top of page

Canon AE-1 Review: A Dependable 35mm Film Camera



The Canon AE-1 is one of the most well-known 35mm film cameras. But even so, opinions on its quality are mixed. Is it a camera worth adding to your arsenal, or is it just a piece of plastic junk? Let's find out more.


Overview


Like many others, the Canon AE-1 was my first film camera, and I was lucky enough to get it from my Dad. At the time, I was a freshman in college and had never worked with film before. I was planning to major in cinematography, so I was determined to learn everything I could about the process.




When my Dad gave me his AE-1, he also gave me a camera strap, a telephoto lens (Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.8), and a 50mm f/1.8.


Looking back on all the photos I got with this camera, I am still impressed with the results. It has produced dependably good images time and time again.




Strengths



Durability


One of the reasons I was drawn to the Canon AE-1 was its build. Many articles condemn it for having so much more plastic than older SLRs (this was due to lower production cost, which in turn made the camera cheaper and more accessible in general), but it feels sturdy enough to me. Especially because before this camera, I was using so many that were more obviously made of plastic— like the Nikon D3000, the Canon t3i, and the Kodak Easyshare.




To quote Dmitri from Analog.cafe: "I believe that durable design is a product of smart engineering solutions. That is, plastic gears that exert well-calibrated force may weigh less and last longer than poorly made or stressed metal gear" ("Canon AE-1 Program Film Camera Review"). This is key, especially considering this camera has lasted two generations in my family, and hopefully even more to come.


I also recently discovered that the hot shoe cover opens the battery cap too. It may seem inconsequential (and I'm sure many 2nd hand AE-1s are missing their hot shoe covers), but regardless, I still love it. I am a big fan of multi-functional design, even in its smallest forms.




Manual & Auto Modes


The Canon AE-1 taught me how to use cameras manually. Every setting is clicked in by a knob or a dial, not hidden within pages of menu screens like many digital cameras today. Sometimes, and especially when you are a beginner, simpler is better. For me, it was important to have a firm grasp in understanding these basics, because this knowledge is translatable across all cameras.




Although the Canon AE-1 has auto exposure functions (shutter priority mode), I've only ever used it manually. The camera is so easy to figure out exposure through the meter, and the focus is still manual which takes time to set, so I honestly can't imagine the auto functions as being much of an advantage, unless you're trying to shoot quickly.


I think the physicality of learning the interplay of iso, shutter, and aperture was key. These are the building blocks of your exposure. And you dial them in one by one. The meter in the viewfinder makes this especially easy to understand, while at the same time providing just enough information to get creative.




Metering


The light meter inside the viewfinder makes it extremely easy to figure out exposure. Half-press the shutter, look through the viewfinder, and the needle on the right tells you which aperture is properly exposed at your current shutter and ISO.


Two advantages to this system. The first is that if you are pushing/pulling your roll, you can easily set the ISO (+/- 2 stops, or whatever it may be). That way, no math is involved when you set the aperture and take the picture. Easy! The less math the better— especially if the moment you're trying to capture is fleeting.




The second is that because the readout is of the apertures themselves, you can get a sense of the different exposure values within your image. This especially comes in handy when measuring contrast ratios on portraits or overexposure and underexposure. In this way, you know not only that the sky is overexposed, but by how many stops specifically.


Shutter Lock


One great feature of the AE-1 is that it has a shutter lock to prevent misfiring. To enable it, you twist the knob around the shutter button towards you. If the button accidentally gets hit, it won't waste a frame. This is especially helpful if you keep the camera on a strap or in a bag.




Lenses


After shooting almost exclusively with the Contax T2 (and its 38mm lens) for years straight, the Canon AE-1 has renewed my appreciation for interchangeable lenses. There is a wide range of options out there too.




My favorite lens to use is the 50mm f/1.8. This lens is great in low-light, and the depth of focus is just so dreamy. I also love that focal length because frames feel balanced and simple, whereas wider lenses can feel overcrowded.




