Specifications

In Focus
When the subject is out of focus, the microprism
ring breaks the subject into tiny fragments,
causing a shimmering effect. It is clear and steady
when your subject is in focus.
The laser-matte screen appears fuzzy until the subject is in focus. It is particularly
effective when you are using accessories for copying or close-ups. Canon offers
eight different types of inter-changeable focusing screens. When using a lens with a
maximum aperture of f/5.6 or smaller, half of the split-image rangefinder may take on
a slight color.
Note*: When the lens aperture ring is set to "A" and the shutter speed selector dial to "PROGRAM," a
green "P" LED is displayed, indicating programmed AE photography. Note
**: Other than the standard
split image/microprism rangerfinder screen. Canon has designed seven other types of focusing
screens for the AE-1 program to suit various photographic needs, these screens are user
interchangeable
If the shutter speed selected automatically by the camera is 1/30 sec. or slower, the
"P" will blink. This is to warn you that your picture may be blurred due to camera
movement if you are hand-holding the camera. The aperture selected automatically
by the AE-1 PROGRAM is displayed in the viewfinder. The meter index is for setting
exposure with a non-FD lens and in close-up photography. When using a Canon
Speedlite 011A, 133A, 155A, 166A, 177A, 188A, 199A, 533G or 577G, a green flash
charge-completion signal lights up when the flash is charged.
When using the Speedlite 188A or 166A, this signal flashes
on and off for two seconds after the shutter is released if
the flash-to-subject distance was within the auto coupling
range.