Choosing between these four Canon 35mm film cameras comes down to one question: do you want an SLR or a rangefinder? In the film instant cameras category, this set covers both. Three AE-1 SLRs share a familiar design, while the Canonet 28 is a silver rangefinder with a different carry and viewing style. The listed prices span from USD 55.00 to USD 199.99, so the budget spread is wide.
Quick take
All four are used cameras. The AE-1 models share a classic SLR layout, while the Canonet 28 is a rangefinder. Your main decision is SLR versus rangefinder; then the AE-1 variant and its included lens narrow the choice.
Listed price comparison
| Camera | Listed price | Price bar | What stands out |
| Canon AE-1 SLR | USD 199.99 | | Original AE-1 with 50mm FD lens |
| Canon AE-1 Program | USD 199.99 | | Program body with 50mm f/1.8 lens |
| Canon AE-1 Film Camera | USD 179.99 | | Tested working, no squeal, battery |
| Canon Canonet 28 | USD 55.00 | | Rangefinder with 40mm lens and flip case |
Decision matrix
| If you want... | Choose this listing | Why |
| Original AE-1 SLR | Canon AE-1 SLR | Classic AE-1 body |
| Program capability | Canon AE-1 Program | Program variant of the AE-1 series |
| Ready-to-shoot at a lower listed price | Canon AE-1 Film Camera | Tested working, no squeal |
| Compact rangefinder | Canon Canonet 28 | Rangefinder form and built-in light meter |
Product notes
Canon AE-1 SLR
This listing sits at the top-listed price in the group. It's an original AE-1 body with manual focus and a 50mm FD lens. The listing is for a black, used camera, and the body style is the main attraction. If you want the classic AE-1 body, this is the direct pick in the set. The main limitation is that the Program model shares the same top listed price, so you're not getting a price advantage by choosing the non-Program body here.
Canon AE-1 Program
The Program model is the AE-1 choice if you want the Program variant of the series. It's listed as tested and working, with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. The camera is used, in the 35mm format, with manual focus. It also matches the non-Program AE-1 at the top listed price, so the Program capability is the reason to choose it. The limitation is that if you don't need Program mode, the other AE-1 listing below the top price offers the same series for a lower listed amount.
Canon AE-1 Film Camera
This AE-1 listing comes in below the two top-priced bodies. It's a black used camera, and it includes a 50mm f/1.8 lens. The title notes tested working, no squeal, and a battery is included. For a ready-to-shoot manual-focus SLR, this is the AE-1 to consider if you want the classic body without reaching the top of the price spread. The limitation is that it isn't the Program model, so you won't get Program mode unless you step up to the AE-1 Program listing.
Canon Canonet 28
The Canonet 28 is the low-listed-price entry here and the only rangefinder in the group. It has a 40mm lens, built-in light meter, and comes with a flip case. The silver Canonet body stands apart from the other AE-1 bodies in this set. If you want a compact camera that isn't an SLR, this is the listing to weigh against the AE-1 bodies. The limitation is the shooting style: the rangefinder viewing experience differs from the SLR bodies, and the 40mm lens is not the 50mm setup the AE-1 listings share.
Final recommendation
Choose the Canon AE-1 SLR at USD 199.99 if you want the original AE-1. Choose the Canon AE-1 Program at USD 199.99 if Program mode matters. Choose the Canon AE-1 Film Camera at USD 179.99 for a lower-listed-price AE-1. Choose the Canon Canonet 28 at USD 55.00 if you want a compact rangefinder with a built-in light meter. If you're just starting with film photography, the AE-1 SLR and AE-1 Film Camera cover the classic manual-focus route. If you'd rather not carry an SLR, the Canonet 28's rangefinder body is the different option in this set. In the film instant cameras category, the real split is between SLR control and rangefinder portability.
