How to Use a Canon AE-1 35mm SLR Film Camera

Click on 'Show More' for Timestamps, Related Videos, and Equipment Links Below!
Cameras and Lenses -
Canon AE-1 Film Camera: amzn.to/1o4B8Yj
Canon AE-1 Program Film Camera: amzn.to/3aIDFzJ
Canon FD Mount Lenses for the AE-1: ebay.to/2Q1XdHi
Battery and Film -
Varta V28PX Battery: amzn.to/1Kp2MsP
35mm Film: amzn.to/2QBqJCR
Ilford HP5 35mm B&W Film: amzn.to/39JeRHG
Kodak Tri-X 35mm B&W Film: amzn.to/2RmubEx
Kodak Portra 400 35mm Color Film: amzn.to/2BJ1bwy
Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Color Film: amzn.to/33eAUnq
Fujifilm Superia 400 35mm Color Film: amzn.to/3aGPztZ
35mm Film Negative Storage Sleeves: amzn.to/2W3r1rc
Camera Accessories -
Film Camera Release Cable: amzn.to/2Q2aorQ
Canon AE-1 Leather Cover: amzn.to/2Q2kfhx
Camera Cleaning Kit: amzn.to/2xt1HAv
Peak Design Camera Strap (What I Personally Use!): amzn.to/3cPetJB
Leather Camera Strap: amzn.to/39GiQoC
Triangle D-Rings for Camera Straps: amzn.to/2vg3pEI
Camera Shoulder Bag: amzn.to/2TUhjVd
Light Tight Film Changing Bag: amzn.to/2v9mQPh
Kodak Smartphone Film Scanner: amzn.to/339hPmE
More Film Photography Videos:
=============
Learn Film Photography Playlist:
bit.ly/2vLTjvB
How to Load & Unload 35mm Film:
• How to Load and Unload...
How to Load & Unload 35mm Film (2020 Edition):
• How to Load & Unload 3...
How to Retrieve Film Out of it's Canister:
• Retrieve Film Out Of I...
How to Take a Double Exposure on Film:
• How to Do Double Expos...
Getting Started in Film Photography:
• Get Started in Film Ph...
How to Develop Black & White Film at Home:
• Video
How to Shoot a Photo in Manual Mode:
• How to Shoot a Photogr...
How to Use a Pentax K-1000 35mm SLR Film Camera:
• How to Use a Pentax K-...
How to Use a Nikon F3 SLR 35mm Film Camera:
• How to Use a Nikon F3 ...
How to use a Nishika N8000 3D Film Camera:
• How to use a Nishika N...
How to Use a Olympus XA 35mm Pocket Film Camera:
• How to Use a Olympus X...
How to Use a Fuji GA645 Zi Medium Format Film Camera:
• How to Use the Fuji GA...
How Your D/SLR Camera Works:
• Video
How to Clean a Camera Lens:
• How to Clean a Camera ...
Film Camera Playlist:
bit.ly/2TXkWtl
Intro - 0:00
Install the V28PX Battery - 0:17
Loading 35mm Film - 1:43
Setting the ISO/ASA - 2:27
Changing Shutter Speed & Aperture - 3:06
The Light Meter - 4:23
Focusing the Lens - 6:04
Depth of Field Preview Button - 6:24
Back-light Compensation - 8:27
Shutter Button Operation - 9:38
Advancing the Film - 10:56
Changing The Canon FD Mount Lens - 11:36
Flash PC Sync Port - 12:31
Unloading 35mm Film - 12:51
The Canon AE-1 is one of the most popular film SLR cameras ever made. Here I show you how to use this 35mm SLR film camera. Most of this video also applies to the Canon AE-1 Program. The main difference between the Canon AE-1 and the Canon AE-1 Program is that the Program version has a fully automatic mode in which the camera can choose both the shutter speed and aperture on it's own.
camera, canon, 35mm film, photography, film, canon ae 1, canon ae-1, ae 1, slr, film camera, single-lens reflex camera, photographic film, film photography, film for beginners, 35mm film, kodak, ilford, fuji, fujifilm, intro to film, intro to film photography, how to film, introduction to photography, introduction to film photography, darkroom, single lens reflex, most popular film camera, ae1, 35mm, starting in film
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. Viewers are NOT obligated to use these links! If you do purchase any items through these links than a million Thank Yous for your support of this channel! You allow me to continue making content!

