Canon AE-1 Program

Canon AE-1 Program
Canon AE-1 Program with all-black finish
Overview
MakerCanon Camera K. K.
Type35 mm SLR
Released1981
Production1981-1989
Intro price¥60,000 (equivalent to ¥84,741 in 2024), body only; ¥92,000 (equivalent to ¥129,936 in 2024), w/New FD 50mm f/1.4SSC; ¥86,500 (equivalent to ¥122,168 in 2024), w/New FD 50mm f/1.8SSC
Lens
Lens mountCanon FD
Sensor/medium
Film speedISO 12 to 3200 [manual]
Recording medium135 film
Focusing
FocusManual
Exposure/metering
ExposureProgram, shutter priority, manual
Exposure meteringEV1 to EV18 @ ASA 100
Flash
FlashHot shoe
Flash synchronization1/60 s
Shutter
Shutter speed range2 s to 1/1000 s
General
Battery4LR44 6V battery or 4 LR44 1.5 volt batteries
Dimensions87×141×47.5 mm (3.43×5.55×1.87 in)
Weight575 g (20 oz)
Made inJapan
Chronology
PredecessorCanon AE-1

The Canon AE-1 Program is a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera that uses Canon's FD mount lenses manufactured by Canon Camera K. K. (today Canon Incorporated) in Japan and introduced in April 1981 as the successor to the Canon AE-1, five years after that camera's introduction. The major difference was the addition of the Program AE mode first seen in the A-1. This mode sets both the shutter speed and aperture automatically—albeit with a slight bias towards the shutter speed setting. The user focuses the camera and then presses the shutter button. For those desiring more control, the AE-1's shutter priority auto-exposure and full manual modes are still available.