Canon AE-1 Manual page 25

Hide thumbs Also See for AE-1:

Long Exposures and "B" (Bulb) Setting

When you need shutter speeds slower than two seconds such as for shooting night scenes or

fireworks, set the shutter speed dial at "B". Then, the shutter will remain open as long as the

shutter button is pressed. In long exposures, it becomes essential to mount the camera on a

tripod and use a cable release preferably with a lock to prevent camera shake and attain best

results.

Warning: Since the electronic AE-1 does not operate any of its shutter settings mechanically,

photography using the "B" setting will accelerate battery consumption since it requires

continuous battery power. When necessary, the battery should be replaced with a new one

having a full charge.

Stopped-Down Metering

When the AE-1 is used with Canon FD lenses, photography can be performed with through-

the-lens (TTL) metering and with AE coupling. However, with the Canon FL lenses and most

earlier non-auto coupled accessories such as bellows, extension tubes, or a microscope

adapter, it is necessary to take a stopped-down meter reading.

Warning: The FD lenses with auto diaphragm mounted on the AE-1 should always be

used with full aperture metering. Using stopped-down metering with FD lenses on the

AE-1will give the wrong exposure. Skip this section if your optics are FD or New FD-

type of lenses.

Stopping down the lens can be done by pushing the stopped-down lever until it locks. When

the lenses is stopped-down, press the shutter button halfway or depress the exposure preview

In the above cases, it is necessary to modify the automatic exposure

reading that the camera automatically sets. If calculation of exposure

compensation is too complicated, the AE-1 has a convenient feature in

backlight exposure compensation button. You can correct the exposure

reading by pressing the backlight control switch which will increase the

exposure value by the equivalent of one and a half f/stops.

A cable release with a locking device can keep the shutter open even though

the operator leaves the cable release unattended. Unlock the cable release

when the shutter should be closed.