How to Use Canon AL-1

The first thing photographers notice when using a Canon AL-1 is the lack of a power switch, and they end up spending hours trying to figure out how to turn ON the camera. This camera has a clever two-stage shutter release switch, and depressing it half way switches the circuits ON. At this point, you can look through the viewfinder to get the light reading and begin using the Quick Focus (QF) system. However, depressing the shutter release fully makes the second stage of the two-stage switch conduct and that releases the electronic shutter.

Loading the film

Loading the film is simple and the same as the A-line of cameras. This camera has a multi-slotted take-up spool, where you insert the film leader into the slot marked with an arrow. Please refer to the following articles for more information.

Canon AE-1 How to Load 35mm Film

Canon AV-1 How to Load Film

How to Rewind and Remove Film

Rewinding and removing the film is very simple and the same as that for the A-line of cameras. Therefore, please refer to these articles.

Canon AV-1 Remove Film

Canon AE-1 Rewind Film

How to Open the Back

Working this camera is very simple and instinctual, and Canon designed it purposefully so that you could start using it straight away with minimal learning. Opening the back cover to insert a roll of film involves pulling up the film rewind knob, which makes the door pop open.

Setting the Selector Dial

Set the selector dial to "A", and the camera goes into the aperture priority automatic exposure (AE) mode. In this mode, you simply compose your frame, focus the lens, and adjust the aperture for the desired depth of field. The camera takes care of everything else so that each shot is perfectly exposed.

Usually, with a an aperture priority system, you do not need to set the shutter speed, and manufacturers do not provide the option for it, however this camera is special, and the selector dial has some additional shutter speeds, for times when you may want to override the system. However, this is for the professionals who know what they are doing. To beginners it might appear that there are not enough shutter speeds, but actually, they are sufficient. To freeze slow moving objects, the shutter speed must be at least 1/60 second, whilst freezing a fast moving car requires at least 1/1000 second.

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