[@Alpine_Wanderer]

I'm so hungover and I just bought one of these cameras. My head hurts to much to process all this info.. I had no idea film photography had so much to it! I'll have to return to this video when my head is a little clearer. Very good source of info.

[@ShotbyPhillip]

Tell me why I just did the same thing today🤣

[@Alpine_Wanderer]

Bro that's insane I'm literally trying to explain how the meter works in this camera to my fiance right now as you commented on this video! Forgot all about it and all the sudden bam right when I needed it. Super weird lol

[@joehipgrave6996]

I also just joined the buying a ae-1 when hungover gang 😂

[@Mr-Mania]

Underrated comment

[@lilbrocc2150]

U still hungover🤣

[@flightattendantsteven]

Seven years later and this video is still helping people! I just bought this camera at Goodwill for twenty bucks. It already had a zoom lens that (having never used a real camera) and I didn't know what a single button or measurement was. Found your video and I'm SO grateful!

[@idcremixes4464]

I wish I had your luck lol instead I’m buying it for 10x the price

[@AJ-ie9he]

Just bought this camera in a bit of a manic episode in attempt to find a passion in life again. Never used a film camera before but this video was extremely helpful. Will update once I’m able to take some pics and develop them.

[@DavidK-xn8fq]

How was it? :)

[@shgd7665]

Bought one of these cameras 5 years ago - my first foray into film photography. I watched this video to learn how to use it. Many cameras and years later, my photography has since been published in major publications. I owe so much to this video and have shared it with other friends who've come to me asking for recs on intro film cameras. On behalf of all of us, thank you!

[@PrimeStudios]

I’m really glad I was able to help you discover the amazing joy of photography!

[@Fed-tt6cp]

Hell yeah. Care to share some of your work?

[@idontreallyknowlol]

Thanks very much for this. I literally just bought one at a garage sale today and have never owned a camera. Looking forward to learning about it.

[@OneClipAtATime]

As someone who started out with a Canon T3i that did all the work for me, I was overwhelmed when I picked myself up a Canon AE-1. This video was a perfect pace and simple to understand. Also taught me lots about exposure/shutter speeds. Now I can apply all this new info towards both my film AND my DSLR cameras. So excited to take these 24 shots then race to the photo store to see how they turned out!

[@mthivier]

I bought my AE-1 in 1977, and it was my constant companion, It went everywhere that I did - through art school and all my subsequent travels - for decades, right up until I switched to digital photography in the 2000s. I love my current DSLR (also a Canon); but I do miss my AE-1.

[@monstermayank]

Man, the condition of your camera is top notch, it looks mint new.

[@nothingbutblue6387]

Thank you so much! This was the best camera overview I've ever seen. Thank you for explaining EVERY button, and the explanation for how to tell what will be in focus based on your aperture setting was super helpful and not something I've seen before. ❤️

[@vincemasuka7382]

Couldn't go without saying thanks. Bought my first film camera a few hous ago. And i was a bit lost in all the buttons. You helped a lot :D

[@georgelayton2228]

Getting back in the film for the first time in 35 years and this tutorial and how to use the camera help me out now and you should do a little bit more of this because people like me would love to see more and just keep on doing what you're doing

[@Nat20]

Thank you for this. It's been more than 30 years since I used one of these and am now using on for a class. I needed this.

[@derreth]

I just bought one of these on ebay and I found your tutorial very informative. When my camera comes I will have some idea how to use it. Thanks for posting.

[@robbiep6528]

Wow now that was a trip down memory lane, bought one of these back in 1980 and turned my bedroom into a dark room, my mother wasn't too impressed and thought I had lost my mind, but I was only 20, damn where have all the years gone...far too quickly lol

[@felsics9441]

Just got mine for a photography class! We don't start talking about how to use our cameras until Wednesday, but I just got mine and want to know what everything does...Was wondering why the battery compartment wouldn't shut all the way--the previous owner must have loved this thing, because they snapped off that little button you mentioned. Luckily it came with a little cover for that. Was also super confused by the screen on the back! I didn't realize you just slide a piece of paper into it, and it's not a screen at all...(born in 2001 here, so). So excited to give it a go : )

[@krismurray7066]

I just sat through three other AE-1 "How-to" videos and yours was by leaps and bounds the best. Answered all my questions completely. Thanks!

