The Canon AE-1 is an advanced manual focus SLR produced by Canon, Inc. between 1976 and 1985. It featured through the the lens (TTL) full aperture metering and aperture priority metering. At the time of its release, it was revolutionary with an integrated CPU. It can take the entire Canon FD series of bayonet mount lenses (which can be bought very inexpensively on ebay at a fraction of the EOS equivalents) as well as most FL and non-FD lenses. It has AE-lock, exposure compensation, multiple exposure ability, and depth of field preview features. It was leaps ahead of any of its Nikon counterparts at the time.
If you don’t believe me, read Mir.com’s Classic SLR Series report on the AE-1. This page also has a full manual on how to use the AE-1. KJSL calls it one of the most popular amateur cameras of all time. You also have to check out the Canon Museum’s AE-1 page. It features a cool 3D rotating display of the camera as well as advertisements of the time
I have to agree with the above reports. I teach college photoethnography and the AE-1 is definitely a camera that I would be happy if my students bought. It meets all the requirements of photography classes. It has full-manual metering as well as the convenience of shutter priority metering. The focusing screen is very bright and the split-screen focusing aid is very accurate. Best of all, the AE-1 is inexpensive and its lenses are also inexpensive. You could put together an entire AE-1 kit (35mm / 50mm / 135mm) for the cost of a Canon EOS Rebel body alone.
The AE-1 pictured (serial #29791x; since sold) was in pristine mint condition when I bought it. The AE-1 was built as late as 1985. I have the feeling this was a late-model because it is so clean. It even still has the black plastic cover on the flash mount and PC connections. It uses a 6V PX28A alkaline battery that you can get at any major drugstore, Radio Shack, or camera store.
This is an excellent camera for a student or as the second body of a professional who uses the FD system (which includes the excellent F-1). It was is perhaps the lightest of the metal-clad Canon FD body (ie, before Canon moved fully to polycarbonates in the T-series).
Source : http://www.bestdigicam.com
Popularity: 3% [?]
Viewed 858 times by 229 viewers