With the right mount, it is also possible to use these vintage lenses on digital cameras as well. In fact, I've used the FD lenses on my Sony A7s ii and on a Canon 5D Mk ii for various projects. The result is a very soft and dreamy vintage look.


Light Leaks


I have had some issues with light leaks on the Canon AE-1, but you can always tape it up. Just make sure to tape up any hinges or openings where light could potentially leak onto the film. I always use gaff tape, but it also will leave a sticky residue on the camera— something to keep in mind.



Price & Availability


The Canon AE-1 is a popular camera, and many still exist in the world and are looking for homes— the camera is widely available and usually for a decent price. Make sure if you are buying one it is fully tested and from a reputable seller (though a couple of good reviews on eBay is usually enough to suffice for me).




Camera Repair


Because the camera is so popular, it's easy to find a place that will repair it, and for relatively cheap, depending on the issues and where you take it. This was especially important for me when it eventually came time to take mine in, as the sentimental value of the camera alone is worth preserving. But more on that in the next section.



Weaknesses


Awkward


The camera is a bit clunky. The interchangeable lenses can make the camera bulky— especially if you have a zoom lens. If you're going for small and inconspicuous, you might want to pass on this one in favor of a point-and-shoot. From the vintage silhouette to its shutter clicks, this camera will draw attention— even with a smaller lens.


The AE-1 has a breech mount, which means that after inserting the lens, you lock it with the rotating ring on the mount. This adds security, but in my experience, it can also be finicky. The ring can easily get stuck, making switching lenses a hassle— especially when trying to move quickly to get a shot. For this reason, it is also important to ensure it is locked in all the way, not just jammed, before you start shooting.




Adjusting Settings


I've only used this camera fully manually, and because of that, it always takes a moment to dial in my settings before snapping the shutter. Sometimes this comes at the cost of losing the moment I'd hoped to photograph.


A remedy to this could be to keep your exposure settings dialed beforehand, whenever possible, for changing lighting conditions. This way, when the moment comes you'll be ready. For example, if you move from indoors to outdoors, and plan to be in a specific area for a while, it might be worth metering the general exposure first, so then when you take a photo all you have to dial in is the focus.


This only works if you adjust for each new lighting condition— like when you go from a sunny area to a shaded one. It is not a fool-proof method, and if you need a camera that can capture moments quickly, a point-and-shoot may be a better option. Or, you know, you can also try program mode (I guess).




Technical Issues


When I recently took my AE-1 in for repairs, several things were wrong with it. The biggest issue, and also one of the most common with this camera, was that the advance knob wouldn't catch. The battery cover was also missing, and the repair shop suggested I replace the foam light seals on the film door hinge too.


Considering it's been through close to 48 years of use, the fact that these issues were within normal wear and tear is a testament to the camera's durability. Especially considering before this, the only time my Dad took it in for repair was for a lens issue. Also because the camera is such a popular film camera, spare parts are easy to come by, so it was back in my hands that same week.




Specifications


Camera type

Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)

Format

35mm

Lens

FD Mount (Interchangeable)

Shutter Speeds

Bulb, 1-2sec, 1/2-1/1000

Weight

590g (Body Only)

Battery

4LR44 6V

Special Features

Shutter lock Light meter Self-timer Flash sync



Conclusions


I believe what draws many of us to the film process is the sense of being fully present. It is truly meditative to look around and decide on each frame. Clicking and dialing each setting makes it feel real, only enhancing the experience. For that reason, I think this camera is truly perfect for beginners. It is simple to understand, and the tactile settings make it feel personal and intimate.


Personally, I am so grateful I learned film photography on this camera because the physicality of the camera made me completely fall in love with the process. So much so that my obsession eventually drew me into the world of medium format as well (something of a gateway drug). The quality of this camera truly holds up too— when I was initially reviewing old photos I took with it I was honestly surprised, and it made me want to pick the camera back up again after almost exclusively using my Contax T2.


I'd love to know your first film camera in the comments. Have you used the AE-1, what do you think?



Additional Photos I've Shot with My Canon AE-1




49 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page