Canon AE-1 - discover microprocessor-controlled precision mechanics

[Andreas Thaler]

Digital and analogue electronics as well as precision mechanics to discover: Canon AE-1, the first SLR with microprocessor control on the world market.


The Canon AE-1 from 1976 in the FD system was the first SLR to be controlled by a microprocessor. This meant that computer technology was on board, which opened the door to a new era and dramatically increased the performance of SLRs. The market success was unprecedented, with 5.7 million units sold.1

A milestone in every respect.

Anyone interested in the technology of this camera has a good chance:


Firstly

the electronics on board are not yet highly integrated, i.e. there are individual electronic components that can be distinguished and whose connections are sometimes still visible. This helps to understand the circuit and doing measurements. However, the main part of the circuit is already in three ICs, which are, however, excellently documented.


Secondly

Larry Lyells, to whom we owe most of the technical documentation on SLRs and photographic equipment of this time, has described the Canon AE-1 in articles in detail and in an understandable way as a technical revolution.

This gives us the chance to understand the technology of the first computer-controlled SLR and should then also help to understand the technology of the subsequent cameras in the Canon A series: e.g. AE-1 Program and A-1.


In addition

the AE-1 is solidly constructed. Although it is already intended for high-volume production, there is still a lot of mechanics in the camera that can be disassembled and serviced. Ideal for learning and repairing.

I would like to tackle the Canon AE-1 as a second project after the Nikon EM and would be happy if we could pool our combined technical expertise for it. Analogue and digital electronics, microprocessor technology, precision mechanics, service, repair - there is something for everyone!

Of course we can start the discussion now, I will provide resources here.

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1

Canon AE-1 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Peter J. Vis: The legendary Canon AE-1 in a nutshell

Peter J. Vis gives a compact presentation of the Canon AE-1 including repair topics and a look under the hood on https://www.petervis.com/Cameras/canon-ae-1/canon-ae-1.html An excellent introduction to this legendary camera, which was the first to incorporate a microprocessor into its body...

www.photrio.com

Learn Camera Repair

learncamerarepair.com

 

[Andreas Thaler]

It will take a little longer because I want to prepare myself for it.

There are excellent repair videos on the web and technical documentation for the Canon AE-1, so I won't be able to offer anything new.

But I'm particularly interested in the digital circuit with microprocessor. I want to understand it well enough so that I know what I'm doing if I need to do any repairs

 

[loccdor]

Great choice. Dad's only camera for 3 decades. It never had a problem. He only used the 28mm f/2.8 lens and color negative film.

 

[MFstooges]

I used one for a short period and I actually like its whining shutter noise which annoys most people.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I used one for a short period and I actually like its whining shutter noise which annoys most people.

That would actually be a reason to intervene with treatment!

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Great choice. Dad's only camera for 3 decades. It never had a problem. He only used the 28mm f/2.8 lens and color negative film.

An impressive combination of metal, plastic and then-progressive electronics. And ideal for DIY, as it is manageable and disassembling is feasible.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

The Canon A system is the next milestone on my journey through the world of the 1980s.

But I'm still undecided about how to tackle it.

On the one hand, I want to know more about the electronics of the AE-1, which introduced the microprocessor to SLR camera construction.

On the other hand, there are repair projects with the AE-1 coming up, where I'm not sure whether I can report anything new. There are already excellent tutorials and videos on the web.

But it's more about doing and less about pioneering achievements.

Before that, I have other, smaller projects in my repair box.

We'll see, I'd also like to get back to electronics as a topic, which is always neglected when it comes to repairs.

And also back to the basics of mathematics. You quickly lose practice.

They're all huge topics, and you have to divide your energy well