[@jamesonford3508]

Thanks for making this video! I took a black and white photography class two years ago and I recently wanted to start shooting film again but I needed a quick crash course on my camera again. This was perfect, appreciate the help!

[@RhysticStudies]

a wonderful tour of all the mechanics and functions built into the camera. thank you so much!

[@JReinboldt17]

Such a helpful video. So clearly explained! I knew the basics of how to use a film camera but ignored the extra buttons. Never knew it had a self timer!! Thanks for this

[@acidsnow5915]

Great video. Super insightful and glad to see all these filmshooters here on youtube

[@FL_sandra_727]

Very helpful! Thank you! Inherited my parents AE-1, circa 1982. I've learned so much from you! Thanks again!

[@caldera878]

My first A series camera. I now have the AE-1, AE-1 Program, AV-1 and the gorgeous A-1. Shame that the "squeak" plague most of these A series cameras but a quick drop of oil in the mirror mechanism fixes it up nicely.

[@pumulokasaji-nguyen6301]

I just bought this camera and got it today and this is the most helpful video I have ever watched. Thank you so much for making this!

[@brittanyeasterwood3530]

Thank you! This was by far the most helpful video I've watched explaining the AE-1! :)

[@dancinglopez]

Thanks so much! I’ve taking up photography a few years ago and someone gave me this camera and it seems like a different world than digital. I was messing with the buttons with you and it makes much more sense now!

[@Gellykale]

Thanks! Going on a road trip and will be using the camera for the first time. This was super helpful!!

[@UnlicensedOkie]

Thanks. I'm still an amateur when it comes to film photography. I've mostly just been collecting cameras, but I'd really like to get into photography more. I just picked up an AE-1, with extra lenses, at a local thrift store. Good to see what everything does. I have quite a few other cameras, but I'm planning on using this one as my primary film camera.

[@Zoe_2112]

This is the best explanation on how to use the Canon AE1. Thank you.

[@HeyThereGlalie]

Keep up the good work! I can’t believe i just came across your page but you explain it so well and make it easy to understand. Like seriously bro !!

[@nhroadhog7701]

many thanks for the video. I just bought an AE-1 at a thrift store for $30 and it seems to work and it look in perfect condition. you explained its functions well. thanks again.

[@mewmew112]

You gave very clear and concise instructions. Thanks so much for making this video! I just ordered an AE-1 from ebay and am waiting for it to arrive.

[@lanecreatore]

This video was incredible. You have a gift for simplifying and teaching. So grateful. Thank you SO MUCH!

[@sarahdippity]

Terrific video on the how-to. Thank you!! Really appreciate this! I'm thinking about getting a film camera and the AE1 is on the top 3 list!

[@adrianames8590]

Great video! Better clear description of all the controls and features. Good easy to understand video without annoying music!!! Thank you!

[@rotemlevy100]

Amazingly helpful, yet so simple! Thank you!

[@Faxxxanadu]

Excellent video! Very concise, yet very well-explained and helpful.

[@pembridgehouse]

Thanks. Very good run through. I have just bought one and the most difficulty I had was getting a lens on and off. I think I have it worked out now particularly as you have said different lenses other than canon are put on slight differently. very helpful. geoff

[@howardbull9001]

Excellent. A well filmed and produced video that's clear and uncomplicated.

[@user-sr8ru5cr6d]

Greatest video at explaining everything clearly and quick! Thank you!

[@dhruvvishwasrao8439]

Very informative and provides all necessary details for effectively using the AE-1. Thanks a lot!

[@jlbiggers7]

Thank you for this video. Just started using my grandfather favorite camera and getting into photography more. It's nice to see these still being used again thank you for these videos

[@christophervv]

appreciate the tutorial! got my notes all set and done now to make it count - cheers.

[@trollsthatlol1]

My folks stumbled upon one of these while getting our old house I'd grown up in ready for sale. It belonged to my great grandfather--I've one of the newer EOS Rebel T3i DSLR units and It's a world different! Wasn't even 100% sure where the shutter was really, so I'm glad this video exists!

[@MusikkFreak27]

omggg I've used film for a while now and never knew what a film box was or used for...you blew my mind

[@jacobswenson5469]

Great video! Exactly what I was looking for. Subscribed.

