Canon AE-1 Program as Nostalgia

When I think of my introduction to photography, the Canon AE-1 Program is what I remember. It was my first real camera. I received it as a gift from my parents at my high school graduation in 1982. I loved that camera. First thing I did was load it up with Kodachrome and take a photo of a flower. As one does. I believe this next photo is the first taken with the camera

First photo taken with my Canon AE-1 Program (1982)

Then I decided to try some meaningful self-portraits. This next one shows me using the new camera. 

Self-portrait (1982)

I kept and used the AE-1 for years. I couldn’t afford much film, so there aren’t as many photos around from that period as I’d like. Here are a few of those I still have. Without these, I’d have nothing but my aging memory.

Jack and Liz (1985)

Honda Civic

Graduation at Holland State Park (1982)

Car repair with friends (1983)

My old bedroom (1982)

Art on pier (1982)

1979 Datsun 280ZX (1983)

Friends at the beach house (1982)

Triple Exposed Self-portriat (1982)

Nostalgia got the best of me recently and I finally bought a “new” AE-1 Program. Same 50mm 1.8 lens as my original. 

Canon AE-1 Program

I don’t know how much I’ll use it, but just having it around makes me feel good.