Thanks for watching, Jon! Would you believe I’ve never shot a roll through an AE-1 Program? 😉 I’ve probably held thousands over the years but I’ve never actually used one! - Connor

@@Kamerastore As an occasional film shooter, what I appreciate about these cameras is that it's almost impossible not to get a well-exposed picture. Mine wasn't cheap since it had just been serviced, but it has never let me down ever

Thanks for watching! - Connor

Glad to help!

Thanks for watching Oliver! - Connor

Awesome! I hope it works for you (-: if you ever need help, some film, or a new lens, don't hesitate to find us at kamerastore.com ! Thanks for watching! - Connor

Congrats! Cameras that work properly are getting rarer and rarer every day, especially out in the wild. I hope it takes good photos for you in the future (-: - Connor

They are great cameras!

@@Kamerastore Yes, although over-hyped now, especially the AE-1P. There are plenty of better buys around.

@@Kamerastore Sir, When will the Pentax k1000 be back in stock again??

@@jaydipbiswas4387 When someone sells us a K1000! Sign up for our email list at kamerastore.com/my-account to be the first to know about new stock!

Too many to choose from on Kamerastore! I'd start by comparing systems (Canon FD, Canon EF, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, etc.) Are the lenses you need available at a reasonable price? And then look at bodies - which ones have the feature set you need? Canon EOS/Rebel cameras don't have the hipster vintage street cred of older cameras, but are a much better shooting experience and will give great results. It all depends what you're into and why you enjoy shooting film.

Those older Canon lenses can be tricky! Glad we could help. Thanks for watching! - Connor

Happy to help, Lex! Thanks for watching! Feel free to message us on IG @kamerastorecom if you have any questions. - Connor

You're welcome! Hope the video was helpful (-: - Connor

It is a chunky lens! The perspective doesn't help either 🙃 It's not so bulky in actual use, I promise! - Connor

@@Kamerastore thanks ! i have the FD 50mm F1.4 ssc, it's already bulky too, so i purchased a nFD 50mm f1.4 for my AE-1P and T70. But congrats to your 55mm lens, it's a dream of course ( i guess ).

It does!

Hey Christopher! Make sure to have the lens set to "A" mode as well to get programmed exposure! Otherwise, the best way to tell would be firing the camera at different light levels and seeing how it reacts. If it chooses a different shutter speed when you point it directly at a lamp versus covering the lens with your hand, then the camera is at least reading and reacting to light! Hope that helps! - Connor

@@Kamerastore Ah, that was it! Didn’t realize both the lens and shutter speed had to be set to Auto for that green P to show up. Starting off, I’ve just been setting the shutter speed to Program and dialing the aperture to my liking. Is exposure not being programmed like this? What’s happening instead? Aside from that little scare, I do think the camera is working perfectly. :)

@@Christopher_Ray Honestly, I'm not sure what happens when the lens isn't in A! The manual only says that auto exposure is impossible with this setup. I'll test it on Monday and see what happens, but the camera is not capable of aperture-priority auto exposure so I assume your photos will not be properly exposed. - C

I would try it with a fresh battery, but if that doesn't work it likely has some kind of electronic issue! It's important to buy from a trusted source that checks and tests their cameras properly. Saves you a ton of time, energy, and money in the long run (-: Thanks for watching! - Connor

any lens that is Canon FD mount will fit your AE-1! You can search Canon FD on our site (beta.kamerastore.com) and see a host of bodies, lenses, and accessories for that system! The lenses will all fit your camera.

if your shutter is firing at ANY time aside from when you press the shutter button, the camera is not working properly. I'd double check to see if your self-timer is on, or if the camera is receiving enough power from the battery, but it seems as if your camera is not working properly. Feel free to message us on instagram @kamerastorecom if you'd like more help! - C

@@Kamerastore that is not the case at all. I think I didn’t explain properly. I use program mode to shoot but the P doesnt show in the view finder unless I click the shutter & the camera takes a picture. I dont get to lineup the 2 images on the split prism so that my focus is better.

@@kabelosamantha The Green P has nothing to do with the split prism in the middle. That split prism should be visible even if there are no batteries in the camera. The mirror should be down between shots, giving you the full view of the viewfinder like you see in the video. You'd then rotate the lens to line up the top and bottom. This should work exactly the same regardless of what mode you have the camera in and regardless of the presence of batteries. Please send us a message on Instagram so we can help you troubleshoot! - C

@@Kamerastore you’re right I can see the split prism ,however not the green p when Im not shooting. I only see it when Im shooting. I will send a message on instagram .

