Canon AE-1 Manual page 21

Metering Range
TTL metering is possible with a f/1.4 lens at ISO 100 from EV 1 (1 sec., f/1.4) to EV 18
(1/1000 sec.. f/16).
ASA Film Speed
25..50
..100
..200
..400
..800
..1600
..3200
Shutter Speed and AE Coupling Range The shutter speed and AE coupling range are
indicated in the table. If any combination outside the coupling range is made, the coupling
range warning lamp will blink, as it does when warning of underexposure. Since the lamp
serves a dual function, check that the shutter speed IS within the coupling range before
assuming that the light level is too low.
Overexposure Warning Mark When the lighting of the subject is too bright, the meter
needle will rise into the red zones of the aperture scale. The red area is divided into two parts.
The top part is a warning for use with a lens having a minimum aperture of f/22, while the
bottom part is for use with a f/16 minimum aperture lens. When the meter needle enters the
red area, increase the shutter speed and correct the exposure.
Note:
With some specific lenses like the FD 100mm f/4 Macro lens, which offers a minimum aperture of f/32,
if you want to photograph at its minimum aperture of f/32 and the meter needle points to the red area, do the
following: Increase the shutter speed until the meter needle indicates f/22 and then decrease the shutter speed by
one gradation so that the exposure will be correct.
Underexposure and Coupling Range Warning LED Lamp This lamp blinks on and off as
a warning of incorrect exposure. If you reduce the shutter speed by turning the shutter speed
dial so the underexposure warning lamp will stop blinking, the correct exposure will also be
obtained. Under dim light with a slow speed lens, there is a case when the meter needle will
point at the aperture scale inside the viewfinder although it will exceed the maximum aperture
of the lens. In this case, turn the shutter speed dial to a slower setting so that the
underexposure warning lamp stops blinking.
For example, when you use an f/2.8 lens and the meter needle exceeds the aperture scale of
f/2.8 inside the viewfinder, reduce the shutter speed until the lamp stops flashing. When the
shutter is set at 'B' (Bulb) and the shutter button is pressed halfway, this warning lamp will
also flash on and off.
Coupling Range
2 to 1/1000 sec
1 to 1/1000 sec
1/2 to 1/1000 sec
1/4 to 1/1000 sec
1/8 to 1/1000 sec
1/15 to 1/1000 sec
1/30 to 1/1000 sec