Canon AE-1: The complete video manual - How to use

A video showing how to use the Canon AE-1 camera. One of the most popular 35mm SLR cameras ever made.
- INDEX -
0:00 Intro
0:48 The camera parts
1:50 Attaching the lens
2:45 Loading the battery
4:13 Loading the film - setting the ISO
6:40 Taking photos - Quick Start
7:18 Advanced settings
7:37 Manually setting the shutter speed and the aperture
7:48 Auto Exposure mode
8:13 Long exposures "B" (Bulb)
8:40 Light metering
10:09 Backlight switch
10:29 Focusing
11:28 Calculating the depth of field
12:08 Stop-down switch for depth of field preview
13:51 Self-timer (activating & cancelling)
15:02 Double (or multiple) exposures
16:16 Shutter button lock
16:30 Using cable release
16:42 Using flash
17:42 Using accessories (Power Winder A, Data Back A)
17:58 Using a tripod
18:08 Removing the film
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Music: "Modern Situations" by Unicorn Heads
"Slow Times Over Here" by Midnight North
#canonae1 #canon #canonphotography #photography #filmphotography #filmcameras

[@FlightlessSkylark]

Hands down the best tutorial for beginner film photographers! Thank you!

[@JOHNDOLMAYAN99]

This was incredible, I wish I had seen this when I first got my AE-1. Thank you for uploading!

[@yesenialopez5356]

As someone who has never owned a camera but bought one today on a whim this was very informative! I’m still a little confused on some things but I’m going to keep researching about this camera. Thank you!

[@egamorganstanza2809]

Thanks for the manual. It was great when i saw it from the beginning until the end. I found this camera from my dad's cupboard and I feel super excited. After I saw your video, I couldn't wait to use it. ❤❤❤

[@JonelleRoman]

This was INCREDIBLE !! Thank you so much for the time, effort, and detail that was put into this. This is exactly what I need as I learn this camera and photography in general. THANK YOU!

[@FilmCameras]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm happy you found my video useful!

[@bangersallday]

I've been using this camera for years, and didn't know half of this stuff lol. Thanks!

[@alexandraliljebladh]

Thank you so much for this detailed and informative video! Also loved the soundtrack. Excited to start taking photos with my new old camera :)

[@Orwaha]

Very well made video! Super chill with the music and pleasant to go through! Couldn’t get through any other tutorials but I watched this whole thing!

[@FilmCameras]

Thank you!

[@stanlau1749]

Just got an ae 1 today and this video is the perfect introduction on how to use the camera

[@606Kari]

This whole time I thought my camera was broken but I really I had ran out of film 😩 and I was freaking out, thank you for this video!!!!

[@inesnailart]

All this time I thought i had a vintage non useful camera 😂 today I've changed my mind

[@gergobencze2325]

Amazing tutorial for not only the specific model but folm photography in general really

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have a mint AE-1 that I bought used from a guy back in the 90's with so many different lenses and filters for it. He saw the digital cams coming and sold the AE-1 and all of the lenses to me for 200 dollars. I swear, this camera takes some of the most beautiful pics I have ever taken. Screw the cell phone crap.

[@LeTo1821]

Just a awesome video I learned so much about every button and it’s use. Thank you !

[@lbg9060]

This is the best tutorial!! Everything I needed to know about my new camera, thank you!

[@jjfecik]

Wow!! What an awesome video! Thank you so much & great choice of tunes as well!! ✌😎✨ Can't wait to get out & start shooting!!

[@juwster]

Very informative and detailed! Thank you! Just got out my two from storage and want to start using them again, 🙂

[@storm.898]

r u selling one ??

[@_J0s3ph_]

This was the most in depth video I found thank you so much for this genuinely helped so so much

[@FilmCameras]

I'm happy you found it useful! Enjoy taking photos! 🙂

[@nicholasfrost3934]

Thanks for the great information. I just bought this camera to get into 35mm photos.

[@nightingale8989]

Thank you for this video! Now I can start shooting my Canon AE-1!❤

[@christianavalos7096]

Ive had one of these for years in great condition and have never tried using it. Going to buy a battery and some film.

[@AaliyahGrady.]

This is so incredibly helpful thank you so much ❤

[@carloantonin4608]

Thanks a lot for sharing these detailed information.

