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Canon AE-1 - A Must for Any Photographer
written by syroneb on April 3rd, 2009 , 6 comments (5 votes)

  • Tags
  • Brand
    Canon
  • Name
    AE-1
  • Format
    35mm
  • Place of Origin
    Japan
  • Flash Types
    hot shoe
  • Exposure
    fully automatic
  • Lightmeter
    Built-in
  • Advance
    coupled to shutter
  • ISO Speeds
  • Cable Release
    yes
  • Tripod Screw Mount
    yes
  • metal

image from here

I just recently got really into photography (Nov of 2008). My first camera was the Holga, a real gem. But, 120 mm film got to be a little frustrating at times, and I decided to purchase a 35 mm camera. My thought was that I’d take lessons off of this camera, and I wanted to make sure it would last for years to come. However, I did not want to spend loads of money on a new one, besides, I’ve always been a sucker for vintage things. So, I ended up purchasing an AE-1, circa 1976 – 1980, off of e-bay. And, I absolutely LOVE it. I’ve gotten some really great B & W photos, and I’ve been thrilled with the saturation of the expired color film I’ve used.

The Canon AE-1 is a great learning camera for beginners because it has a built in light meter (for those of us who have NO idea what we’re doing). Yet, the manual capabilities of the Canon AE-1 give you the option to be in complete artistic control.

I really can’t say enough about this camera. My only warning is to be careful when purchasing one off e-bay, or the like. Make sure you know what you are getting. I got really lucky and snagged one in great condition, with perks such as, the original manual, a powerful little flash, a telephoto lens, and more.

;)

Happy Lomo-ing!

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6 comments

  • stouf
    by stouf
    8 months ago

    Sweet ! I love the piano !!!

  • vicuna
    by vicuna
    8 months ago

    Great camera for sure! :)

  • cinzinc
    by cinzinc
    8 months ago

    ohhhhh, no.12 is phenomenal!

  • adayinthelife_project
    by adayinthelife_project
    8 months ago

    no. 6 + no. 13 = woooooooooooooow!!

  • syroneb
    by syroneb
    6 months ago

    Expired agfa 35mm film is my favorite thing right now. Stick it in a Canon AE-1 and you get great stuff (hopefully). stick it in a Holga and you get crazy awesome things (if you're lucky).

    also - If you have the Canon AE-1 Program... don't forget to take it off of "A" and put it on "L" when you're not using it. Otherwise your battery gets drained quickly. I just burned through three batteries in a few weeks... oops!

  • strangelilgirl
    by strangelilgirl
    5 months ago

    Love 5, 10, & 12 so much!

Opinion is free and discussion is encouraged on lomography.com, however, neither the content nor the ideas expressed in the comments are supported by or representative of the Lomographic Society International.

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