Canon AE-1

• Learning manual photography
• First film SLR
• Budget-conscious beginners
• Abundance of affordable FD lenses

• Shutter-priority auto exposure
• Manual exposure mode
• Self-timer
• TTL stopped-down match-needle metering (manual)
• Power Winder A compatible

• No aperture-priority mode
• Battery required for all operation
• Common shutter squeal issue
• Plastic parts can crack

• Shutter squeal (squeaky sound) - fixable with lubricant
• Light meter needle stuck or erratic
• Cracked plastic around battery compartment
• Sticky mirror
• Worn light seals

Listen for the famous 'Canon squeal' when firing - a high-pitched sound indicating dry lubricant. Usually fixable but factor in service cost. Check the meter needle moves smoothly through the viewfinder. Test with a battery. Examine the battery compartment for cracks. Look for haze in the viewfinder. The AE-1 Program is an upgraded version that adds program AE (it has no aperture-priority mode).

Typical range

£60 - £150

Excellent condition

~£180

Indicative, no dated source.

Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.