[@mitchelharris3352]

Really love the video. It's very thorough and has some very helpful tips. Watched it over probably 5+ times and plan to do 20 more. I thought my aperture was broken but it turns out I had to advance the film haha. Thanks for all your help!

[@FilmCameras]

Happy to have helped!

[@SanTM]

Awesome video, very helpful!

[@johnaddison2761]

Thank you for your video I can shoot film now. The red flashing M is all I needed to know. I did not realize it just ment you are in manual mode. Happy Days

[@cosminstoian4094]

Great presentation, thanks!

[@ryanmarini184]

Thank you!!! Best video I’ve found!

*THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! ♥️*

[@Remco96187]

Got one of these lying around.. never used it. Gonna buy a battery and some film this week. Time to give it a shot. Fingers crossed!

[@mikechannie]

This is some perfect video, thanksssssss

[@analogadam795]

Great production, very informative and detailed 📷

[@FilmCameras]

Thanks!

[@michaelbuckley8986]

Very good 👍

[@RuthGingerMusic]

This is so helpful thank you!! I was given this camera years ago with no manuel and finally know how it works! 😂

[@oggierphotography]

Thank You, amazing video, helps a lot for beginning =)

[@Michaelmolyneux09]

great stuff, thanks

[@calebowens8955]

Took my first film photo today thanks to your video

[@a-9226]

very informative thank you

[@michelbigras]

thank you, just bought one!

[@black-and-light]

Fantastic!

[@loekstoot]

Thanks a lot! Very helpful :)

[@alisonsouto]

Amazing, thank you so much

[@TheMichblabla]

Thank u for ur video

[@barbiefxckedmylife]

thank you so so so much for this information. i was about to return a camera because i thought it was broken. the camera should return me lol

[@reneduarte7176]

Thank You!

[@coach_yo]

Thank you so much.

[@bradcurrah]

It heavy topic. Perfect.

[@LatinosOver40]

I bought this kit back in 1976 plus the power rewind, Time / Date stamper and 2 additional lenses. I still have it. Now I need an adopter to use these lenses on my Canon M50 Mark II ... do they make an adopter?

[@mauriciovelasco4095]

Hi! Thank you for the video. When checking the battery will it point towards the top red if it’s low? Trying to gage how much battery I have left

[@91cannibal]

Im Literally on my second roll and I just realized the film was never installed properly since the rewind knob was never turning 😐 greattttttt haha thanks for this video

[@elijahlo820]

thanks

[@osmankerimben2149]

Thnks for the video why is the shutter stuck on my camera? Help me out please

[@CVerse]

I got this camera for a great deal on eBay but had to send it in for repair cause the shutter lever was stuck (a common issue I’ve read). After seeing this video I now realize the stop-down lever doesn’t hold in place which it should. It still works but damn do I really gotta send it in for repair again 🙃

[@heliosek2007]

Hello, I was wandering if I could get some help with my camera. When I look through the viewfinder and try to take a photo by pressing the shutter release button, the needle goes all the way down, and both the red light at the bottom and the M at the top start flashing. I've tried to change the different settings and move to lighter/ darker places but nothing helps and I still cant take any photos. what should I do?

[@dwainwilder7337]

This is an excellent instructional video! It has been very helpful and will be saved for future use. It clarifies many questions I had. I am on my way to getting as close as I could to being as great as Ansel Adams 😊! Thank you so much! Do you have a video like this for the Minolta X-700?

[@FilmCameras]

Hi, I'm happy you found the video useful! Unfortunately I don't have a Minolta X-700, but if I find one, I will definitely make a video! 🙂

[@dwainwilder7337]

Thank you for responding so quickly. I understand about the M X-700, it would be nice if you found one, but don’t knock yourself out. I am now subscribed and will continue to follow you. Thanks again!

[@katelynbrumbley4043]

Would there be a reason for my batter thing not showing up through the viewfinder? Does that mean I need a new battery?

[@dannydao1660]

My first SLR camera is Canon AE-1 black body with serial no.3673367 and I had sold it in 1980 circa to step into Nikon's family for FM2. 😂

[@michelekai135]

During the video you pressed the shutter button halfway to check the light meter. What is the purpose of the light button meter then (diagram #12)?

