Canon AE-1 Getting Started

Setting the Film Speed and Using the Meter.
Set the Film Speed
To set the film speed, first push
the film advance lever to its stand-
off position away from the camera
body, then lift up the ASA ring
around the shutter dial and rotate it
in either direction until the proper
number is aligned with the green
index mark.
Light Meter
First set the shutter speed to the
desired setting. TIP: For hand-held
shots you shutter speed should be
set to 125 or higher. Then to use the
light meter, lightly press the shutter
release button while looking through
the view finder. Make note of the
aperature setting indicated by the
meter needle in the veiwfinder then
set the aperature ring on the lens to
the setting indicated. The setting will
vary depending on your shutter speed
and lighting conditions.
Rewinding the Film
When the film advance lever cannot travel
all the way to the end of its stroke, the film
counter tells you that you have reached
the end of the roll. You have to rewind the
film into its protective cartridge before
removing it from the camera. To rewind,
press the small black rewind button on the
bottom of the camera, unfold the rewind
crank and turn it in the direction of the ar-
row. When the frame counter has reached
the "S" mark you should stop. Then pull
up the rewind crank and open the camera
back.
Set the Film Speed
Meter
Rewind Button
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Getting started with the Canon AE-1
The Very Very Short Version.
Check the Battery
Whenever you check out one of our cameras you should verify that
the battery level is good.
The battery level is checked by pressing the battery check button on
the top of the camera while watching the meter needle in the view-
finder. If the meter needle rests below the index mark or 5.6 the
battery level is ok. If the meter needle rests above the index mark ask
the lab aide to replace the battery for you.
Battery check button
Meter needle as seen in viewfinder
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