I need anyone familiar with the AE-1

[josh51699]

Ive got a problem I have had the camera 2 weeks and already put in 2 new batteries. I cant find a way to shut off the meter.

There is the switch on the shutter and I moved it from a to l but the red light next to the shutter button is still on.

Any ideas?

[PacAce]

Looks like you have a defective camera. Not sure what you can do about it short of either removing the battery when you're not using it or taking it someplace to have it fixed.

[josh51699]

so pretty much when i turn it to l it should turn it off right?

[Jon]

Yes. The "L" setting should lock the shutter release button and power down the camera. The only externally-visible LED I recall on the AE-1 is under that lever, and flashes when the self-timer ("S" on the switch) is running. Is this the AE-1 or the AE-1P?

[josh51699]

I have the AE-1 I took the battery out of it for now. But now I just put it back in and Im getting no red light at all whether its set @ A or L.

I tried the battery check button and no light but the shutter is still working so its got power.

Im so tired of messing with this thing I just wish it would work, I wonder if I should take it in and have them fix everything along with the seals that are dried out.

[Jon]

Battery Check on the AE-1 is a deflection of the meter needle to the index mark at f/5.6. The red LED that's normally hidden under the power/self-timer switch is strictly for self-timer operation. It shouldn't be lit unless you're using the self-timer. The LEDs in the viewfinder are for underexposure/out of metering range (too light or too dark) or for Manual aperture setting/no AE possible.