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Why was the AE-1 Created?

The Canon AE-1 was created as a result of Japan’s hyper-inflation in 1973. The salary of Canon’s employees at that time significantly rose. With the Canon Company having more money, they were able to afford scientists who were more driven to advance the camera. Thus, the AE-1 was born, fully automatic with electronic controls. 

What is the AE-1?

Introduced in  April 1976,  the  Canon

AE-1 was the first camera to have an embedded microcomputer. Using a 35mm SLR, or single-lens reflex, in the camera sped up the automatic and electronic processes within AE-1. It was made in Japan when people started to want a fully automatic camera with electronic controls.

Basic Information

 

  • The Canon AE-1 is a 35 mm SLR camera with shutter-priority, automatic exposure, and manual override.

  • It was created in Japan, where Canon originated.

  • The creation started January 1974 and was finished April 1976.

  • Canon was competing with different companies to create this fully automatic camera.

  • In AE-1, the "A" stands for "Automatic" and the "E" stands for "Exposure".

 

 

  • Canon made a TV commercial campaign on national networks for the AE-1 featuring world-renowned athletes, such as tennis player John Newcombe, diver Jennifer Chandler, and golfer Ben Crenshaw.

  • Millions of AE-1s were sold.

  • No SLR (single-lens reflex) camera has sold as many as the Canon AE-1.

  • All Canon AE-1 commercials had a slogan that says, “So advanced, it’s simple” at the end.

  • The concept of the AE-1 was that anyone can take a professional photo because it was so easy to use.

  • The AE-1 was designed to have high-end features with low-cost prices so that anyone could use it, which is what made it such a huge success.

Facts about the AE-1

Canon AE-1 Original Newspaper Ad

Canon AE-1 Original Catalog Cover

AE-1 Information

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