Trying the Canon AE-1 Program Film SLR. Anyone else used this camera?

[@gatblau1]

I’ve got an A1, a couple of AE1s, and an AE1 program, plus a Canon F1. I love all of these film cameras. The only minus is the melting foam light seals.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

A true Canon fan, thanks for sharing.

[@kmoecub]

That minus occurs with all cameras that used foam light seals. I've had to replace the seals on cameras that are half as old.

[@apistosig4173]

plenty of ewe-toob vids focusing on seal replacement

[@1lunifyd]

Use Black cotton yard to replace the light seals. also, get a sheet of felt that has a sticky back for the door

[@map3384]

I bought one in 1983 when I was 18. It taught me a lot about film photography. $229 with 50mm 1.8. For three years I took it everywhere. When I upgraded to a F1 New AE I gave it to my sister who dropped it crushing the prism. I bought a used model five years ago to have fun with.

[@Capturethelightraw]

I gave my cannon Ae1 to a friend learning photography i sure do miss it

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Lucky friend. Well done for the kindness though. It will come back in other ways.

[@analaogueviking3609]

My first manual focus camera was an AE-1 (not program), and I still love it now. With regards to the cough, that is curable with a little bit of work and a syringe with a really long needle and some sewing machine oil. I had to do that with my A1, and its worked a treat.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks for the tips!

[@theoldfilmbloke]

If that Canon Cough is NOT done the shutter will JAM UP -- then Camera Scrap ! I did mine in the Gift A-1 and a bought AE-1 which developed it . Also the foam LIGHT seal material goes ROTTEN after all that time so I did mine with a sheet of 85P foam from Crafty Arts in Romford. ALSO any type of 'AUTO EXPOSURE' needs the snapper to THINK about the overall amount of TONES in subject before snapping and use the Exposure Compensation Dial - a bit MORE for very LIGHT tones or if you have a white SKY in snap and a bit LESS if snapping such things as dark Tyres in the Farm !

[@kmoecub]

True, but his example is not nearly bad enough to be worked on yet.

[@christophergallagher6736]

I had an AE-1 Program. Great camera with always reliable metering. It replaced my old FTB and I had several FD lenses. I eventually switched to Nikon so I could share lenses between my film and DSLR cameras. I love my Nikon cameras and lenses now but will always have a soft spot for the old Canons.

[@OfAShadowOfaDoubt]

My primary 35mm camera is a canon F-1, but I got my wife an AE-1P as she loves film but isn't too into all the manual stuff, and means she can share my FD lenses. She loves it and I'm impressed with it too, the meter has always been really reliable even in challenging lighting 🙂

[@jamescraig3345]

For years we had the same F1/AE1 setup in our house - until I went digital. The only piece of Cann equipment I still have is the 500mm f8 mirror lens. Will soon finally put it on my Fuji with an adapter.

[@michellearrington4846]

I served in nuclear fast attack submarines in the 80s and our ships camera that we used for everything, including attaching it to our periscopes was a Canon AE1. My personal SLR was a Yashica because thats what our submarine tender ships stor was selling. My all-time favorite SLR was a K1000 with a 50mm prime. I am sure you know who made the K1000. My very favorite camera now is my Lumix g100 with a 7Artisans 35mm 1:1.2 prime.

[@warrenc2306]

I have one and love it. My son has 2 of them!!!

[@JCAnderson134]

I don't understand what people have against shutter priority. You can choose any aperture by adjusting the shutter speed. With shutter priority, you can see your hand held shutter limits with any given lens. I don't go longer than 1/60 sec. with a 50mm lens or wider and 1/250 sec. with my 70-210mm zoom when I'm zoomed all the way. Good luck shooting F22 at 1/2 sec hand held. Unless of course you prefer the look of camera shake. You can do any aperture/shutter combination with a tripod, but hand held you're limited by shutter speed.

[@MikeSowsun]

I also like using Shutter priority with my A-1 or AE-1. When using my FDn 50mm f/1.4 lens, the camera has 8 possible exposure stops to choose from. (f/1.4 - f/2 - f/4 - f/5.6 - f/8 - f/11 - f/16 - f/22) If using Aperture priority, the camera would have only about 4 useable exposure stops. (1/60 - 1/125 - 1/500 - 1/1000) I would only use Aperture priority with more modern cameras that go to 1/4000 or even 1/8000.

