How To Load Film On Canon Ae-1 Camera? (Steps With Images)

Frustration arises when you’re ready but can’t shoot. After checking all the issues, you realize that the problem is associated with the faulty film. Is this scenario resonating with you?

It’s time to load a new film into your desired Canon Ae-1. Now, a question may arise in your mind: how to load film canon ae-1.

Well. It’s not as complicated as you think. You can do it without hassle. I’ll teach you to do that. In this content, you will get step-by-step guidelines. After following that, you can load quickly within 10 minutes. 

So, without any more delay, let’s dive right in.

5 Easy Steps To Load Film On Canon Ae-1 Camera

Are you experiencing loading a film for the first time? If you’re a Canon Ae-1 user, following the steps might be helpful for you. 

Other brand users (Canon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, etc.) can use the same trick. A few functions may be different but almost identical.

Let’s see how to load the film fast.

Step 01: Inspect The Current Film.

Firstly, you need to check the existing film. Make sure whether the old film is removed or not. If not, then you must have to remove it first. To check it, try to backtrack the lever narrowly. Then, reverse it over. It must be tracking the arrow’s path.

Do you experience any shortage of tension when winding it? Congratulations! It means that no film is available. 

Step 02: Unplug The Backside Of The Camera.

During this phase, you need to get access from the film chamber. Simply lift the rewind liver again and drag it directly up. Doing this lets you open the backside of your Canon Ae-1 camera.

Now, it’s time to load the film. Before loading it, ensure the camera is in a radiant area to make this procedure more manageable.

Step 03: Insert The Film.

In this step, I will load the film inside the camera. You need to insert it from the bottom end portion but not the top side. Now, line up the film with the current slot that is provided. Then, softly slide in.

Make sure it’s not vertical. Try to disseminate it with a gentle wiggle if needed. Remember to check whether it is properly seated or not.

Step 04: Confront The Selected Film In The Sprocket.

At this juncture, you must engage or confront the film with one of the clips or slots provided. You must be careful while sliding. Do it until it catches. Make sure it is correctly hooked inside the sprocket hole.

Note: Don’t try to force on the shutter heavily. The shutters are pretty breakable.

Last Step: Lock The Backside And Set The Film Speed.

Bravo! You’ve done a great job. Now, close the backside of your camera. Make sure it is securely locked.

Need to gain previous experience to set the film speed? Well. You need to set ISO 25 to 3200. Try to keep the focus manual. Now, set the exposure according to the shutter priority. The exposure metering should be EV1 to EV18. Finally, check the shutter speed.

That’s it.

Is It Possible To Use Different Film Brands In A Canon Ae-1?

A misconception among Canon Ae-1 users is that “It’s impossible to use a different film on Canon Ae-1!”. Actually, it’s wrong. It doesn’t matter what type of brand you’re using. 

You need to ensure whether the film is 35 mm or not. You must use this format. The brand doesn’t matter. You can pick different film brands based on your personal preferences. For example, color rendering, grain, and other characteristics. Make sure to set the ISO on the camera to match the ISO of the film. Moreover, you must ensure proper exposure.

As a beginner, you should ask your nearest expert before purchasing a film for your camera. In your Canon ae-1 camera, you can use Kodak, Fujifilm, Ilford, or any other brand’s film. Ilford is a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the price of Kodak is comparatively higher.

What Should I Do If The Film Advance Lever On My Canon Ae-1 Becomes Stuck?

Due to the low maintenance of Canon ae-1, there is a chance of becoming stuck. You need to know the tricks to eliminate such conditions during this time. 

You need to check several things first. Like:

(i) Film

(ii) Release shutter 

(iii) Check the obstructions as well. 

If you can’t find any difficulties, check the battery. An invalid or dead battery can sometimes provoke camera function issues. Lastly, try to seek help from any experts. They have an idea about the problems that can occur.

Frequently Answer Questions(FAQs)

Does The Canon Ae-1 Use Film?

Yes. Canon Ae-1 uses 35-format film. It means that you have to use 35 mm film to capture photographs. It was first introduced in the 1970s. Then, it became known for its ease of service and trustworthiness. You can use any brand’s film. Make sure you’ve sufficient knowledge of loading and unloading film.

How Many Exposures Can I Get From A Standard 35mm Film Roll In A Canon Ae-1?

An ideal 35 mm film roll must contain 24-36 exposures. When you load 24-36 exposures, you can capture at least 25-35 photos. Remember that the number of exposures in a film roll depends on various films and formats. Remember to check the label on the film.

Can I Use Expired Film In A Canon Ae-1?

Yes, it’s possible. But it has some limitations. There is no idea how much storage is empty. So, it’s an extra hassle. A doubt has been made about the image quality. Moreover, you may face slight difficulties in the case of adjusting settings. It’s not recommended for professional use. To get consistent and reliable results, a new film is a must.

Final Verdict.

Loading a film is a fundamental procedure for analog photography. You must learn if you’ve fantasized about an old model image creation. Moreover, It’s essential to maintain the film carefully. 

If you feel the potential of spoiling the film, experts should do it. This problem can be solved by dwelling in any nearby film studio.

So, guys, that’s all for today. We’ve reached the last stage of the content. If you have any queries, remember to comment or contact us. Thanks for your excellent attention.