Canon AE-1 Manual page 19

Composition Since the AE-1 has automatic exposure control with shutter priority, you can
concentrate on the actual picture you are going to take without worrying about exposure
differences that may occur with changing subjects. Viewing is performed through the lens,
and there is no difference between the viewfinder image and the image exposed on the film as
opposed to the image provided by a separate viewfinder which is affected by the parallax
between the viewfinder and the camera lens.
Releasing the Shutter The Canon AE-1's shutter button uses a magnetic release system. The
shutter button travel is very short and activated by a very gentle touch. When you press the
shutter button, try to squeeze the shutter button gently with your finger.
At the moment of shooting, you should hold your breath while the shutter button is being
pressed.
Rewinding the Film When the film advance lever cannot travel all the way to the end of its
stroke, the frame counter tells you that you have reached the end of the film. You have to
rewind the film in its protective cartridge, before you can remove it from the camera.
To rewind the film, press in the small rewind button on the bottom of the camera, unfold the
rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow on top of the rewind knob. When the
frame counter has reached the "S" mark, you should stop rewinding. Then pull up the rewind
knob to open the camera back and lift the cartridge out.
If you stop rewinding the moment the frame counter has reached the "S" mark, the film will
not be completely rewound into the cartridge and the film leader may still be outside the
cartridge.
Adapter A for Tripod
When using a lens of considerable overall length, depending on the tripod being used, it
may be difficult to hold the adjustment in the case of accidental bumping of the lens. In
such cases, the Canon Adapter A for Tripod with a rubber matte should be placed
between the tripod and the camera for easier handling.
Avoid hitting or pressing the shutter button suddenly particularly when
using slow shutter speeds, otherwise blur may result.
You must not open the camera before rewinding the film. Since it is not
protected, any exposure to light will "fog" the film and cause a drastic
color shift and loss of picture image.