[@kmoecub]

I used one for many years when I was trying to work professionally. It served me well until it was stolen. I recently acquired another, and the first snap of the shutter literally made me cry. These are among the best “amateur” 35mm SLR cameras ever made.

[@Sorarse]

Never had the Program version. I went from the AE-1 to an A1. Still have both, as well as a T90, all of which use the FD lens mount system, which meant I didn't have to invest in a new lens system.

[@chipmunkhunt]

I still have mine from 40 years ago. I have the A-1 too

[@comfortablyblind6853]

AE-1 Program is what started me down the collecting spiral. Picked it up about 5 years ago from Savers. It was tagged at 14.99, but I had a 20% discount. I'm still running it even though I now have over 200 film cameras. I've fixed the squeek in a few Canon "A" cameras. Not hard to do, really. Great video. Thanks.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

I recently acquired a Canon A-1 with the FD 50mm f1.4 lens at a car boot sale. The camera and lens are both great. Looking at the specs, I think the A-1 offers more because it has shutter priority, aperture priority and program as well as manual. The controls looked complicated at first but they must be quite intuitive because I found it quite easy to use. Loved the video. Keith

[@christophergallagher6736]

The A-1 was way ahead of its time. Great camera.

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

The Canon A series were some of the best cameras ever made and my personal favorite is the AT-1, which is the full manual match needle version. At that time, in the 70's and 80's, they were in a race with Nikon (and to a lesser extent, the 2nd tier companies, like Pentax). And competition is always good for the consumer. The A series uses FD lenses, so you have a wide selection of quality glass. I'll stop rambling on. Thanks Rog for the enjoyable video.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

So many good FD lenses out there on the market. Like the 50mm I used. Very nice lenses. MInd you that 28mm Avanar was good also Mike.

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

Thanks for the tip. I've never had an Avanar, but I set it as one of my searches on the big auction site. Looking forward to trying it out.

[@danem2215]

Beautiful camera. I usually avoid Program/Auto cameras but that manual override is helpful. Bit out of my price range especially now that I upgraded my DSLR. Still trying to keep my film love alive

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I use aperture priority all the time when I can and I know the shutter won't go below where I want it to go, usually on a bright day. Keep Shootin' Dane.

[@unchartedthickets]

AE-1 Program and a Yashica Electro 35 is what I have. I use the Canon most. I'm still figuring out photography so Program mode is really nice. I also like that the AE-1 Program can be used in manual, aperture or shutter priority making this an extremely versatile camera that can be used by amateurs in all skill sets.

[@markberry2969]

I acquired one brand new in 1982 in chrome and used it for many years. I too always thought shutter priority was a little counter intuitive as opposed to aperture priority. It was not just camera bodies which were being contested as who was the best but lenses too There was much fervor. It seemed Canon FD Nikon and Schneider lenses were all front runners and featured in many films and advertisements. I thought the prior FL lenses seemed better in the Canon line up and used a Canon FTb which was superb. In hindsight I would have gone for the Pentax MX and just stayed with that make but hey oh.

[@bigshooter461]

I have and do love the MX, it really is a compact Pro Model, but if I'm being real, the ME SUPER, and SUPER PROGRAM offer a little more walk around utility for me with Appertue priority modes, I love the A1 for that mode too. Ultimately they are all just tools and finding what works for your flow is much more important than aligning with the trend. There are some increadible model that really get no credit as well like the MZ line up, I have an MZ-50 That lives with a very unassuming 28-80 zoom and serves spectacularly for black and white capture on the fly with it's exceptionally and wickedly fast Auto Focus and Metering. It's not that I prefer 1 over another or dissagree with anyone's preferences, because I do also have deep fondness for an old PETRI CCS f1.9 Range Finder with it's fantastic and fast 45mm f1.9 Kuribayashi AC Orikkor glass. It's just a different set of skills I have to employ when pulling out my meter to shoot that camera. I love that this channel brings so many people with these appreciations to the comments.

[@sbcinema]

I have one in silver, very practical and there is a large selection of inexpensive lenses

[@lensman5762]

These old cameras are a lot of fun. The Canon FD 28mm F2.8 is a very good lens indeed. You may not believe it but a couple of years ago, I bought a Canon EF, its basically an F1 without all the bells and whistles. I am sure you have featured it in one your older videos. Having been brought up on a diet of Nikon and Leica, the EF felt very strange at first, but I have to say that I really like it, once I got used to the Shutter Priority. In fact I took it with me on a short trip to Formby Beach today. I think the AE1 has a simple center weighted metering pattern, as against the EF which has a negative bias for the top 1/3 ( I think it is to expose the sky properly ). F6.3 is only 1/3 stop over f5.6 and it is well within the accepted tolerance of negative film. Good video, Roger.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers Lensman. Yes, that Canon EF electrics packed up on me! I still have it. Thats where the 50mm that I used Lens came from.

