Canon AE-1

Charles Lanteigne, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

My first camera. The first camera for many other photographers all over the world too. A million selling 70’s classic that got the world shooting. Released in 1976, its probably the first really affordable and capable automatic exposure SLR camera ever made, and so in some ways the Model T of the amateur photography world. But that comparison is a little unfair to the AE-1, because it is anything but basic

Features

AE stands for Automatic Exposure. 1 is a number, and it stands for the number 1, which is first. This camera features a microprocessor that provides through-the-lens (TTL) metering and exposure control. The first camera ever to be thus equipped, and so something of a landmark. It can be said that all modern cameras begin here. If you let it take the photos, it can take great photos.

The microprocessor reviews the light entering the through the lens using the light meter. The light meter signals this value to you with an analogue needle gauge visible through the finder. It then assumes what you're shooting is in the middle, and what's around the edges is less important, and then estimates the correct exposure based on a lookup table on the microprocessor. It does a really good job of this.

Anyone can shoot great photos with an AE-1. This statement might not say much today, but in a world where automatic usually meant not having to manually stop down when switching from viewfinder to shooting, an SLR camera that actually lets you just point and shoot was a revelation. It still allows you to shoot with full manual control if desired, and you can stop down preview to check the focus at the press of a button too. But when you want; you can just set the lens to "A" for automatic, choose your shutter speed and snap away, safe in the knowledge it will get it right. That was the selling point, and still is. One of the first everyday items that had a computer chip added to it to make it ‘smart’. 

Remember, in 1976 computers were something you bought in kits, and soldered together at home yourself. So a camera with this type of technology built in was no small thing. It was among the first wave of affordable, yet highly technologically sophisticated, Japanese made products that would basically change everything about the world we live in and what we expect from it. Cameras used to be all mechanical contraptions that housed a film advancing mechanism and clockwork-like wound spring shutter control systems. They became consumer electronics starting right here, and between this and the home video recorder, a revolution was kicked off.

The AE-1 operates in manual or shutter priority mode (which is its full automatic TTL exposure control mode). There is a built in light meter visible through the viewfinder, and this runs on a battery that seems never to run out. I had to change it once in 20 years, and even then I’m not sure I really had to. The viewfinder is absolutely the best of all the 35mm cameras I’ve ever owned, a large clear split image rangefinder with microprisms. There is no chance of missing focus with this thing, and I wish my D750 had something half as good. I wish any modern camera had something half as good.

The camera also features a 10 second self timer, which is handy for getting yourself in the shot with your friends. The film plane is clearly marked with an engraving on the top of the case, which is useful for macro photography.

There are a range of accessories available for it, such as a various flashes, and a power winder providing 2 frames per second fully motorised. The body itself features a hot shoe and cable release socket on the shutter release. All standard fare.

Lenses

This uses Canon’s FD mount, typical of its era. Around 50 different lenses were produced and all the ones I’ve ever tried out are good, actually very good. The lens selection available for the AE-1 is probably one of its most lasting good qualities. 

I personally own a 50mm f/1.8 and 70-200mm f/4. Both are made in Japan, both are made of metal, and both have survived 2 decades of my rough handling, and they were already 20 years old when I got them. People may criticise these lenses when compared to more modern offerings, but honestly I can’t say anything to fault them. These are high quality items, as are all other Canon lenses I’ve tried from this era. 

The 50mm, in particular, stands out in my list as still being one of best all round lenses available in the world today. That being specifically for its very good optics, outstanding build quality, engraved and colour coded markings and a hard stop at infinity. That and it’s cheap. It’s a little soft around the edges, but it takes beautiful shots. The sort of images that can’t be achieved by chasing technical perfection. 

Build Quality

It’s mostly metal with a few bits of polymer. Plastic body components in the early 80s were serious stuff, and this is not the cheap flexible material you might think of when you hear the word "plastic". I’ve taken mine all over, and exposed it to some pretty rough conditions. The camera is light in the hands, and ergonomically very pleasant to use.

Partly because its well made, and partly because there is so little to break, it proved reliable for me almost without exception. However, ultimately the film advance mechanism did fail on me. When discussing with other owners of the same model I have come to understand that this is a common failing of the AE-1 when it gets to be around 35-40 years of age. One could hardly call that a criticism, especially for a camera that was only intended for general consumer use, but nevertheless, if buying one today its something to be aware of.

Assessment

I’ve had and used mine for over 20 years, and sadly have probably now seen it reach the end of its life. It was never meant to last this long, the fact that it did is a testament to the quality of the thing. "AE-1 Program" models are more advanced, abundant online and slightly newer, and I am told not as prone to the late-in-life film advance issues of the AE-1. This camera carries a lot of sentimental value to me, so it’s hard for me to be too critical of it. However, if I am being honest, at this point in time there are probably far better used cameras to be had for the sort of price these go for. It’s simple to use, simple to own and easy to look after. But the year is 2020, and there really are better cameras out there to spend your money on. Like so many great things of the past, the AE-1 has had its day, and now represents something fairly unremarkable, if viewed objectively. That said, Canon’s FD lenses are quality items, well made and providing a fairly distinct aesthetic to my eye. If you can get one with the camera; the two make a great package to go out shooting film. Lenses never get old.