Canon AE-1

1976

The AE-1 was introduced in 1976 and was international success. Up to this point, automatic exposure modes were relegated to top-tier, pricey models. The AE-1 was designed from the ground up to be affordable while offering a certain degree of automation. Canon was able to keep the price down by using circuit boards and a fair amount of plastic in the construction.

Technicals Specifications:

Original List Price (1976): $413.00
Street Price (1976): $199.95
Price in 2025 Dollars: $1109.05*
Manufacturer: Canon
Model: AE-1
Year Introduced: 1976
Film Format: 35mm
Lens: FD Bayonet, FDn
Shutter: Cloth Focal Plane
Self-timer: Yes
Shutter Speeds: B, 2 – 1/1000
Shutter Release: On top
Built-in Meter: Yes
Film Speed/ASA Range: 25-3200
Flash Sync: 1/60, PC Terminal, Hot shoe
Film Advance: Crank on top
Frame Counter: Yes
Exposure Modes: Manual, Shutter-Priority
Double-exposure capable: Yes
Finder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.86x magnification. Split-image with micro-prism collar.
Mirror: Quick return
Battery: 4LR44
Other points of note: Accepts Canon Winder A

*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com