[@lensman5762]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss You should still be able to run it in manual mode, but no auto 30s exposure or metering I am afraid.

[@davidjb9199]

My first serious 35mm camera was an AE-1 Program. I lost it in Frankfort airport (theft) and since then have owned and used many different cameras. I had an AE-1 gifted to me much later, but found I never really liked using shutter priority metering. Always liked the FD glass so I keep an A-1 and a very fine condition T-90 for running on those lenses. I briefly had an F-1N with the AE prism that was nice enough except it was very beat up and falling apart. The A-1 is probably my all around favorite for using FD glass.

[@liveinaweorg]

I have an A-1 and it is a very versatile camera. I enjoy using it especially with my Tamron SP lenses.

[@digitalrex5]

Shutter priority only is one of the reasons I don’t use my Konica cameras that often, the lenses are great though.

[@j.c.103]

In the moment i'm shooting the AE-1P during holidays at the baltic sea. I shoot black an white Kentmere film actually. And i use three Canon lenses here : nFD 28mm f2.8, nFD 50mmf1.4 and nFD 80-200f4. Great joy tu use. Lovely camera. Wonderful lenses.

[@hb4834]

Got 2 AE-1 Programs...love em both...did have the A-1 but sadly it is in the Phillipine sea when the camera strap broke...never used a neck strap again.

[@thoska-music]

My first dslr was the Canon AE-1 in 1980 with 50 1,8.

[@apistosig4173]

I have 4 of these - have carried one thru Europe, Japan and across Australia. I only once used a Program mode much preferring fully manual functionality - fabulous cameras. Often used a 300mm tele with Illford Delta 3200 in blues clubs and pubs here in Melbourne. The 35-105 Macro lens is my go-to shooter.

[@Grid56]

My first ever SLR was a silver top version . I couldn't afford Cannon lenses so I paired the fd 50 it came with a 135 and 2x converter and a super zoom to 800 all from the highest budget range at the time, i can't remember the actual brands (tamron / vivitar like the video?) I loved it and kept it all the way through to the digital age.

[@keimahane]

Canon AE-1 Program was the first SLR camera I ever bought. Just after arriving to my first ship in Yokosuka Japan in 1986 I went to the Base Navy Exchange and there it was, so I decided it would be a good idea to get a nice camera to capture my travels in the Navy, as I completely regretted not having a camera during the previous 4 years, missing out on some great opportunities in Asia and the Middle East. It did not let me down. This is the camera I learned photography with, wish I still had it in my collection, as it is the only Canon camera I ever owned.

[@practicalphotography1235]

Used it in 1980. Still use the same copy today

[@jamespowers8826]

I used F1 and F1Ns back in the day for a while. Also had a couple of A1, AE-1 and Ae1-P. As these cameras have aged, the AE-1 and P have in general have developed various electrical issue, moreso than other electronic cameras of the era. They also develop an annoying squeak (fixable, lots of KZbin videos showing how to do it). They are good cameras if you get a working one.

[@jasongold6751]

I missed your comment on quality of FD lenses! The fauly either that camera or you need eye test! better than my Leitz lenses! See Video on Canon FD lenses for movie work!!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

My uncle had an A-1, and I wanted that camera really, really bad. Those Terminator alike red lights in the viewfinder hooked me...

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

It looks cools indeed, but I don't like you don't see the settings all the time.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I've never looked through one but I know the Red LED is like the old digital watches from the 70s. Retro

[@tomislavmiletic_]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss You are right, retro indeed. But in that time, 40+ years ago, that looked unbelievably futuristic...

[@derekclark7545]

I purchased a Canon A1 back in 82 or 83, I have had it ever since with 1.8 50mm, 1.4 50mm, 1.8 28mm, 1.8 24mm, 2.8 135mm and 2.8 70-210, Canon's flash gun I think A 188, Canon camera release. It has had new foam seals all around but otherwise works fine. and no it's not up for sale.

