Compatible Canon AE-1 Batteries & Replacement Guide
- Nathaniel Stephan
- October 8, 2024
The Canon AE-1 has an electronic shutter that will not fire without a battery. It requires a 6-volt battery, and there are three chemistry types to choose from. The tradeoff between lithium, silver oxide, and alkaline are cost, lifespan, and performance.
Alkaline is the cheapest and easiest to find, but the voltage drops as it drains and it is the most prone to leaking. These are the best value for casual use or to test that a camera is functioning correctly.
Lithium lasts the longest and handles cold weather the best, but is the most expensive and hardest to find.
Silver oxide offers steady voltage and good lifespan at a much higher price.
Regardless of your choice, it’s good to have a spare.
| Model | Chemistry | Lifespan | Cold Weather | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28L | Lithium | 2 years | ✅ Best | ~$20 |
| 4SR44 | Silver Oxide | 1–2 years | ✅ Good | ~$15 |
| V34PX | Silver Oxide | 1–2 years | ✅ Good | ~$15 |
| 4LR44 | Alkaline | 6–12 months | ⚠️ Poor | $1–5 |
| PX28A | Alkaline | 6–12 months | ⚠️ Poor | $1–5 |
| A544 | Alkaline | 6–12 months | ⚠️ Poor | $1–5 |
| K28A | Alkaline | 6–12 months | ⚠️ Poor | $1–5 |
Canon AE-1 Battery Replacement
The manual shows using the hot shoe cover to open the battery door. My guess is your camera doesn’t have it because it’s a small easy to lose piece of plastic.
You can use a pen cap or other small piece of plastic to gently press the tab that holds the battery door closed.
If your camera has the action grip, it needs to be removed for the battery door to be opened. The slot was designed to fit a nickel or quarter.
The positive end of the battery should be towards the top of the camera. It is the end with the raised terminal.
A battery that is left too long in the camera can leak leaving behind a salt that can cause corrosion. It can eat through plating, allowing the battery contacts to rust.
Corrosion can be cleaned with a mild acid like distilled white vinegar. A damp cotton swab does a good job. Do not use too much, you don’t want vinegar to get into the camera body.
Dirty Shutter Release Magnet
If you know the battery is good, but the shutter is not firing, a common problem is a dirty release magnet. It’s located under the bottom plate of the camera.
It only takes removing the two screws on the bottom plate of the camera to check if the shutter release magnet is dirty. Cleaning the magnet does not require specialist knowledge.
YouTube: Fix Old Cameras: AE-1 Release Magnet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzjW9Y0WcuI
Shutter Squeak
The shutter dampener will make a distinct sound if the lubricant has dried up.
YouTube: Fix Old Cameras: Canon AE-1 With Squeaking Release.
How to Perform a Battery Check on a Canon AE-1
Check the battery before loading film. The battery check button is located next to the film rewind lever.
I have a step by step guide on loading 35mm film in the Canon AE-1 and how to rewind and remove film from the AE-1.
Battery Check Button
Press the battery check button while looking through the viewfinder. The meter needle in the viewfinder will move.
If the battery is good, the meter needle will be below the battery check index. That’s the black mark to the left of the 5.6 on the light meter. The lower the needle is, the more life is left in the battery. As the battery drains, the needle will get closer to the battery check index.
If the battery is dying, the needle will be above the battery check index. Another sign the battery is bad is if the needles takes longer than 3 seconds to settle. In this situation the battery needs to be replaced before using the camera.
If the battery is completely dead, the needle will not move.
As a battery starts to lose its charge, its voltage output will begin to decrease. For a camera like the Canon AE-1, this can lead to a range of malfunctions. You might notice slower shutter speeds, incorrect light meter readings, or a complete inability to take pictures, even with the film advance lever cranked.
From the Manual
Correct Batteries Examples Lithium 6V Duracell PX 28L Alkaline-manganese 6V Eveready (UCAR) No. A544
IEC 4LR44Silver Oxide 6V Eveready (UCAR) No. 544,
Duracell PX 28, IEC 4SR44Try to make a habit of checking the battery at the following times:
- After loading a new battery.
- If the shutter won’t function when the shutter button lock lever is on “A”.
- Before and after making many long exposures.
The AE-1’s battery check circuit not only tells you whether the battery is good but also how good it is. When you check a new battery, the meter needle will rest below the battery check index. The weaker the battery the higher the needle. If the meter needle is exactly in line with the index, the battery is still good but it will not last much longer. Have a new battery ready.
There are two other signs that the battery is weak and needs replacing:
- The meter needle takes more than about three seconds to come to a rest after you press the battery check button.
- The meter needle fluctuates above and below the battery check index while the battery check button is pressed.
Pressing the battery check button, the shutter button, or carry the camera, take care that nothing presses down on these controls.
Remove the battery if you do not expect to use the camera for a long time.
Do not try to take the battery apart and never dispose of it in a fire.
PDF scans of the manual are available from butkus.org and archive.org.
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Alkaline Batteries
4LR44, PX28A, A544, and K28A are all alkaline batteries. They are cheapest and easiest batteries to find.
The voltage declines as they discharge. You could turn the camera on, have the battery check be good, and then 15 minutes later the battery could be dead.
The inconsistent performance will be frustrating. Make sure to keep a spare with you because they’ll last 6-12 months.
They are also the most prone to leaking, which can corrode the battery contacts in the camera. For that reason, remove the battery if you will not be using the camera in the next couple of weeks.
See current price and information:
Silver Oxide Batteries
4SR44 and V34PX are silver oxide batteries that provide a steady voltage output.
They will last 1-2 years, but are more expensive than a 6 pack of alkaline batteries.
They can be hard to find in stores. Specialty battery or hardware stores are the best places to check.
See current price and information:
Lithium Batteries
28L are lithium batteries that have the longest life and they maintain a steady voltage output over their lifespan.
Cold weather causes the battery voltage to drop for all batteries. Lithium batteries experience the least drop in performance, making them the best choice.
If you are having problems in cold weather, have two batteries and keep one inside your coat so it stays warm.
They can be difficult to find in stores and are most expensive type of battery.
See current price and information:
Additional Resources
Canon FD-mount cameras and lenses.
The Canon AE-1 specifications can also be seen on the Canon Camera Museum website.
