Canon AE-1 Program - Learn More About This 35mm SLR Camera

The Canon AE-1 Program is an SLR camera. It is the successor to the Canon AE-1 and was introduced five years after the extremely successful Canon model. The biggest innovation was, as the name suggests, the program automatic, which was adopted from the Canon A-1.

The lens of the Canon AE-1 Program is interchangeable. Lenses with a Canon FD bayonet (New FD) can be used. The Canon New FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC is often found with the 35mm camera. But also the Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 SC is not an uncommon combination. The camera or the lenses do not have an autofocus.

The Canon AE-1 Program is equipped with a built-in light meter. This is designed for an ISO range of 12 to 3200. The metering of the exposure takes place through the lens on the SLR camera. The Canon AE-1 Program can set the aperture and exposure time automatically (program automatic). There is also a time preselection (photographer = exposure time; camera = aperture) and a completely manual mode for taking pictures.

The camera comes with a Bulb mode. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time to expose the film. An external flash can be connected to the hot shoe. In addition, there is a PC flash socket.

Films for the Canon AE-1 Program

What kind of films are needed for the Canon AE-1 Program? You have to buy 35mm films for the camera. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. A 35mm film for color photography is the Fujifilm Superia 400*. A possible black and white film is the Ilford XP2 Super*.

The color film is designed to be developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo labs. For example, you can take your film to most drug stores for development.

The Canon AE-1 Program has a built-in self-timer and a connection option for a cable release. In addition, there is a thread for a tripod. The dimensions of the housing are 14.1 x 8.8 x 4.8 cm. It weighs in at 565 grams. The camera requires an LR44 battery (eBay / Amazon*).

Technical datasheet

Technical specifications of the camera

Attribute	Specification
Type of Camera	Single lens reflex camera
Film format	35mm
Film transport	Manual
Picture format	24 mm x 36 mm
Lens mount	Canon FD lens mount
Focus	Manual
Viewfinder	Pentaprism finder
Exposure times	1/1000 second to 2 seconds, Bulb
Bulb mode	Yes
Light meter	Yes
Supported film speeds	ISO 12 to 3200
Auto DX (Film sensitivity)	No
Built-in flash	No
Flash Connection	Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
Flash sync speed	1/60 s
Tripod mount	Yes
Cable release thread	Yes
Self-timer	Yes
Power supply	1x LR44 battery
Size	14,1 x 8,8 x 4,8 cm
Dimensions in inches	5.55 x 3.46 x 1.89 inches
Weight	565 Grams
Estimated value / Used price	168,47 Euro 2962721571384147310281822198 i Estimate based on used prices of 96 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of January 5, 2026
Average used price in the year 2023	192,77 Euro (207.82 US-Dollar)
Average used price in the year 2024	205,90 Euro (221.89 US-Dollar)
Average used price in the year 2025	169,29 Euro (182.93 US-Dollar)

FAQ about the Canon AE-1 Program

Is the Canon AE-1 Program a digital camera or a film camera?

The Canon AE-1 Program is a film camera, specifically a 35mm SLR. It uses interchangeable lenses and requires film to take pictures. It doesn't have any digital components.

What kind of lenses does this camera use?

The camera uses Canon FD (New FD) mount lenses. Many different lenses are compatible. You'll often find it paired with the Canon New FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC or f/1.8 SC.

How does the light meter work on the camera?

The Canon AE-1 Program has a built-in light meter that measures through the lens. It works with ISO 12 to 3200 film. The meter helps determine the correct exposure settings.

Can I use a flash with the camera?

Yes, the camera has a hot shoe for connecting external flashes and also includes a PC flash sync socket. This provides flexibility in lighting conditions.

What type of film does this camera take?

The Canon AE-1 Program takes standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white films are compatible. You can develop these films at most photo labs.