Canon AE-1 Program (1981)

Canon AE-1 Program (1981)

#421

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Five years after the original AE-1 was introduced, Canon brought out an excellent upgraded version in 1981, known as the AE-1 Program or AE-1P in short. The AE-1 Program was considered as one of the two most elegant looking A series bodies (the other was the Canon A-1 in 1977).

The AE-1 Program was certainly a worthy successor. It was packed with improved features, which were not found in its predecessor. Among the features was the Programmed AE, (first debut in the A-1) in addition to the Shutter-priority AE and manual override modes. It also has eight user interchangeable focusing screens, using the new laser matte types as well as some with extra bright laser matte technology developed for the flagship model, the New Canon F-1. It has a new, dedicated Power Winder A2 that has additional remote capability, but the camera still accepts the older Winder A and can even share the Canon A-1's Motor Drive MA for up to 4 fps burst rate for action photography.

It also accepts most of the accessories within the FD system, including Data Back A, macro accessories, A and G-type of Canon Speedlites for fully automated flash photography. All FD, New FD and FL lenses are usable with the AE-1P. Full aperture metering is only possible with the FD and New FD lenses. Stopped-down metering with the FL lenses.

As with the Canon A-1, the AE-1 Program was indeed, very popular and well received by consumers. Although there were some minor shortfalls in its design to make it a true classic, it was still a worthy camera among its class during the years of its availability, from early to the mid-80s.

Obviously, the AE-1 Program was a much easier camera to use as compared to the multi-mode Canon A-1. Although the A-1 has more features and functions to control exposure, those available on the AE-1 Program were actually improvements over what the A-1 has and it has a more simplified way in controlling exposure, which made the camera an easier model for beginners to use.

Source: mir.com.my


Specifications

Type: 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with electronically-controlled automatic exposure (AE) and focal-plane shutter.
Exposure Modes: Programmed AE, shutterspeed priority AE, AE flash photography with specified Canon electronic flash units, and manual override.
Format: 24 x 36mm.
Usable Lenses: Canon FD (for full-aperture metering) and Canon FL and non-FD (for stopped-down metering) series lenses.
Standard Lenses: FD 50mm f/1.2, FD 50mm f/1.4, FD 50mm f/1.8
Lens Mount: Canon breech-lock mount.
Dioptric Adjustment: Built-in eyepiece is adjusted to standard -1 diopter.
Focusing Screen: Standard split-image/microprism rangefinder. Seven other types of interchangeable screens are available optionally.
AE Mechanism: Electronically-controlled programmed AE and shutter-speed priority AE metering system using one IC and three LSl's with  .
Light Metering System: Through-the-lens (TTL), Center-Weighted Averaging by silicon photocell (SPC).
Meter Coupling Range: EV 1 (1sec. at f/1.4) to EV 18 (1/1000 sec. at f/16) with ISO/ASA 100 film and f/1.4 speed lens.
Exposure Memory: EV locked in when shutter button is pressed halfway and the AE lock switch is pressed once. Exposure is memorized as long as shutter button is pressed halfway.
Exposure Preview: By pressing shutter button or exposure preview switch.
Shutter: Cloth, focal-plane, 4-spindle, electronically-controlled. With shock and noise absorbers.
Mirror: Instant-return, with shock-absorber.
Film Speed Scale: ISO/ASA 12 - 3200.
Shutter Speed Selector Dial: 2 sec.- 1/ 1000 sec.. plus "PROGRAM" and "B" With guard.
Shutter Release Button: Two-step, electromagnetic shutter release button. Also serves as exposure preview switch. With lock, cable release socket, and finger rest.
Main Switch: Three positions: "A" "L," and "S." At "L" all active circuits are cut off as a safety feature. "S" position is for self-timer photography.
Self-timer: Electronically-controlled. Main switch set to"S."Activated by pressing shutter button. Ten-second delay with electronic "beep-beep" sound. Number of beeps emitted per second increases two seconds before shutter release. Cancellation possible.
Stop-down Lever: For depth-of-field preview (FD lens) or metering (non-FD lens or close-up accessories).
Power Source: One 6v alkaline-manganese (Eveready [UCAR] No. A544,IEC 4LR44) silver oxide (Eveready [UCAR] No. 544, IEC 4SR44, Duracell PX 28), or lithium (Duracell PX 28L) battery. Battery lasts about one year under normal use.
Battery Check: "Beep-beep" sound when pressing battery check button. Six or more beeps per second indicate sufficient power; three or fewer beeps per second indicate insufficient power.
Flash Synchronization: X synchronization at 1/60 sec.; M synchronization at 1/30 sec. or slower. Direct contact at accessory shoe for hot-shoe flash. PC socket (JIS-B type) with shock-preventive rim for cord-type flash. Accessory shoe has contact for normal automatic flash plus special contact for AE flash with dedicated Canon Speedlites.
Automatic Flash: Full AE flash photography with specified Canon Speedlites. Shutter speed set automatically. Aperture controlled automatically according to setting of flash when pilot lamp glows.
Back Cover: Opened with rewind knob. Removable, interchange with Databack A. With memo holder.
Film Loading: Via multi-slot take-up spool.
Film Advance Lever: Single-stroke 120° throw with 30° stand-off. Ratchet winding possible.
Frame Counter: Additive type. Automatically resets to "S" upon opening back cover. Counts backwards as film is rewound.
Film Rewind: With rewind button and crank
Other Safety Devices: Camera will not function when power level insufficient. Film winding impossible while shutter is in operation.

Source: mir.com.my


Model

Serial number 1617353


Reference sites

mir.com.my


Manual

English manual

AE-1 Program service manual


Batteries

V28 PX 6V battery

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


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