canon-ae-1-program-slr-35mm

Copyright photos: Mark Solarski

Canon A Series

Canon AE-1 Program

The Canon AE-1 Program is an SLR camera. It is the successor to the Canon AE-1 and was introduced five years after the extremely successful Canon model. The biggest innovation was, as the name suggests, the program automatic, which was adopted from the Canon A-1.

The lens of the Canon AE-1 Program is interchangeable. Lenses with a Canon FD bayonet (New FD) can be used. The Canon New FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC is often found with the 35mm camera. But also the Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 SC is not an uncommon combination. The camera or the lenses do not have an autofocus.

The Canon AE-1 Program is equipped with a built-in light meter. This is designed for an ISO range of 12 to 3200. The metering of the exposure takes place through the lens on the SLR camera. The Canon AE-1 Program can set the aperture and exposure time automatically (program automatic). There is also a time preselection (photographer = exposure time; camera = aperture) and a completely manual mode for taking pictures.

The camera comes with a Bulb mode. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time to expose the film. An external flash can be connected to the hot shoe. In addition, there is a PC flash socket.

Films for the Canon AE-1 Program

What kind of films are needed for the Canon AE-1 Program? You have to buy 35mm films for the camera. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. A 35mm film for color photography is the Fujifilm Superia 400*. A possible black and white film is the Ilford XP2 Super*.

The color film is designed to be developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo labs. For example, you can take your film to most drug stores for development.

The Canon AE-1 Program has a built-in self-timer and a connection option for a cable release. In addition, there is a thread for a tripod. The dimensions of the housing are 14.1 x 8.8 x 4.8 cm. It weighs in at 565 grams. The camera requires an LR44 battery (eBay / Amazon*).

Technical Specifications

camera_spec
Property Specification
Film format 35mm
Picture Format 36 mm x 24 mm
Lens type Interchangeable lens
Shutter Speeds 1/1000 to 2 seconds
Bulb Mode Yes
Adjustable aperture Yes
Adjustable shutter speed Yes
Auto exposure Yes
Light Meter Yes
Supported Film Speeds ISO 12 to ISO 3200
Flash Connector Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
Flash Sync Speed 1/60 second
Tripod Mount Yes
Cable Release Thread Yes
Self-timer Yes
Power Supply 1x LR44 battery
Size 14.1 x 8.8 x 4.8 cm
Dimensions in Inches 5.55 x 3.46 x 1.89 inches
Weight 565 grams
Release Date 1981
Age Up to 45 years
Production start 1981
Manufacturer Canon

Used Prices

The current average price for this camera is 171,27 € based on 99 offers, as of 6.7.2026.

Average Price per Year

  • 2026: 158,72 €
  • 2025: 169,40 €
  • 2024: 204,82 €
  • 2023: 194,24 €

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ about the Canon AE-1 Program

Is the Canon AE-1 Program a digital camera or a film camera?

What kind of lenses does this camera use?

How does the light meter work on the camera?

Can I use a flash with the camera?

What type of film does this camera take?

Canon A Series

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