[@arissmith7028]

I have this camera but mine as a data back and I don’t know what to do and how to make it work

[@merithp]

Hi, i just got this camera. I put in a new bought battery and the needle doesn’t move. I don’t know what to do. Is my camera defect?

[@St4r_494]

what is the length, width, and height of this camera? I need this for a project.

[@cristianlara7168]

Thank you so much for this! My only question, is the Automatic aperture option pretty reliable?

[@FilmCameras]

Yes it is, provided that the camera is in good condition. You just need to test it with film to be certain.

[@dariataruntaeva2457]

What if the light meter doesn’t work in any of the positions? It just goes down and the red light and M start blinking… tried to do a different aperture and shutter speed, but at any position it just doesn’t move from the bottom 😢 Would appreciate some help

[@Mayonayse7]

For every SLR Film camera thats using 35mm film the ISO should be matching with the camera and roll of film?

[@FilmCameras]

Yes, if you want to use the automatic mode without any exposure errors. If you are planning to use it all manual then you'll have no problem. But mind that the lightmeter indications will be wrong if the film's ISO doesn't match the camera ISO settings.

[@DDFJ1230]

Wish I had found this video a few days ago.. I shot two rolls on mine and didn't realize that I had the aperture stop down button pushed in and locked when I put on the lense. When shooting I had no way of actually adjusting the aperture. So now my two rolls of very important photos are probably overexposed.. I feel like a total dummy!

[@RANDomstuff0709]

Will the advance lever not work without a battery? I just got one, found out it doesn't have a battery, and the lever won't go past half.

[@FilmCameras]

Yes, you need a battery to operate the camera. Don't force the lever without one in.

[@TheChocofresh]

I don't get the part with multiple, double exposure. Why do i have to take a blank afterwards ? wouldnt that just waste one picture since i advanced the lever before?

[@FilmCameras]

Yes, you waste one frame. But since the 2nd "tweaked" double exposure manually prevented the mechanism from advancing the film, there is a good chance that the next shot will slightly overlap your double exposure at the edge. So it is better to waste a frame, than having your double exposure and the next picture overlapping (only at the edge). Of course you can do it without taking a blank. It might come out fine, but it is not certain.

[@meow-vr3yd]

I noticed that the light meter changes when I have the depth of field preview turned on. Should I fix my settings according to the light meter reading when the depth of field preview is on or when it is off? Please help~~~

[@FilmCameras]

The light meter reading is correct when the field preview is off.

[@meow-vr3yd]

@@FilmCameras 🙏

[@merlinlucas8280]

I much prefer the Pentax K1000. Best SLR ever!

[@lilmin1429]

the advance lever won’t advance the film to the first frame what does that mean?

[@FilmCameras]

First make sure you have a working battery inside the camera (see 2:49 for details regarding the battery and how to check it). Without a good battery, the camera won't work at all. Also see 2:21 in this video if you haven't unlocked the stop-down slide. Finally, the advance lever won't move once the film has ended.

[@tweakohgy4471]

I cant get any of my lenses to a while it's mounted on the camera

[@FilmCameras]

To set your lenses to A you need to press and hold the small button near the "A" while rotating the ring. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaKsY5V5pNiEmNEfeature=shared&t=469

[@tomasmaranzana4116]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@chelamine]

I could smell the film

[@dimis_travelphoto72]

I have canon ae1 black for sale.

[@venturetrucking6437]

I watch videos because I don't want to read

[@bluemoon_saloon972]

Cool story

[@Invincibleagent]

This is such an informative video. Go elsewhere

[@venturetrucking6437]

@@Invincibleagent they should have just wrote an article. There's 100 other videos with the exact same information that actually talk. Information is only half of the equation. Presentation is the other half and when I come to KZbin, I'm looking for verbal presentation that I can listen to. If I want to read about it I'll go to Google.

[@Invincibleagent]

@@venturetrucking6437 Nah, this way is much better.

[@bostoncityofchampions6581]

Some people are visual learners. Some absorb by reading and taking notes. And those who can do neither work in the trucking industry.

[@HergenDergen14]

Dude the ISO dial on this camera is the dumbest design I’ve ever seen holy cow. Why make it so hard to change the ISO?

[@lucadi01]

excellent video. Thank you.