Canon AE-1 - Manual (Page 63)

Detailed Operation of the AE-1
Up to this point you have been reading
about the fundamental principles of AE
photography. We ask you to continue reading
through the following, more detailed de­
scription of AE photography for a fuller
understanding. This information will prove
helpful to you.
A silicon photocell is used as the photo­
sensitive element in the camera. If you
compare the silicon photocell (SPC) with
other existing photosensitive elements, you
will find it covers a greater range of lighting
situations and allows for greater accuracy. In
order to provide the AE-1 with the best
possible magnetic release system. Canon de­
veloped a special circuit for instantaneous
light metering. Due to this innovation, even in
place as dark as EV1 (at ASA 100, f/1.4, 1
sec.), metering can be performed in only
0.04 second.
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