Specifications

The light sensitivity pattern (shown
below) remains virtually unchanged even
when different lenses are used.
AE Lock Switch There is only a single handy way in the AE-1 Program to override
camera's selected exposure - with the AE (Automatic Exposure) Lock. Although one
would expect Canon to incorporate an additional exposure compensation dial as well
as but strangely it was omitted. However, a seasoned photographer should able to
utilize the film speed setting to attain similar compensation.
The one touch AE lock, facilitated compensation by increasing the
exposure by 1.5 stops and triggers a memory control to free your
left hand for focusing or steadying the camera.
Partially depress the shutter release button to meter and press in the AE Lock
Switch. Keeping the shutter release button depressed, compose your picture and
shoot.
Focusing Screens AE-1 PROGRAM uses a standard New Split rangefinder focusing
screen. The New Split, designed especially for the New F-1, was the world's first
screen that eliminated the darkening of the splitting image of the focusing part. It is
the main reason why AE-1 Program has such an impressive viewfinder image. It is
bright, very bright that one has to try to believe it (Anyway, so used to the dimmer
views in many of the Canon's SLR..). The New Split is made up of crossed prisms
having two angles lined up to form a grating.
The prisms are positioned vertically. When the light beam
coming through a large-aperture lens is broad, the steep-
angled part is used. With a small aperture lens, focusing is
performed.
<<-- A special tweezer tool is provided for user with each screen to
facilitate their installation but highly unlikely that you will be still using it after
a few rounds. Anyway, just be cautious and avoid damaging any parts.