[@ZipperDetailing]

I got a Canon New F-1 and a beaten up Ae-1 from the flea market for 20€, which however works completely fine, and my mothers first SLR, the AV-1. I grow up with the AV-1, it was always the camera for the family. The Av-1 is also a great camera. So I have a strong bond to the Canon FD system and I really love it. I also once got a Canon A-1, but sold it when I got the New F-1. If you get the possibility, try that camera out. A great camera!

[@jasongold6751]

I was gifted the AE-1P. A great camera body. Of course the battery door broken. I mended it with bits of a Pepsi can! Covered in tape. The dreaded squeak may be causing wasted frames! I prefer my AV-1! Battery door easy to open, body forms a grip! The lenses are very good, simply lower contrast. I have the 50mm f1.8, the 28mm f2.8, the 35~105mm. It's a true zoom. Constant f4 max aperture! Has barrel and pincushion distortion. Heavy! OK for people shots, not straight lines. All were a gift! The AV-1 I bought for C$45.! Like mint.

[@MirkoMancini]

it's still my favorite, thanks for the video 👍

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

My pleasure!

[@framesngrains2933]

AE1P is awesome! I’ve had my black version since 2015 or 2016. I had the silver version but traded it for the black version when I was stationed in Korea. It’s been my go-to since. It’s never let me down and have had it serviced once for the squeal issue. I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it, thinking about it just makes me sad haha

[@rick-fstop-lewis]

The Canon AE1 Program was my first camera. It was given to me by a friend in 2000. I LOVE that camera! I also have a Canon AE1, and a small smattering of other cameras as well. I was thinking of doing a youtube video showing my cameras. I know there are thousands of shutterbugs doing the same but I figured it would be nice to be able to show you and a couple others my collection and work....... Peace and Sanity

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

You should show them if you have the time. If you do, drop me an email with the link. Cheers.

[@amosk24]

I was out with my camera and the battery was dead, and so no light meter. I have an old school Weston light meter but for outdoors, it was hard to tell how much of the bright sky it was including vs the darker ground. Ended up using my phones meter and it seemed much more reliable. Compared to my digital cameras, it is close enough in line with them to use as backup. Cheers Boss!

[@teleaddict23]

I have this camera but decided to upgrade to the Canon New F1 which I love, but I still sometimes prefer shooting with the Canon AE1 Program, as it just looks and feels so cool and it weighs less than the F1. I dropped mine unfortunately and had to replace the base plate and also change the light seals, so I’m currently getting through a roll to test it out. Great camera as is the whole FD line up. I may get an A1 to complete the collection.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Glad it didn't drop on your toes!

[@dirtywater5336]

I cut my teeth on an AE-1 still have it, although it is up on eBay for sale at the moment. I eventually upgraded to the A-1, which is more robust and doesn’t have any plastic gears in it. It has a dedicated AV and TV dial as well as fully manual. Very versatile camera. It’s basically my go-to for 35mm. Both the A-1 and the FD line of lenses are relatively affordable for the quality

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I don't know why they didn't put both priorities in the program.

[@framesngrains2933]

Thought of something else. When you were using your digital to check the Program’s meter, did you choose a specific photometer in your digital? I have a Fuji and it gives me four options: MULTI, CENTER WEIGHTED, SPOT, and AVERAGE. Which should I use to check the meter on my Program?

[@SergejKarssen]

Love the AE-1 P! But, prefer the A-1 with both TV and AV modes.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Me too Serge. I don't know why they couldn't do that with the Program.

[@comfortablyblind6853]

I like the AL-1 because it's aperture priority.

[@martinbuttrick]

I also had an ae1 and also a a1 loved the fd lenses. I had a problem with the ae1 later on think it was a metering problem as well. Thanks for the review

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks for sharing

[@MegaSoundscapes]

Thankx for the video ! Great camera. Got mine by accident, was looking war a FD 35 105 and found the lens in good condition with a AE1 program in excellent condition for something like 90 Euro. Interesting, I do calibrate my cameras similar way. I use my macs Finder's white background and that always gives me ISO400, 1/250, F2.8, measured with seconic, Canone F1New, EOS R, DOOMO. So whenever I get a new old camera, I do that test and then I know where I am at with it metering wise.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thats a good way to test. Like that

[@Diekolola10]

Is this still a good camera to pick up in 2024 if you want to get into photography

[@SloopJohnBeeRockabilly]

The only time I use shutter priority is for motorsport, rugby, football etc. Rest of the time it’s aperture priority or manual. 👍🤔.

[@amv-photography]

I bought mine in early ‘82 for £145. Currently have bnw film in it.

