The afternoon sun, fractured by the dusty window, cast long shadows across my workbench. A ghost of a scent, a mixture of old film and aged leather, clung to the Canon AE-1 I’d just pulled from a forgotten box. Found it tucked away, the chrome glimmering, a small testament to a time when photography felt less like data and more like… alchemy.

This isn’t just any 35mm SLR; it’s a workhorse. Canon practically defined the market with this thing in the 70s. The AE-1’s secret weapon was its electronic AE system, a game changer that let even novices snag properly exposed shots. Dial in your aperture, set the shutter speed, and the camera does the rest. It’s all about getting the exposure right – not just getting a picture, but a good one. The FD lens mount, of course, is the key; you have a world of beautiful glass at your fingertips, from super-wides to telephotos, all compatible.

The build quality is rock solid, though I wouldn’t call it tank-like. You’re not holding a Leica M6. The AE-1’s plastic body isn’t exactly its strongest point; it can feel a bit cheap in the hands. Over time, the plastic can show its age. This is where the real-world experience matters. Treat it right, and it’ll keep working. If you’re careful, and handle your kit with respect, it won’t bother you.

Consider the competing Nikon FM series. Fantastic cameras, built like brick shithouses. But the FM is entirely mechanical, meaning it needs no battery to function (except for the light meter, but, well…). Which, frankly, feels like a serious advantage. You have more control, and a higher degree of reliability in some situations. So it really depends on the kind of photographer you are. The AE-1, being electronic, needs its power to work. If the battery dies, you are out of luck. Carry a spare! It’s a small price to pay for the ease of use and the sharp images that the AE-1 delivers.

My advice? If you are interested in film photography, and want a reliable, easy-to-use 35mm SLR without breaking the bank, get the Canon AE-1. It’s an affordable gateway to a beautiful and challenging photographic medium. Go grab a lens, load some film, and shoot.