As described in the video, the AE-1 Program has access to full manual, shutter priority, and full program exposure. No aperture priority mode is available! Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching, Nikolas! For your first roll, you can either do color or black & white. I'd recommend something on the cheaper side just to experiment with, so for color I'd recommend Kodak Colorplus / Gold 200 and for black & white maybe something like Ilford HP5+ ! Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram @Kamerastorecom if you have more questions. - Connor

@@Kamerastore thank you!!! 🙏

Hey Jeremy, By shutter extending, do you mean the shutter isn't closing after opening? The shutter in the AE-1 Program consists of two cloth curtains that fire one after the other. If the second one isn't firing, the shutter will remain open indefinitely. Happy to help you troubleshoot a bit! - Connor

What do you expect for $15?

The camera uses a 4LR44 battery and normal 35mm film! A 35-105mm lens is a pretty normal zoom, so it should be well-suited to most normal photography! A good "jack of all trades, master of none" lens. If you ever have questions about operation that aren't covered in this video, feel free to message us on Instagram @kamerastorecom ! - Connor

There is a good amount of both plastic and metal inside the AE-1. There's a metal frame, especially around the mirror box, but lots of plastic and wiring supporting the internal circuitry. Hope that helps! - Connor

Hey Maria! Do you have a battery inside the camera? Do you have the lens set to "A" as well as the body set to "Program"? Is the shutter firing normally and changing speeds when you adjust the shutter speed dial? Thanks for watching! - Connor

⁠@@Kamerastorehi I have a battery in mine and I have it set to A and Program :( what do I do??

@@Birdgone. Hey! Is the shutter firing? Try firing the camera (in A and Program mode) when pointing the camera at a bright light and then again while covering the lens. Is the sound the same? It should be a much longer shutter opening when the lens is covered, so you may hear two clicks separated by a bit of time instead of just one. You can also send us a message on Instagram @kamerastorecom so I can try to help there! Thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey there! Yes, that's correct. The AE-1 Program was a consumer-grade camera intended for use primarily in either shutter priority or full program mode. Features like built-in shutter speed readout were reserved for Canon's higher end offerings, like the A-1 and F-1. That was actually a big advantage the Minolta had at the time and probably helped them sell more to the advanced amateur market! Hope that helps. Thanks for watching! - Connor

The AE-1 Program will likely be better for a true beginner like you. The "Program" mode means the camera will pick both the shutter speed and aperture for you, meaning that you will only have to set the ISO (to match your film) and focus manually. The OM-1 will require setting the shutter speed and aperture manually on top of everything above. Let us know if you need any help figuring out your AE-1 Program! We also have a video on the OM-1 if that would help you. - Connor

The M means manual mode! So that means your lens is not set to the green "A" discussed in the video. In manual mode, the camera will still give you an aperture value on the right side. You have to take this number and set your aperture ring to the same number in order for the photo to be properly exposed. In terms of focusing, we cover that in the viewfinder section! You're looking to line up the top and bottom images of the split prism in the center. As you focus, you should see them moving left and right. When the image is lined up, whatever subject you have in the split prism will be in focus! Hope that helps. - C

No! The AE-1 Program has Program mode, Shutter Priority, and manual exposure as explained in the video. Thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey Nikky! That does seem like there's some issue with your shutter. The sound you're describing could be a slow shutter speed, though. What setting do you have the shutter speed dial on? - Connor

@@Kamerastore I’ve only been using the camera on Program mode so I’m not choosing!

@@beautysensexo & you're sure the lens is in A mode as well? Sorry, just have to ask! But yeah, it might be helpful if you reach out to our customer service via Instagram so we could maybe get a video of the issue. We'd be happy to help! - Connor

It's possible the camera is not working properly or the internal LEDs are just burnt out. I would remove the film first off, better to troubleshoot before you take any shots! Next, I would put the camera in Program mode and fire the shutter when pointing the camera at a bright light. Then fire the shutter when pointing the camera into a dark shadow or while covering the lens with your hand. If Program mode is working properly, the camera will fire at two very different shutter speeds in these situations and you should be able to hear the difference. Even if a film camera looks good, the only way to know it works properly is to have professional testing equipment like we do. Feel free to send us a message on Instagram @kameratorecom if you want more help troubleshooting! - Connor

Hey there! Yes, when in manual mode the camera will flash which aperture it would select in the viewfinder when you half-press the shutter. You must then rotate the aperture ring to match that number in order to achieve proper exposure. Thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey Daysi! Assuming all the LEDs are turning on and everything seems okay, I would double check the shutter lock (it's a lever around the shutter button) and also make doubly sure the film advance has been pulled. The shutter can only fire after the advance lever has been wound. If you want, you can send us a short video of you trying to fire the shutter over Instagram @kamerastorecom and I can try to help there! - Connor

