Canon · 35mm film
Canon AE-1
The AE-1 helped bring microcomputer-controlled automatic exposure to a wider audience in the 1970s. You choose the shutter speed, focus the lens by hand and advance the film yourself.
Find this camera
These links open retailer searches. Check the seller's condition notes, included accessories and return terms before ordering.
Is it your kind of camera?
For learning film photography with manual focus and help setting exposure.
Choose a shutter speed, turn the focusing ring, and let shutter priority choose the aperture.
Keep in mind Automatic exposure does not focus the lens for you. The shutter also needs a working battery.
Compare this camera- Maker
- Canon
- Model
- AE-1
- Film format
- 35mm
- Camera type
- SLR (single lens reflex)
- Exposure
- Shutter priority, manual
- Shutter
- Electronic
- Battery
- Required, 1 × 4LR44 (6 V)
- In the gallery
- 16 sample photos
- Camera source
- View specifications ↗
Photographs made with the Canon AE-1
The film, lens, exposure, developing, and scanning all influence the image. Select a photo for a closer look and its full credits.
Digitised slide from 1980
Digitised slide from 1980
Your first roll
The lens, power requirements and film to get started with this model.
- Lens
- Canon FD 50mm f/1.8
A standard manual-focus lens for the FD mount. Canon EF and RF lenses use different mounts.
- Power
- One 6V 4LR44 battery; needed for the shutter
Test the battery door and check that the meter responds before buying.
- Film
- Kodak Gold 200, 35mm, 36 exposures
36 full-frame photographs per roll. A film lab can develop the roll and scan your photographs.
Start outdoors with Gold 200, use the meter, and practise lining up the split-image focusing aid before pressing the shutter.
How to load your first rollMore from Canon
Canon AE-1 Program
Canon AF35M
Canon AF35ML
Canon New F-1
Canon A-1
