Canon AE-1 review by Ian McCarthy
I’ve had the Canon AE-1 for a couple of weeks now and really had time to put it to the test.
Back in 1976, the Canon AE-1 took the market by storm, selling over 5.5 million worldwide. This was, in part, due to some clever marketing and the fact it featured auto-exposure. Auto Exposure in 1976 was reserved for professional-grade cameras that held a hefty price tag. As technology improved, allowing the use of some electronic parts within the camera, and a heavily automated production line, it was possible to create a low-cost camera with high-end features. According to the Canon Camera Museum, incorporating a microcomputer to control the camera saved 300 parts in the design, thus keeping the cost down. This allowed it to be aimed at the average enthusiast instead of the working professional.
One of the biggest pros of this camera is its design - it looks and feels great. The plastic is of good quality and makes the camera a little lighter. The battery cover has an additional piece to create a grip, making it comfortable to hold and shoot for long periods, a simple but great feature.
When you start to use this camera, you may notice a few of the cost savings elements, such as the winder. Although fully functional, it lacks the robustness other cameras of its era offer, likely due to being made of plastic internal components. The sound of the shutter also sounds lighter and somehow weak. In relation to functionally, neither is an issue, but when you use the camera you can feel there are areas of lower quality.
Most of my time with this camera was spent using the shutter priority feature, as it would have been used in its heyday. I found the metering to be very effective, delivering nicely exposed images, despite feeling somewhat over-complicated. The light metre works by pointing the needle to the aperture required in line with the set shutter speed, making the process a little less user-friendly than on other cameras, and less suited to a dynamic scene. The light meter itself is something I did not like, but this is purely a personal preference as it felt counterintuitive.
This camera was bundled with a 50mm F1.8 sc lens as a part of the supplied kit. It uses the Cannon FD mount and gives over 130 lenses ranging from 7mm to 1200mm. Although this 50mm lens does not have a full metal construction, it still feels pleasant to use and the focusing ring is smooth. The sharpness appeared a little soft at each extreme but felt acceptable for a camera of this level. When stepping down to F4 – F8, the sharpness is as expected and more than adequate. Overall, this is a decent “nifty fifty” that could be used as an everyday lens.
How does the Canon AE-1 stack up in 2024?
It is easy to see why this Canon is regularly spotted on the “best 35mm” camera list due to being light, well-fitting and comfortable in the hand, with a minimal learning curve to use. Mostly, it looks the part, is readily available, affordable, and with a good choice of lenses, this Canon fits competitively in the second-hand 35mm camera market. In 1976 the microprocessor was a great advance in technology, and good marketing placed this camera in the all-time 35mm best sellers list. However, in 2024, it is vulnerable, with any fault often proven to cost more than a replacement.
Canon was not always the giant of photography it is today and in part, owes its thanks to this camera. The AE-1 is a very capable camera, and whilst the lens mount is different to its modern-day counterparts, it will appeal to current Canon users delving into film photography for the first time.
From a personal view, if looking to buy from the 35mm market, I feel offerings from Nikon and Olympus, such as the FM or OM1, would be better value for money with superior construction and durability.
Ian’s Instagram: @jaie_photographyart
