Canon AE-1 Review – Still the Best 35mm SLR Starter Kit?

When people ask me what film SLR they should start with, the Canon AE-1 is almost always in the conversation — and for good reason. It’s like the Toyota Corolla of 35mm film cameras: reliable, easy to use, and loved by generations.

So recently, I decided to run it back and revisit this classic — the Canon AE-1, paired with the humble but surprisingly good Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens. I wanted to see if it still holds up in 2025 for both beginners and casual film shooters. Spoiler alert: it kinda slaps.

What is the Canon AE-1?

Released in 1976, the Canon AE-1 was a total game-changer for film photography. It was one of the first cameras to feature a microprocessor (fancy stuff at the time) and full shutter-priority auto exposure. That meant you only had to choose your shutter speed, and the camera would take care of the rest — perfect for people learning the ropes.

It uses the Canon FD lens mount system and shoots standard 35mm film. It’s fully manual except for the auto-exposure mode, which is super handy for quick shooting. It also runs on a single 4LR44 battery — so yes, batteries are required for anything beyond paperweights and vibes.

What’s It Like to Shoot?

I shot the AE-1 with a roll of Kodak Gold 200 and immediately remembered why this camera’s so beloved.

• The viewfinder is bright and easy to read — great for focusing manually.

• The FD 50mm f/1.8 is way sharper than you’d expect from a so-called “kit” lens. The colours came out lovely and the bokeh at f/1.8? Not bad at all.

• Shutter sound is satisfyingly crisp, though a bit loud if you’re street shooting discreetly.

It’s lightweight, fits comfortably in hand, and with that lens combo, you’re carrying a compact but capable SLR that works in most situations — street, portraits, travel, you name it.

What I Loved

✅ Beginner-Friendly – Metering is straightforward. Just match the needle in the viewfinder. Done.
✅ Reliable Build – Despite being decades old, mine still works like a charm.
✅ Affordable Lenses – The FD system gives you access to some quality glass without breaking the bank.
✅ Classic Vibes – Let’s be honest… it looks cool. That retro charm never gets old.

What’s Not-So-Great

❌ Battery Dependent – No battery, no shoot. Manual everything still needs power for the shutter.
❌ Shutter Priority Only – You don’t get aperture priority or full program modes like later models.
❌ Mirror Slap – The mirror makes a decent thud, which can cause minor shake at lower shutter speeds. Tripod lovers, take note.

Final Verdict – Is the Canon AE-1 Worth It?

Absolutely — especially if you’re just getting into 35mm film photography. It teaches you the fundamentals, has enough automation to make things easy, and gives you room to grow your skills.

Plus, pairing it with the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens gives you a surprisingly powerful combo. It’s sharp, fast, and cheap — the holy trinity for beginners.

Would I recommend it over a Pentax K1000 or Nikon FM? That depends. The AE-1 is more advanced than the K1000, but less rugged than the FM. But for ease of use, classic styling, and affordability? It still wins in my book.

If you're looking to try a Canon AE-1 or browse other vintage film cameras in Australia, check out our Cameras  — we’ve got a constantly rotating collection of tested and loved gear ready to shoot. 👍👍👍