[@pd1jdw630]

For these old cameras I use an arduino with a laser receiver. I copied it of from CAMERADACTYL diy arduino camera shutter tester. It’s floating on KZbin. The tolerances back then were around 10 or 20%. So I don’t think it matters much this setup is a bit of. Anyways, nice video. 👍🏻

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Clever stuff to make one! Well done :)

[@pd1jdw630]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss it’s nice to now when to send it for a CLA.

[@Capturethelightraw]

I have a question do you know if there is a reel tank and reel for 24 mm film so I can develope it myself

[@rappler32]

Canon had a marketing boom around about that time. I recall Canon advertisements on TV in conjunction with the Olympics, re wildlife, et al. Are you being served?

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Are you free?

[@TonyLamannaArtStudio]

my first camera a gift when I was 16

[@TheRealCAPerry]

Not the AE-1, but had 3 of the A-1s in my time.

[@dflf]

Skp the program and get yourself an A-1 instead. That grip came on every AE-!P

[@cameraprepper7938]

I had Canon AL-1, AT-1, A1, AE-1, AV-1 but I never used those cameras, I sold those. I only used my Canon New F-1 Cameras.

[@Mosesybanez]

Yes I like this camera but anyone buying a canon a series slr should really look into buying the Canon A-1 roughly the same used market prices but and same great shooting experience but you not only get program Mode you get Shutter Priority and apruture priority and program Mode also a manual and instead of a very dated looking viewfinder with a bar showing speeds you get a digital read out in the viewfinder. It's very over looked but a better overall slr in option

[@scotthibbard5746]

I love your content. I am a new subscriber. I have the Canon A-1 which is the Canon AE-1 and the AE-1 Program combined plus some. It's hard to believe that the AE-1 and AE-1 Program are more popular than the A-1. I'm guessing it is because it is rare and no-one really talks about it. Check the Canon A-1 out if haven't done so already.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Scott.

[@Turgutyeter]

They are ok cameras. There is almost no repair if the electronic circuit dies or not worth getting it repaired. I would prefer Nikon FE2, FE, even Nikon FG series over Canon AE-1 program camera anyday

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thats the peril with most electronic shutters. Happened to my Canon EF and Yashica Electro. As you say the price for getting it fixed! Although both can be used still at higher speeds I think the Program is totally a door stop without a battery.

[@Fat-totoro-cat]

Had a number of these over the years, and I'm just not a fan. Guess I much prefer AP as an auto mode. My biggest gripe is that they are over priced on the second hand market, and I don't think the build quality or reliability warrants it.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers Tim. I also prefer AP. The build quality is solid I think. As for it being reliable, this one is still going apart from that canon cough.

[@АкваНуб-р5е]

Класс! Но сделайте пожалуйста субтитры🙏

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Я не знаю как, я пробовал. :(

[@АкваНуб-р5е]

​@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss всё, появились теперь!👍💥

[@expeditionsinsound2202]

I loved this camera minus one big flaw. The meter is useless in manual mode. Why Canon, why?

[@Capturethelightraw]

How would I go about sending you a lens Nikon ais 24 mm 2.8 I want to see what you think I'd like to send it to you the lens is a gift like to send you some 35 mm film as well I just wanna help also want to know what you think your very smart

[@Jennifer_Prentice]

I would rather that camera then my Pentax Program Plus. Hate that thing.. You have to be in good light so it shines into the front of this white plastic box shaped window so you can see the LCD screens inside.. I had to carry a tiny flashlight to shine into that window when it was low light to see the screens. Then to top it off you have two stupid buttons.. Up and Down lol. Not my favorite camera .. I like the good old fully manual cameras :)..

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I just had to Google that camera. Yes I see what you mean!

[@klofisch]

lol 300 Bucks for this thing.... the missing plate might be in the winder. there is a compartment to keep that

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

Taking the bottom plate of and go with needle inside the camera is not the proper way to fix the cough

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Nice find. I don't know why they didn't put both priorities in the program.

[@seencere7284]

man, you are doing seconic metering wrong - that’s why it suggests overexposing to you

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I was using it correctly for that scene and the light position. Pointing it toward the camera or toward the light is not always correct.

[@seencere7284]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss sure, it all depends on your intention. in this case - when you compare lightmeters - you „should” point white sphere towards your camera in order to „sum up” all light sources in similar manner as sees internal meters of your camera. in other words your seconic should have been placed in the same plane as your gray background sheet.