i swear “bitch” was a typo so sorry

Hey Gabe! The sliding piece is the depth-of-field preview. If you slide it in, the lens aperture will close and show you an accurate preview of what's in or out of focus. The black dot is a plastic cover for the PC sync port! If you're using an older flash, you'll have to connect a cord to the camera using this port. Hope that helps, thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey Kristin! The first thing is to make sure the battery is installed correctly. The positive side should be facing the top of the camera. If it is, then it's worth checking if the camera's autoexposure is working at all. Put the camera fully in program mode (program mode on the shutter speed dial, A mode on the lens) and then test it. With no film inside, point the camera at a bright light and fire the shutter. Then do the same at a dark spot, like under a desk. If AE is working, you'll get a much longer shutter speed when pointing the camera under the desk. Basically, even if the LEDs in the viewfinder aren't working the camera could still be exposing properly. It's definitely a bummer if the LEDs don't work, but in this situation I'd recommend just leaving the camera in program mode and trusting it to pick the right exposure settings. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching. - Connor

It's a doable camera for a beginner! It's not as simple as an autofocus camera but when used in Program mode the camera is capable of making most of the decisions for you. In terms of vintage-looking cameras (IE nothing from the 90s or newer) the AE-1 P is one of the best choices! - Connor

The two buttons are the Auto-exposure lock and light meter preview, and the switch at the bottom is the depth-of-field preview! Hope that helps. - C

This video is about the AE-1 Program, not the AE-1. They're different cameras! The AE-1 (no program) is older and will have a needle system instead of LEDs. It also won't have program mode, only shutter priority and manual modes. Thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey there! The AE-1 Program doesn't have a dedicated way to take double exposures, but it can still be done! We didn't go over it because it's more of an advanced technique. It may be a bit finicky, but do the following: 1. Take your first image. 2. Press the rewind button on the bottom of the camera. 3. Advance the film with the film advance lever. (This should prep the shutter without moving the film). 4. Take your second image! I wouldn't recommend using Program or automatic modes for double exposures, though, since you should slightly underexpose when doing double exposures. Probably best done in manual mode! Thanks for watching! - Connor

Pentax Q

The Bokeh button was added in the Canon AE-1B

Hey there! Yes, Portra 800 is an ISO 800 film. (-: Usually you can trust that the number on the box is the ISO of the film. Happy to help, though, and thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey Alice! Are you sure the battery is installed correctly and both the lens and body are in "A" and "P" mode respectively? Do the LEDs light up when the camera is NOT in Program mode? Let us know! - Connor

The camera won't work properly in this mode. Both need to be set to A. Canon's own manual says "If you forget to do this, automatic exposure will be impossible". They don't say what happens when you fire the camera in Program mode with the lens not set to A. (-: So basically, don't try it! Thanks for watching! - Connor

It's hard to be 100% sure based on that description, but I'd say your lens is likely damaged. It likely requires professional repair or replacement. You can find plenty of FD mount lenses on our website, kamerastore.com!

Hey Victoria! Have you tried a new battery? While the LEDs not working isn't a death sentence, it does mean you won't be able to tell what the camera is suggesting in terms of shutter speed, aperture, etc. This might make it difficult to use the camera in anything but Program mode. Feel free to send us a message on Instagram @Kamerastorecom and I'll be happy to help! - Connor

It's definitely possible, Linus! We have many of them kicking around our store, fully repaired and waiting for new homes! Thanks for watching! - Connor

@@Kamerastore Sweet

This is a great beginner camera, as a camera that shows what the lens is going to photograph you will get a very similar image, it will only vary with the aperture you choose but you can preview it with the stop down slide. This camera has been for decades the first camera for many, once learned the basics it can stay with you or you can move on to a more manual control camera if that is your desire.

@@Kamerastore Thank you very much 😄

Hi Anna! The Canon AE-1 Program is a 35mm stills camera. It does not have a video mode. You can make a stop motion video with it, but not a traditional video! Hope that helps! - Connor

You should do your best to finish the roll within a few months of starting it. Film only has a lifespan of a few years without proper storage, and it's not good to let a camera sit unused for a long time. You could run into battery or mechanical issues on top of film degradation. You don't have to shoot the entire roll at once, but don't leave the film inside for many months or years. Thanks for watching! - Connor

@@Kamerastore thank you for the help!

It will likely require service of some kind. Sitting without use is generally not good for cameras. Canon A series cameras are known to develop the "Canon Cough" where the shutter makes a cough/wheeze like sound instead of the usual noise. Doesn't affect function, really, but there could be other underlying issues as well. It may be useable, and you may get good photos with it, but using it without servicing it will shorten it's lifespan long-term. Hope that helps! - Connor

@@Kamerastore I appreciate that. It has literally been in the same spot for 35-years. But it is a spot with no temperature extremes; safe and dry. The camera looks great. Later this week. I will put in a new battery, a roll of 400 film and snap a few pics indoors and in the yard. I suspect some weirdness like you said, but at least I'll know what I've got left. .

