The Canon AE-1 Program - Lukas Fila
The Canon AE-1 Program. My first analog experience.
A few years ago when I was a beginner in photography I was looking for an easy-to-use starter camera. I had not much experience in taking pictures, just with a mobile phone and I wanted to try something new because I got more and more interested in cameras and the art of photography. After talking to some camera experienced photographers, I got recommended the Canon AE-1 Program, one of the most popular 35mm SLR cameras. A few days later I got it from my brother, together with a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens.
The AE-1 Program was introduced by Canon in 1981, five years after the classic Canon AE-1. The body is made of metallized plastic, so it looks like metal but is very light. The 'AE-1P' is the combined camera from the classic Canon AE-1 and the Canon A-1 with a program mode added on. The camera operates with a 6V battery, for example the PX28 / 4LR44. The shutter speed range is from 1/1000th of a second to two seconds. It has two different modes, first the 'Program' (automatic) exposure mode and second the manual mode, where you choose the shutter speeds. I would recommend to a beginner, to use the automatic exposure mode which is very helpful if you have not much experience in taking pictures.
To use the automatic mode, you need to turn the shutter speed dial to 'Program'. When using the 'Program' mode, the camera sets the shutter speed and the aperture settings automatically. This is the easiest way to take pictures when you are a beginner, so you can fully concentrate on the subject you want to get on the picture.
Some weeks ago, I thought it was time to take my camera out for an adventure. So I bought a Kodak Kodacolor ASA 200 color film and went two consecutive weekends to very nice places in Vienna.
I took some pictures at Wilhelminenberg while I was walking with my girlfriend and our dog. Some pictures were made from a platform of Schloss Wilhelminenberg, where you can see nearly half of Vienna.
As you can see on the images above, it was a cloudy weekend. I somehow like those gloomy pictures.
The second weekend was sunnier. Enjoy the view over beautiful Vienna.
Image taken at 60cm distance, the closest focusing distance of the 50mm f/1.8 Canon FD.
At the end of this blog, I just want to say that I was very excited to see the results and I am honestly very happy with them. I can fully recommend the Canon AE-1 to a beginner as you can try different modes, shutter speeds or aperture settings.
I would also recommend to try different films and genres of photography like for example street photography, architectural photography or portraits. At the beginning, you won't be 100% satisfied with the results but your skills and the results will improve in time and with each film you shoot.
So take out your camera and just have fun!
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