Canon F-1

The Canon F-1 is an SLR camera. The model would be developed over a period of 5 years by the Japanese company and introduced to the public in 1970. The F-1 was then available for purchase the following year.

The F-1 system was aimed primarily at professional photographers. The cameras were designed for 100,000 exposures and were intended to provide faithful service even in the most adverse climatic conditions.

In 1976, the F1-N followed, a revised version with several improvements. For example, film advance was accelerated and the adjustable film speed was increased.

Ten years after its introduction, the successor to the F-1 was introduced. The new model incorporated the technical and electronic advancements made during the decade. One drawback of the model, however, is Canon’s nonsensical naming. It also bears the name Canon F-1, a fact that can easily cause confusion when talking about the camera. Externally, the new model can be distinguished from its predecessor, for instance by the Canon New F-1’s hot shoe.

The lenses of the Canon F-1 are interchangeable. This is made possible by the Canon FD bayonet, which was introduced together with the model. Most often you meet the 35mm camera with the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4. There is no autofocus on the 35mm camera. You have to manually focus on the subject.

The 35mm camera has a light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 2000. The exposure is measured through the lens. Both the desired f-number and the exposure time can be set by the user. An automatic exposure control is not built into the camera. The Canon F-1 has a bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter can remain open for a variable time.

The Canon F-1 has a thread for a tripod and a connection for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer. The use of an external flash is possible via the PC flash socket.

With a size of 14.7 x 9.9 x 4.3 cm, the Canon F-1 weighs 870 grams. The power needed for the camera comes from a 1.35 V mercury battery.

Films for the Canon F-1

Exposures are made in the Canon F-1 cartridges with 35mm film. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. A 35mm film for color photography is the Agfaphoto Vista 400*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 400*.

Color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo labs. For example, you can take your films to many drugstores in Germany to be developed.

The production of the Canon F-1 has been discontinued. You can only find them used today. The prices for a copy differ depending on the condition. Since the camera is a model for professionals and can still reliably take great pictures, it usually goes for at least a three-digit amount over the counter.