Canon AE-1 User manual

ii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................ii
Introduction to using a Canon-AE-1..............................................................................................iii
Diagram of the Canon AE-1........................................................................................................... 1
Basic Controls................................................................................................................................. 2
Shutter Button ............................................................................................................................. 2
Lens Mount ................................................................................................................................. 2
Shutter Speed Control ................................................................................................................. 2
ISO Speed Control ...................................................................................................................... 2
Battery Door................................................................................................................................ 2
Aperture Ring.............................................................................................................................. 2
Film Rewind Crank..................................................................................................................... 2
Film Advance.............................................................................................................................. 2
Lens Cap...................................................................................................................................... 2
Battery Check Button.................................................................................................................. 2
Film Counter ............................................................................................................................... 2
How to hold the Camera.............................................................................................................. 3
How to load the Film ...................................................................................................................... 4
How to set the ISO.......................................................................................................................... 6
How to wind the film...................................................................................................................... 7
How to use the self-timer................................................................................................................ 8
Pre-shooting checklist..................................................................................................................... 8

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Introduction to using a Canon-AE-1
The Canon AE-1 is the first high end consumer camera produced by Canon. Its metal
plated plastic body is extremely durable. The Canon AE-1 is still popular since its
production in 1976.The Canon’s wide variety of lens choices and dual flash mounting
points makes it an extremely versatile camera.

1
Diagram of the Canon AE-1

2
Basic Controls
Shutter Button
The shutter button will expose the film when depressed.
Lens Mount
The lens mount is a ring that will properly orient and attach the lens to the
camera.
Shutter Speed Control
Shutter speed control is a circle mounted to the film advance lever that controls
the speed of the shutter.
ISO Speed Control
The ISO speed control is the ring on top of the shutter that sets the camera to the
proper exposure for the film.
Battery Door
The battery door is a hinged door that holds the battery in the camera.
Aperture Ring
The Aperture Ring is a metal ring on the lens barrel that controls the aperture
setting.
Film Rewind Crank
The film rewind crank is a metal crank that pulls the film back into the cartridge
from the take-up spool.
Film Advance
The film advance is a lever that pulls the film out of the cartridge onto the take-up
spool.
Lens Cap
The lens cap is a covering that protects the lens of the camera.
Battery Check Button
The battery check button that shows the amount of charge left in the battery.
Film Counter
The film counter shows how many pictures you have taken.

3
How to hold the Camera
Steady yourself or lean against a wall if possible
Support the camera lens with your left hand
Wrap your right hand around the right side of the camera with your index finger
over the shutter button
Use your left hand to control the focus and zoom on the lens
Keep your feet a shoulder-width apart with your dominate foot forward

4
How to load the Film
Pull up on the film rewind lever to open the back of the camera
Insert the film cartridge into the left side of the camera
Pull the film leader across the camera to the right side as shown

5
Insert the film leader into any slot on the take-up spool
Close the back of the camera
Advance the film until the film counter reaches “1” (the dot following the zero)

6
How to set the ISO
The ISO rating of the film is the level of sensitivity the film has to light. You must
choose the correct ISO setting for proper film exposure. The box the film came in and the
cartridge list the ISO speed of the film. Lift the knurled ring around the shutter speed dial
and turn it until the ISO speed of your film matches the green index.

7
How to wind the film
After you have exposed your entire roll of film, you will need to rewind the film from the
take-up spool back to the film cartridge. To do this, press the small black button on the
underside of the camera. Use the film rewind lever to retract the film back into its
canister. Refer to page (#) for how to load the next roll of film.

8
How to use the self-timer
1. Advance the film to the next frame
2. Push the self-lever forward to uncover the self-timer light
3. Depress the shutter button and the shutter will activate after a ten second delay
Note: To stop the self-timer before taking a picture, press the battery check button.

8
Pre-shooting checklist
1. Make sure the battery’s charge is above f/5.6
2. Load the film
3. Set the ISO correctly
4. Make sure the lens is properly attached
5. Hold the camera properly and make sure the lens is clean
6. Advance the film to the next frame