[@Liam_Mac]

this video was sooo helpfulll i actually learned stuff i never knew about the camera. this thing is genuinely one of the coolest pieces of tech

[@roastbeefismystew9057]

Just got the Black AE-1 today and I'm extremely new to the film/photography field. You videos have been very helpful though especially this video, much thanks!

[@JrayBerry]

Just bought mine yesterday. This was everything I needed. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@PaulDGreen]

Just bought this camera off a friend and needed to figure out some of the features so thanks for the great video!

[@Pleasedontsubscribeplease]

most useful video on youtube about the AE-1. Thank you so much

[@georgemogannam855]

Took a film class a few years ago and this was a nice refresher after 3 years of dslr use

[@kyliestone588]

I just inherited this camera from my dad as well as three lenses. I’m so excited to learn about it. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you

[@squidgamer7195]

Amazing tutorial. Having just bought an ae-1 this video is invaluable. Having only shot digital until now ,this much is clear - there is no substitute for knowing how the "exposure triangle" works, be it digital or film

[@tyrrellmentoor4733]

5 years old but the most informative video! Thank you

[@ACondo-ho6io]

My first camera in 1976. Exciting times! I loved this camera so much, I got two.

[@gautamc3613]

I loved the depth of explanation you went through to produce this video. It really helped me understand how to use the camera, and actually has pushed me more towards buying the canon Ae-1 now that I have a better idea of how to use it. Quick suggestion though. Sometimes the video was out of focus. Maybe set it to auto-focus if it is reliable enough on your camera? Anyway great job!

[@quasidragon07]

i just ordered my camera, im so excited! thank you for this video!

[@carolyncz33]

Just found this camera at a pawn shop and put it on layaway. And I'm so excited to get it that I wanted to look up more stuff about it and this video was just perfect! Thank you!

[@OofOuchOwie]

Thank you so much for this video, didn't know how the green number DOF guide worked!

[@greg8725]

this was EXTREMELY helpful...thank you so much

[@Velodynamic]

Thank you for explaining how the exposure metering works in this camera. I kind of inherited an AE-1 from my brother in law's sister's husband as he passed away a couple of years ago and I'm the only one close related that's interested enough to take a bite in this. Now as I bought a film scanner my interest in this analog film tool is wide awake again. As I'm used to my dslr's it's easy to make the mistake to think that the meter in the view finder is showing how much over vs under exposed the picture is going to be, so I couldn't figure out what the aperture values was all about. :) Now I know better! I also learned what the small silver button over the AE-button is. I had no clue something like that even existed. This is going to be a whole new way of exposure thinking for me and I love the challenge. :)

[@JasonOsbornePhotography]

great review thank you, I'll be picking one up tomorrow

[@rosegoldhag4003]

I just bought one of these today and this was so incredibly helpful. thank you!

[@iliyagolovkin7665]

First time I used this camera about 35 years ago, and I still have it, unfortunately with out use, but keeping it as a memory... Thanks for a great explanations , which even after so many years, I got some tricks I didn't know.

[@HalaMadrid234]

For someone who is used to using a more automatic film camera this is very helpful, thank you!

[@craigjackson3212]

Just bought the Program version of this camera But I must say this is a really informative video and i really learned a lot ! Thanks man :)

[@michaelyoung9171]

Thanks for your convenience, i've learned a lot from your video that you have on site. My brother had a lot of good things that I incurred since his passing , I came across this Canon camera didn't know what to do with it now I'm going to take photos of lots of things to see if I need it. Again Thanks for your demo. Michael.

[@lolaerrais4243]

Oh my God. Thank you! I can see that everyone felt the same way I did after watching your video! I had so many questions! It all clicked! (I found mine in my Grand-Father's garage, weirdly there's no mold, it is dusty, and needs to be cleaned up, but it works!) Thank you!

[@philippd6117]

Thank you man! I just found my moms old AE1, but I had no idea how it works:D I might start shooting with a SLR now;) Greets

[@dirtywater5336]

You are a gentleman and a scholar! I just replaced the battery in my AE-1 and knew the basics of film photography it but not the other details like the aperture settings and the green A and the DOF preview. I thought that had to be pushed in to take the picture at the chosen f stop. Didn't know it was like digital cameras where the blades close when the shutter is fired. I was always wondering why the needle changed when I moved it up to the suggested f stop. Now I know. Thanks again. The information was straight forward and your delivery was easy to follow and understand. So many people just talk and talk but don't actually say anything so thank you.

