Canon AE-1 Program

Canon AE-1 Program is the refined AE-1 — in production 1981-1987. The "Program" suffix indicates the addition of program AE mode (camera selects both shutter speed and aperture) alongside the AE-1's existing shutter-priority + manual modes. Other improvements over the AE-1: brighter focusing screen, slight body refinements, and improved battery economy.

Key features

• Canon FD bayonet
• Electronic horizontal cloth shutter — 2s to 1/1000 + B
• Three modes — Program AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Manual
• CPU-controlled metering
• Battery-dependent

Practical notes

• AE-1 Program bodies on used market: $150-300 working examples
• Same "Canon squeak" as AE-1 — common service item
• Slightly newer formulation than AE-1; build quality essentially identical

Related cameras

• Canon AE-1 — predecessor (no program mode)
• Canon A-1 — fully-featured AE alternative
• Canon T90 — much later FD body; modern handling

Native lenses

Compatible with all Canon FD lenses