Updated September 2026. This guide was first published in 2020. I’ve refreshed the battery naming, installation steps, and buying guidance while keeping the original photos and firsthand notes.
Some links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
If you just need the answer: the Canon AE-1 Program takes a 6V 4LR44 or 4SR44 battery. You may also see equivalent names used by different battery brands, but the important part is that you’re buying the correct 6V battery size for the AE-1 Program.
The battery sits in a compartment on the front of the camera, underneath the action grip. Installation only takes a minute once you know where to look.
Canon AE-1 Program battery at a glance
- Battery type: 4LR44 or 4SR44
- Voltage: 6V
- Location: Battery chamber under the action grip on the front of the camera
- What it powers: The cameras electronic shutter and metering system
- Best buying approach: Buy from a reputable battery retailer or a verified listing that clearly matches 4LR44 / 4SR44 6V
What battery does the Canon AE-1 Program use?
The Canon AE-1 Program uses a single 6V 4LR44 or 4SR44 battery.
The original Canon documentation lists this battery type for the camera. The 4LR44 is the alkaline version, while 4SR44 refers to the silver-oxide version of the same general battery format.
If youre shopping online, focus on the battery type and voltage rather than the brand name alone. Different manufacturers sometimes use different equivalent product names.
Where is the battery on the Canon AE-1 Program?
The battery chamber is on the front of the camera underneath the action grip.
To get to it, remove or swing the grip out of the way, then open the battery-chamber cover. This is one of those things that feels obvious after youve done it once, but it can be surprisingly easy to miss the first time you pick up the camera.
How to install the battery
- Open the battery chamber underneath the action grip.
- Insert the 6V 4LR44 or 4SR44 battery in the orientation shown inside the compartment.
- Make sure the polarity matches the markings in the chamber.
- Close the battery cover securely.
- Test the camera using the battery-check function and by confirming the meter/shutter responds normally.
Dont force the battery or the cover. If it doesnt seem to fit correctly, double-check that you have the correct 6V battery and that the polarity is facing the right direction.
How to check the battery
Once the battery is installed, use the AE-1 Programs battery-check function to confirm that the camera is getting adequate power.
It’s also worth confirming that the light meter activates and that the shutter operates normally. If the camera is behaving inconsistently, checking the battery is one of the first troubleshooting steps Id take.
How long does the battery last?
Canon’s original manual gives an approximate battery-life figure of about a year under its stated usage conditions.
In my own use, I’ve replaced the battery sooner than that, so I wouldn’t treat a one-year figure as a guarantee. How long it lasts will depend on the battery itself, how often you use the camera, and storage conditions.
Where to buy a Canon AE-1 Program battery
You can usually find 4LR44 / 4SR44 6V batteries from major battery retailers, camera stores, pharmacies, and general retailers.
For an older electronic film camera, Id rather spend a little more on a reputable battery than buy the cheapest no-name option I can find. A fresh, reliable battery removes one easy variable when you’re troubleshooting the camera.
Is this the same battery as the original Canon AE-1?
Be careful when searching because results for the Canon AE-1 and Canon AE-1 Program often get mixed together.
This guide is specifically for the Canon AE-1 Program. If you’re buying a battery, confirm the exact camera model before ordering instead of relying only on a generic “AE-1 battery” product title.
Final thoughts
The battery is one of the easiest parts of getting a Canon AE-1 Program ready to shoot. You need one 6V 4LR44 or 4SR44 battery, the compartment is underneath the action grip, and installation only takes a minute.
If you’re just getting started with the camera, you can also read our Canon AE-1 Program review and our guide to the best film for the Canon AE-1.
Thank you. Haven’t used in a while and I totally forgot. Thank you so much
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help 🙂
Excellent video n information, thank you so much
Excellent information. Starting a “film” based class and forgot how to do the basics of this camera.
Thank you, I needed this information and you’re the most accurate one.
Thanks so much and glad you found it helpful!
Brilliant – just found an old AE-1 in my dad’s attic and it wouldn’t work – just changed battery and bingo – back in business