MrMichky.'s Review of Canon AE-1 35mm SLR camera
28th Nov 2001
Overall Rating
- Value for money

- Features

Easy and takes great pictures. Simple and steardy it's one of a kind. Wouldn't use another.
Bad Points
I don't have all the extras.....yet.
General Comments
I love my canon AE-1 SLR. it's the best thing next to thanksgiving. I wouldn't use another camera if my photo career depended on it. It's God's gift to photographers.
On average, people found this review helpful
Members' Comments onMrMichky.'s Review
canon fanatic. on 26th Dec 2001
Moderntech. on 29th Sep 2002
As posted: My first Canon A series had an awful squeak when triggered. Canon would NOT repair these under warranty! Although camera shops have adapted a shutter fix for some serious change, (out of your pocket!) The battery door is horribly designed and executed! The cost of this repair alone will generally set you back $90.00 or so. For just the price of that repair you can purchase a good used camera that won't set you that far back on repairs and you can pocket some change as well! Note: the repaired battery door will fail also. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE metal, manual, precision 35MM cameras. But these cookies are like a black hole that you keep sinking money into, (Unless you don’t mind taping up the front of your little prize.) The used Canon lenses and accessories although excellent are on the expensive side and offer little over other quality manufacturers. All in all, I'd pass on these and purchase something more reliable with more reasonably priced lenses/accessories. I do note that a lot of posters here are first and only Canon A series users. I also understand first loves can blind one to flaws and other, better choices...
Duncan. on 6th Apr 2003
I agree with 'Moderntech' about the battery door - mine got chipped somehow a few years ago but I managed to repair it with 'Superglue'. Otherwise, my AE-1 is very robust and has worked reliably and well during the 21 years I've used it (in the UK, Spain, USA and Finland) and is still on only its 2nd battery. Picture quality is consistent and extremely good (mostly I use the 50mm Canon prime lens). Yes, it's heavy, but has that 'real' camera presence. And I'm in no position to criticise its weight anyway, being owner of an old Land Rover - and a Zenit-E. In fact, a most delightful aesthetic factor is the overall feel of camera as a photographic instrument and that lovely chunky click [those of you out there with a Canon G2 digital, do you realise that Canon appear to have imported the very same sound as a user option?] For the first time since buying the AE-1 s/h all those years ago, I recently had it serviced (!), prompted by a need to repair the timer and (while they were at it) to replace the battery door. Now, the timer's OK again, but (guess what?) they couldn't find a spare battery door. So they've improved on my repair job instead. But all that said, the camera is basically sound and reliable. And when it does need attention, it seems to degrade gradually (rather like the Land Rover) with fair warning, meanwhile trundling along in stalwart fashion. As with any 'no battery - no click' camera, though, make sure you have a spare battery handy.
As an old-timer (>60 yrs) my verdict after 21 years with this camera? Robust, reliable, nice heavy-metal feel (if you like that sort of thing) and by no means least, it has character.
Web Links
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Modern Classic SLR Series - Canon AE-1
However, the AE-1 was not in anyway a professional-grade SLR as compared to the Canon F-1. It was generally regarded as a classic and ... Modern Classic SLR Series; The Canon AE-1 - Index Page
www.mir.com.my -
The Canon AE-1 Program - Index Page
Modern Classic SLR Series; Canon AE-1 Program - Index Page ... Canon AE-1 Program, 1981 ... Canon AE-1 Program US Navy Model - not an official variant but version that used by the US Navy.
www.mir.com.my -
Canon AE-1 camera manual
: I have a Canon AE-1 Camera (thats all I know). After my grandfather passed away I was given this camera. There arent any instructions on how to use this camera.
www.acecam.com -
Canon AE-1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Canon AE-1 was a 35 mm single-lens reflex (SLR) film camera for use with interchangeable lenses. It was manufactured by Canon Camera K. K. (today Canon Incorporated) in Japan from April 1976 to 1984. It used an electronically-controlled, electromagnet horizontal cloth focal...
en.wikipedia.org -
Canon AE-1 Program - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Canon AE-1 Program was a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera that used 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...
en.wikipedia.org -
CameraHobby - Canon AE-1 Program Review
These were the main selling features of the AE bodies and such electronic bodies from both Nikon and Canon acknowledged more consumer-oriented offerings.
www.camerahobby.com -
Nikon EM, Canon AE-1 Program
photos and description of the nikon EM and Canon 35mm ae-1 program ... In addition the camera was able to exposure manually at 1/90 sec. if the battery went dead.
www.clickondavid.com -
Huron Camera - Home
At Huron Camera we offer a wide selection of photography-related supplies, such as lighting and Studio professionals love checking out the latest, ... Hobbyists appreciate our used equipment deals,
www.huroncamera.com -
Canon AE-1 instruction manual, user manual, PDF manual, free manuals
On-line camera manual library ; This may take 3 full minutes for the file to download. ; If you find this manual useful, how about a donation of $3 to: M. Butkus, ... Canon AE-1; Posted 9-21-'06
www.butkus.org -
Vintage Canon AE-1 SLR Camera | Gear Patrol
Read More About: ae 1, canon, slr, vintage ... I?ve had my AE 1 since my childern were very small. They are now 24 and 26. I have all the lenses ... I?m sorry I have pictures in your blog canon AE-1
gearpatrol.com



I think he is right for the most part, except I believe the AE-1 program is slightly better for the design and not much more to show specification. Me myself think that the A-1 is not quite as nice as the AE-1. Well, that's all I have to say.