Difference between revisions of "Canon AE-1"

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(specs, meter exposure, fsync speed, selftimer, vf)
(asa range, film transport and power specs)
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By using a microprocessor, [[Canon]] was able to simplify the design, and by using a highly automated production process, they were able to keep costs low. The AE-1 offered a modest reduction in body size compared to earlier models like the [[Canon FTb |FTb]], and the use of a metalized plastic top panel saved a few ounces. The result was one of the first affordable [[TTL]] autoexposure SLR cameras to hit the market.  The majority of consumer-level cameras at this time had, at best, manual [[TTL]] [[exposure meter]]ing.  After its introduction in 1976, the Canon AE-1 quickly became a very popular camera worldwide, eventually selling millions of units.   
 
By using a microprocessor, [[Canon]] was able to simplify the design, and by using a highly automated production process, they were able to keep costs low. The AE-1 offered a modest reduction in body size compared to earlier models like the [[Canon FTb |FTb]], and the use of a metalized plastic top panel saved a few ounces. The result was one of the first affordable [[TTL]] autoexposure SLR cameras to hit the market.  The majority of consumer-level cameras at this time had, at best, manual [[TTL]] [[exposure meter]]ing.  After its introduction in 1976, the Canon AE-1 quickly became a very popular camera worldwide, eventually selling millions of units.   
  
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The AE-1 used Canon's [[FD mount]], and a typical setup would include the extremely popular [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.8]] lens.  The electronic shutter traveled horizontally on the [[focal plane]], and offered speeds of: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and B.  [[Flash sync]] is at 1/60 sec with auto-switching, available through both PC connector and [[hot shoe]] with a contact for dedicated flashguns.  The [[self-timer]] is electronic with a delay of 10 seconds.
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The AE-1 used Canon's [[FD mount]], and a typical setup would include the extremely popular [[Canon FD 50mm f/1.8]] lens.  The electronic shutter travels horizontally on the [[focal plane]], and offered speeds of: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and B.  [[Flash sync]] is at 1/60 sec with auto-switching, available through both PC connector and [[hot shoe]] with a contact for dedicated flashguns.  The [[self-timer]] is electronic with a delay of 10 seconds.
  
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The exposure meter system is activated by pressing either the shutter release halfway or exposure preview button. It uses a silicon photo diode with a range of 1 to 18 [[EV]] (ISO 100, f/1.4). The finder has a matte screen with split image rangefinder surrounded by a micro prism collar. The meter display has under exposure LED and over exposure indicator. Holding back light button while pressing the shutter release increases the exposure 1.5 EV.
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The exposure meter system is activated by pressing either the shutter release halfway or exposure preview button. It uses a silicon photo diode with a range of 1 to 18 [[EV]] (ISO 100, f/1.4). The ASA setting is changed on the shutter speed dial with a range of 25 to 3200 ASA. The finder has a matte screen with [[split image rangefinder]] surrounded by a [[microprism]] collar. The meter display has under exposure LED and over exposure indicator. Holding the back light button while pressing the shutter release increases the exposure 1.5 EV. The film is advanced with a single stroke advanced leaver that sits on top of the shutter speed dial. Film rewinding is by a winding crank on the top shoulder of the body. The exposure counter sits by the film advance leaver and is a self resetting upward counting type. Rewinding the film also decreases the counter. The camera back has a film type memo holder. The camera is powered by a 6v 4R44 battery with the battery compartment at the front of the camera. It can be opened easily with the hot shoe cover.
 
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== Links ==
 
== Links ==

Revision as of 14:23, 1 June 2012

2216331194_b98253d777.jpg
Canon AE-1 with FD 50mm f/1.8 lens
image by blind puppet (Image rights)

The Canon AE-1 is a 35mm SLR with shutter-priority automatic exposure and manual override, produced by Canon in Japan, introduced in April 1976.

By using a microprocessor, Canon was able to simplify the design, and by using a highly automated production process, they were able to keep costs low. The AE-1 offered a modest reduction in body size compared to earlier models like the FTb, and the use of a metalized plastic top panel saved a few ounces. The result was one of the first affordable TTL autoexposure SLR cameras to hit the market. The majority of consumer-level cameras at this time had, at best, manual TTL exposure metering. After its introduction in 1976, the Canon AE-1 quickly became a very popular camera worldwide, eventually selling millions of units.

The AE-1 used Canon's FD mount, and a typical setup would include the extremely popular Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens. The electronic shutter travels horizontally on the focal plane, and offered speeds of: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and B. Flash sync is at 1/60 sec with auto-switching, available through both PC connector and hot shoe with a contact for dedicated flashguns. The self-timer is electronic with a delay of 10 seconds.

The exposure meter system is activated by pressing either the shutter release halfway or exposure preview button. It uses a silicon photo diode with a range of 1 to 18 EV (ISO 100, f/1.4). The ASA setting is changed on the shutter speed dial with a range of 25 to 3200 ASA. The finder has a matte screen with split image rangefinder surrounded by a microprism collar. The meter display has under exposure LED and over exposure indicator. Holding the back light button while pressing the shutter release increases the exposure 1.5 EV. The film is advanced with a single stroke advanced leaver that sits on top of the shutter speed dial. Film rewinding is by a winding crank on the top shoulder of the body. The exposure counter sits by the film advance leaver and is a self resetting upward counting type. Rewinding the film also decreases the counter. The camera back has a film type memo holder. The camera is powered by a 6v 4R44 battery with the battery compartment at the front of the camera. It can be opened easily with the hot shoe cover.

Links

6811569909_2b5d000662_m.jpg
AE-1 black
image by squirreltimes (Image rights)


Canon Cameras
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