Canon · Film cameras
Canon AE-1 Program battery
1 × 6V alkaline cell
The Canon AE-1 Program takes one 4LR44 alkaline 6V cell per Canon’s museum listing. Period manuals also list PX28 / 4SR44 silver oxide and PX28L lithium. Same 6V photo-cell family as the AE-1 — not a PX625 button cell.
How to replace it
| Compartment | Battery chamber with check button/beeper |
|---|---|
| How to open | Open battery cover; insert one 6V 4LR44-family cell |
| Orientation | Follow polarity marks in the chamber |
| Low battery indicator | Battery check button with audible beeper (rate indicates condition per period manuals) |
| Notes | Same 6V photographic cell class as the AE-1 — not a PX625 mercury cell. |
| Access | Tool-free |
Important
- Uses one 6V photographic cell (4LR44 alkaline per Canon Museum; PX28 / 4SR44 silver oxide or PX28L lithium also commonly listed).
- Do not confuse with 1.35V mercury PX625 replacements used in other vintage meters.
- Keep cells away from children.
Sources
Helpful for this device
Optional tools for opening, testing or charging — separate from the battery answer.
- Fluke 101 Digital Multimeter
Accurate open-circuit voltage and basic electrical checks
- Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter
General DC voltage checks including battery terminals
- Digital multimeter
Measure open-circuit voltage and general electronics checks
New battery but still not working?
A fresh 1 × 4LR44 should restore Canon AE-1 Program if the battery was the problem. Work through the checks below before replacing the device.
- Check orientation
Confirm the cell is seated correctly: Follow polarity marks in the chamber
- Check the battery type
This device needs 1 × 4LR44 (alkaline). Rechargeable cells are not supported for this device. Same size does not always mean the same battery.
- Check known model-specific issues
Uses one 6V photographic cell (4LR44 alkaline per Canon Museum; PX28 / 4SR44 silver oxide or PX28L lithium also commonly listed). Do not confuse with 1.35V mercury PX625 replacements used in other vintage meters. Keep cells away from children.
- Confirm the battery itself
Try a known-good fresh cell of the exact code listed above.
- Still not responding?
If a correct, fresh battery installed properly does not restore the device, the fault may be elsewhere — the device may need service or replacement.