[@thegreatcaroon6423]

Thanks man, impulse buy yesterday, always wanted too so just bit the bullet, payed the money and now i kind of HAVE to learn, so thanks for making this part pretty easy

[@pocketsquareformat]

This is a great review. I've had this camera for a couple of years now and neglected to use some of the features you mentioned. Like you, I do wish it could be used without the electronics. Thank you

[@EdwinRucci]

Finally! a good video explaining the camera! just sub! thank you

[@abdonortega5888]

Thank You for this video! 100% helpful in every way!!

[@shirleywang1944]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you so much!

[@cricket62200962]

Great vid, short and to the point. thanks!

[@vespa64m26]

Really good video. I have just got this camera and you have covered all I need to know. Thanks.

[@emohippie3]

I just bought this camera from an estate sale so this was very helpful thank you very much!

[@cailynd9838]

Great video! I’m new to film photography and this really helped me a lot

[@jazmin1606]

This is my first camera ever & this video really helped a lot thank you!

[@SherryandNatasha]

i've learned so much. thank you sooo much for this informational video.

[@Graygeezer]

Thanks! I’m dusting off my old beloved AE1 and needed a good refresher after all these years. Excellent overview! I paid $310 for it back in December 1979. Still have the sales receipt, but can’t find the manual. Fortunately, I took the battery out, so the only issue is the foam mirror bumper deteriorated leaving dust up in the viewfinder.

[@SuperMelaa]

Thank you so much I am now using one that belonged to my father (He is in the hospital now with a terminal cancer). I want to treasure his camera, which is the one he used all the time when i was little. You really helped me understand how it works, i hope to continue to capture images like he used to do. THANKS AGAIN with all my heart!

[@PrimeStudios]

You are most welcome!

[@Halfpint71]

I've just bought this camera and this video has been very helpful. I haven't shot film in 30 years and never with an SLR. I'm really looking forward to getting out and shooting with this. It will also help me improve my digital photography too. Thank you. I wonder how many times i'll be chimping at the back of the camera after a shot though :D

[@newenglisharchitecture1012]

Holy crap, I think I have been using my camera all wrong... I've been taking pictures with the needle in the middle of the meter (where it says 5.6) because I thought that the middle meant perfect exposure. Feel like a dumb-ass.

[@filmmoviePRODUCTIONS]

Thought the same thing for sure

[@bunmeng007]

Hey u’re not alone. I thought the middle point is the correct exposure as well lol

[@robertbroadhead2615]

ehh me too lol

[@ItsYourDistraction]

That’s how a lot of other slrs work. This system is odd to me.

[@theren8311]

Thanks. My dad owned one from the 80s and I've had it for the past 2 decades, but never knew what to do with it. Never had resources like this (KZbin).

[@cpl4852]

I just got this camera today. I looked around on utube for info. Your is the best.

[@nancylee4985]

Thanks yo so much for doing this video, it's really helpful.

[@sab605]

Very nice informative video. I learned a lot about this camera. Thank you

[@Ella-pr8dh]

just bought one for 100 compared to the 200+ sales ive been seeing. i've been wanting this film camera for a while now, and i'm super excited to get it! next im looking forward to buying a fujifilm one

[@anthonyabbott1230]

My Grandad passed this down to me and being a '98 kid, have no idea how to use it! - So thanks so much for this video.

[@RR-bd4bm]

very clear tutorial, big help. Many thanks!

[@danedwards3852]

This was insanely helpful, thank you!

[@aliensatemymum]

Fabulous run down - so helpful. Thanks!!

[@taisiyakotlarova2332]

Thank you so much! The best video about film camera so far!

[@lanatrzczka]

Very, very well done video. I know the AE-1 well but it's been a couple of years. I was asked to teach someone on their way to vacation about relearning their AE-1 they haven't used in 30 years and this video got me right back up to speed without me having to go use one for a day to refresh my memory. By the way , I agree about the DOF preview, and the buttons on the left side of the lens. Never used 'em while shooting! Really well done video and I liked the viewfinder shots the best. How the heck did you do that? Have a good one...

[@HeadDrop]

Great and easy to understand video, thanks!

[@EdwardFielding]

Great video! I'm sharing this with some teen photography students.

[@innerchildstyle]

Great video, so informative!

[@baviggiano]

Thank you for the video, John!!! Very good!