20 Most Recent Canon EOS-AE-1 35mm SLR Camera Questions & Answers

Most likely the motor is wearing out and not powerful enough to wind more film. Not much you can do but replace the camera with something newer. Repair parts are most likely not available and the price would be way out of line of a replacement.

The cost of fixing is almost the same as buying a used or refurbished AE-1 about $80-120

Unless you are a camera technician, this is a problem that has to go in for repair. The mechanical hold is defective or broken. Please weigh the cost of repair vs buying a used camera You can buy a used/refurbished AE-1 Program in the $80-$140 range. Call several repair places by looking on the internet, some will give a free repair estimate.

First thing I would do is sacrifice a roll of film. Load the film as you have been. Then with the back open and tension on the film (do not touch the film over the shutter, advance the film. It may be that you are putting the film on the takeup spool incorrectly. Watch how the film advances on the spool. If it is on the spool incorrectly it will disconnect then not advance. If that does not work it may be a errant takeup spool.

When you press the battery check button halfway down, the camera responds with a beeping sound. The faster and louder the beep, the better the battery.
I bet your battery check button is stuck. Probably some sand or grit has gotten under there. An easy way to try and fix this is with an air compressor. Take the nozzle and try and blow out the space around the button.

As for the film advance. Double check to make sure your locking arm has engaged the film canister all the way. When you slide the arm down it. It should seat all the way.
Also, check to make sure you lined up the film guide cogs with the holes on both edges of the film.

Rob