Pull the rewind knob up until the back cover pops open

The AE-1 uses color (negative or slide) or black and white film in standard 35mm cartridges. Place the cartridge in the film chamber as shown. Then push the rewind knob down, rotating it until it drops into it normal position

Pull the film leader across the camera and inset it into any slot of the take-up spool

Advance the film once. Check that the film perforations are engaged in the teeth of the film transport sprocket and the take-up spool

The film should be taut. If there is slack, gentle turn the rewind crank in the direction of the arrow until it stops. Close the back cover