Canon AE-1 Getting Started page 2

How to Load the Film
It is important to load the film correctly to avoid time comsuming
re-shoots. Follow these steps. Avoid direct sunlight when loading or
unloading film.
Open the Back Cover
Pull up the rewind crank and the back cover will pop open. The back
cover can be securely closed by simply pressing it until it locks.
Next, Place the cartridge into the film cartidge chamber and press
down while rotating the rewind knob until it drops securely into posi-
tion. The protuding part of the cartridge should be on the bottom. Pull
the film leader across and insert the end into one slot of the the take-
up spool. Turn the film advance lever and wind the film around the
take-up spool making sure that the perforations of the film are
engaged in the teeth of the film transport sprocket.
Rewind Crank
Film Cartidge Chamber
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Then, make sure there is no film slack. In case there is, gently turn the
film rewind crank in the direction of the arrow to obtain proper film
tautness. Crank the film advance lever to ensure that the film leader is
wound fully on to the take-up spool before closing the camera back.
Rewind Crank
Close the back cover until it snaps shut. Gently turn the film rewind
crank in the direction of the arrow to take up any remaing slack. Then,
advance the film a couple of times presssing the shutter button until
the first exposure appears in the frame counter. TIP: Watch the film
rewind knob as you advance the film. If it rotates, the film is properly
loaded. If it doesn't, open the back cover and load the film again from
the start.
Take-Up Spool
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