Canon AE-1 Program
The Canon AE-1 Program is a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera that uses Canon's FD mount lenses. It was introduced in 1981 as the successor to the Canon AE-1, five years after that camera's introduction. The major difference was the addition of the Program AE mode first seen in the A-1. This mode sets both the shutter speed and aperture automatically—albeit with a slight bias towards the shutter speed setting. The user focuses the camera and then presses the shutter button. For those desiring more control, the AE-1's shutter priority auto-exposure and full manual modes are still available.
 Canon AE-1 Program with all-black finish | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Canon Camera K. K. |
| Type | 35 mm SLR |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Canon FD |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Film speed | ISO 12 to 3200 [manual] |
| Focusing | |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure | Program, shutter priority, manual |
| Exposure metering | EV1 to EV18 @ ASA 100 |
| Flash | |
| Flash | Hot shoe |
| Flash synchronization | 1/60 s |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter speed range | 2 s to 1/1000 s |
| General | |
| Battery | 4LR44 6V battery or 4 LR44 1.5 volt batteries |
| Dimensions | 87 × 141 × 47.5 mm |
| Weight | 575 g |
| Made in | Japan |
Like the A-1, the AE-1 Program has a right-hand "action grip" on the front of the camera. It also supports the A-1's Motor Drive MA; this requires another electrical contact on the base plate. The AE-1's Power Winder A, and a new, faster Power Winder A2, are also supported. The viewfinder uses LEDs to show information to the user.
Also like the A-1, the AE-1 Program supports interchangeable focusing screens. Unlike the A-1, though, which specifies that screens should only be changed by the factory or by experienced service technicians, those on the AE-1 Program can be changed by the user. The camera came standard with the new split/microprism screen, but seven others were available. Unfortunately, the AE-1 Program retains the older A-series type electromagnet-controlled cloth-curtain shutter that limits top shutter speed to 1/1000 of a second, together with a rather slow flash sync speed of 1/60 second. In the years since the AE-1 Program was introduced, this shutter design has also proven to be more maintenance-intensive than modern vertical-travel metal blade designs. The camera's electronics and electromagnets are powered by one 4SR44, PX28A, A544, K28A, V34PX, 4LR44, or L544 alkaline batteries. The focusing screen on the AE-1 Program is brighter than any previous focusing screen on any Canon manual focus camera, allowing the user to focus with greater ease with "slow" lenses (up to f/5.6). It is the same focusing screen design that is used in the newest model of the top-of-the-line Canon F-1 (known as the New F-1).
The additional electronics used for the program features of the AE-1P have resulted in more electronic gremlins over the years, and the model is considered by some more difficult to repair than earlier and simpler A-series cameras. In its day, however, the AE-1 Program's automated features and simple controls helped introduce many new consumers to the SLR camera.
Canon AE-1 Program body with silver finish
Canon AE-1 Program with telephoto lens and power winder
AE-1 Program with Canon 50mm 1:1.8
AE-1 program