You'll have to set the ISO differently to get good results with expired film. Generally, the rule is to set the ISO up by one stop for every 10 years of expiration. So if your film is 200 ISO and 10 years old, set it to ISO 100. If it's 20 years old, set it to ISO 50, etc etc. Film loses sensitivity over time as it ages, so this will expose the film to more light and (hopefully) get you usable photos. If you do this, Program mode should work fine. Thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey Eddie! There's a chance the LED is just burnt out or that your camera isn't working properly. What you can do to test the camera is (without film inside) fire the shutter while pointing the camera at a bright light and then again while covering the lens. If the Program system is working, your shutter speed should change and be significantly slower when fired into the dark. Hope that helps! Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram @kamerastorecom if you'd like more help troubleshooting your camera. Thanks for watching! - Connor

The AE-1 P works in manual mode! Just make sure that the shutter speed dial is not set to "Program" and the aperture dial is not set to "A". The camera will then recommend an aperture based on the shutter speed you have selected (in the viewfinder), which you'll have to manually select on the lens itself. It's a bit different than the match needle system you may find in something like a K1000, but the AE-1 P really was intended to be used primarily in some kind of auto mode. Hope that helps! - Connor

It could be the notorious "Canon Cough". This often sounds like a wheezing sound when the shutter is fired and means the camera has not been properly maintained. Just like a car or any other piece of technology from 50 years ago, cameras require regular maintenance to continue working normally. Ours sounds normal because we service all the AE-1 and AE-1 Programs that we sell. (-: - Connor

make sure your lens is set to "A" as well!

Hi both lens and body is set to P but in the view finder idont see the P but the aperture changes depending on the environment light, also the nob wont go to B, is my camera faulty??

Hey Richelle! For shutter speed, anything over 1/60s (it just says 60 on the shutter speed dial) would be good. Below that and you'll end up with camera shake if you're not using a tripod. If you need to capture fast-moving subjects, use anything over 1/250s and it should be okay! Aperture is a lot more subjective because it controls depth of field. For portraiture, many people like a shallow depth of field (blurry background, sharp subject). To get this effect, you'll want low aperture numbers (like 1.8 on a normal 50mm f1.8 lens). For landscapes, you'll want a larger number so you get more thing in focus. Most lenses are generally sharpest around f5.6-f8, as well. I'd recommend focusing mostly on the shutter speeds in the beginning (especially since the AE-1 Program can control the aperture for you when the lens is set to "A") and working into fully manual exposure after a few rolls. Thanks for watching! Feel free to reach out here or on Instagram @kamerastorecom if you have more questions! Happy to help! - Connor

@@Kamerastore thank you so much!!

Hey Danny! I would recommend taking the film out of the camera until you're sure it's working normally. It sounds to me like you have the shutter cocked and just have to press the shutter button to release it. I may be misunderstanding, in which case feel free to message us on Instagram @kamerastorecom where you can send a video of the issue. - Connor

The flashing "P" is a camera shake warning! It means that the camera needs to use a shutter speed below 1/30s in order to properly expose the film in the current lighting situation. It should be solid if the camera is able to expose properly! Thanks for watching! - Connor

Hey Heron! If the battery is properly installed the light meter should work normally. If it isn't, it's possible the camera isn't working properly. Is the shutter firing? Does the noise change when you fire the shutter pointed at a bright light vs a dark shadow? Feel free to message us on Instagram @kamerastorecom to troubleshoot a bit more. Thanks for watching! - Connor

@@Kamerastore it’s working another question when lens is mounted and I move aperture ring I don’t see it changing now if I use that depth of field button and change it It does change am I doing doing something wrong

@@herondelacerda No! Everything is fine. The AE-1 uses what's called "open aperture metering" which means the lens is always wide open when mounted. The camera is still metering properly and it knows what aperture you have selected, it just keeps the lens wide open so you have a brighter view of your frame. Totally normal. (-: - Connor

@@Kamerastore oh ok good to know thank you for the useful information on this I appreciate it

There’s also film loaded inside

Hey Val, thanks for watching and I'm sorry to hear about your camera! It's a bit hard to diagnose with just that information. I assume the shutter isn't working properly either, in which case it could be having some kind of electronic issue. I'd recommend reaching out to the seller. Unfortunately, many camera sellers do not have proper equipment to test and check their cameras, so a lot of responsibility for issues is transferred to the buyer. You can also message us on Instagram @Kamerastorecom and we can try to help a bit more. - Connor

You're right! That's totally my mistake. This was our first "How-To" video and we hadn't figured out exactly what to include or not include. Specifically, we thought film loading might warrant its own video. After this one, though, we decided to include film loading as part of the How-To. Luckily, the AE-1 Program is loaded very similarly to many other 35mm SLRs so you can check out another one of our How-Tos and follow from there. If not, let me know and I'll be happy to help you through it. Thanks for watching! - Connor