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Price: $100.00 (free U.S. shipping)

Size: 10.75 inches x 16.1 inches

Medium: Art marker on magazine print

As a photographer and photo editor, professional camera equipment has always been a way of life. I am by no means a camera collector or ‘gear head’ although certain cameras and lenses do have sentimental value.

Although I never owned an AE-1, when I see one in a pawn shop or in an old magazine, I’m struck by its classic design (it was groundbreaking!!) and its overall significance within the industry. The combination of satin chrome and black enamel on the body reminds of a mid-century, classic car still capable of doing the job but clearly an object from a previous era. The AE-1 was an important camera that helped Canon leapfrog other manufactures due to its pro-sumer price (professional-consumer aka amateur), its compelling appearance and its technical specifications. Wikipedia notes the “The AE-1 was the first SLR purchased by millions of amateur photographers, persuaded by its feature list and low price.”

My first camera was a Minolta X-300 which was designed after the AE-1. This model and appearance of camera will always remind me of my first magical moments of making photos.

Interesting fact: Jim Reekes, Apple sound designer and avid photographer, recorded the sound of his Canon AE-1 shutter snapping and used it as the sound for screen-shot captures on all Macintosh devices!

In this piece, using art marker, I’ve replicated the advertisement of a Canon AE-1 and a Canon AT-1 on a double truck spread in Tennis Magazine from October 1977.

NOTE: Because the art is a repurposed magazine it has a few imperfections such ruffled corners and a tiny tear along the edges. Its kinda what makes it special.