeable Lenses: Canon FD series (full aperture metering, AE coupling) and FL series (stopped-down metering).
• Standard Lenses: Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C., FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C., FD 50mm f/1.8 S.C., New FD 50mm f/1.2, New FD 50mm f/1.4, New FD 50mm f/1.8.
• Lens Mount: Canon Breech-Lock mount (FD, FL, and R lenses compatible).
• Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism, 93.5% vertical and 96% horizontal field of view. Magnification: 1:0.86 at infinity with a standard 50mm lens.
• AE Mechanism: Shutter priority, electronically controlled AE metering system with two ICs and one LSI.
• Light Metering System: TTL Central Emphasis Metering using a Silicon Photocell.
• Exposure Meter Coupling Range: EV1 (f/1.4 at 1 sec) to EV18 (f/16 at 1/1000 sec) at ISO 100.
• Film Speed Range: ISO 25 to ISO 3200.
• Shutter: Cloth focal plane shutter with electronically controlled speeds from 1/1000 sec to 2 sec, plus "B". X synchronization at 1/60 sec.
• Shutter Release Button: Magnetic release switch with locking device and cable release socket.
• Self-Timer: Electronically controlled, 10-second delay with LED indicator.
• Power Source: One 6V silver oxide or alkaline manganese battery.
• Dimensions: 141 x 87 x 47.5mm (body only).
• Weight: 590g (body only), 790g with 50mm f/1.8 S.C. lens, 895g with 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. lens.

AE-1 Exposure Flow Chart

The camera's CPU control system processes information input (SPC+IC, Subject Brightness, various information like ASA Film Speed, Shutter Speed, Lens Maximum Aperture) through computation and judgment. This data is then used for memory, instruction, and control functions, ultimately outputting commands to displays and controlling the shutter curtain magnets and AE aperture. Accessories like the Speedlite 155A, Power Winder A, and Data Back A integrate with this system.

Technical Information Summary

• The AE-1 features a modular construction for streamlined assembly and improved durability.
• Its design incorporates five main modules: Viewfinder, Shutter, Mirror, AE Aperture, and Automatic Diaphragm units.
• The camera's microcomputer control and extensive use of electronics reduced part count and production costs, making advanced features affordable.
• Stop-down lever: Can be locked for manual f/stop settings with FL lenses.
• Backlight control button: Provides 1.5 f/stop overexposure compensation.
• Self-timer: Offers a 10-second delay with a flashing LED indicator.
• Viewfinder LEDs: Indicate manual "M" mode and underexposure warnings.
• Battery-test mark: Also serves as the stopped-down metering mark for FL lenses.
• Lens mounting correction pin: Requires specific adjustment for certain lenses.
• Flange-focal distance: 41.9mm or 42.14mm depending on measurement point.

Flash Photography

The AE-1 supports various Canon flash units, including the Speedlite 155A, which offers fully automatic flash photography by setting the shutter speed and aperture. Other Speedlite models provide different guide numbers, recycling times, and flash coverage. The camera uses X synchronization at 1/60 sec for flash photography. The AE-1 also features a hot shoe and a JIS-B type flash terminal for corded units. When using flashes other than dedicated models, manual setting of shutter speed to 1/60 sec or below and aperture is recommended.

A series Cameras with Canon Flash Units on Automatic Mode:

Note: Flash bulbs can be used with the AE-1, but require manual settings and have a maximum sync speed of 1/30 second.