It was five years after the AE-1 became a worldwide hit. Many users wanted the program AE mode that was featured in the A-1. This mode set both the shutter speed and aperture automatically. The user just had to press the shutter button.
The AE-1 Program camera was developed in response to the demand for program AE and to succeed the original AE-1. The camera now had both shutter speed-priority AE and program AE modes. It also sported a palm grip like the A-1. The camera was also compatible with the A-1’s Motor Drive MA. The viewfinder featured LEDs. It was quite an advanced camera.
To make Motor Drive MA compatible with the AE-1 Program camera, it had three electrical contacts instead of only two which the original version had. Also, Power Winder A was converted into Power Winder A2 for higher performance.
| Name: | Canon AE-1 Program |
| Manufacturer: | Canon Japan |
| Made in: | Japan |
| N°: | |
| Production Date: | |
| Type: | 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera |
| Series: | A Series |
| Picture Size: | 24 x 36 mm |
| Normal Lens: | |
| Lens Mount: | FD mount |
| Focus: | Manual Focus |
| Shutter: | Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. B, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. All speeds controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with beeper). |
| Dimensions & Weight: | 41 x 88 x 48 mm, 565 g |
| Production Period: | April 1981 - |
| N° Produced: | |
| Original Price: | 92,000 yen (w/New FD 50mm f/1.4SSC) 86,500 yen (w/New FD 50mm f/1.8SC) |
| Indexed Price (Approx.): | 1.020 EUR |
| Avg Ebay Value: |