The Canon New F-1 is an SLR camera. It is the successor of the Canon F-1 and was introduced in 1981. The new price for the body only was 149,000 yen for the professional camera in Japan in the 80s. Nowadays, this sum corresponds to about 1,600 euros.
The lens of the Canon New F-1 is interchangeable. For this, a Canon FD bayonet was installed. The Canon FD 50mm f/1.2 is often found with the 35mm photo camera. The lens is focused by hand. The Canon New F-1 does not have an autofocus function.
The camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 6 to 6400. The exposure metering is done through the lens. The camera comes with an aperture priority mode, in which the exposure time is selected manually and the camera automatically selects the aperture. However, the aperture and exposure time can also be freely selected.
The New F-1 has a hybrid shutter. Exposure times from 1/125 sec to 1/2000 sec are mechanically controlled. For the range between 8 seconds to 1/90 seconds, the electronics are responsible. A bulb mode is available for long exposures. This mode is also mechanically.
The Canon New F-1 has a thread for a tripod and cable release. It also has a self-timer. An external flash can be connected to the hot shoe. In addition, there is a PC flash socket.
With a size of 14.7 x 9.7 x 4.8 cm, the body weighs 795 grams. The 35mm camera is powered by four LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon New F-1
What kind of films are needed for the Canon New F-1? The camera is designed for 35mm film. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. Nice films for black and white or color images are the AgfaPhoto APX 400* and the Fujifilm Superia 400*. The color film is processed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo labs. The black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon FD lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable pentaprism viewfinder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 8 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/90 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 4x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 14,7 x 9,7 x 4,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.79 x 3.82 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 795 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 423,80 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 502,67 Euro (543.36 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 395,60 Euro (427.55 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 391,79 Euro (423.22 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon New F-1
Is the Canon New F-1 an automatic camera?
No, the Canon New F-1 is a manual focus camera. It doesn't have autofocus. You manually adjust the focus on the lens and choose the aperture and shutter speed.
What kind of film does this SLR use?
The Canon New F-1 uses 35mm film. These are still readily available, making it easy to find both color and black and white options.
How is the exposure measured on this camera?
The camera has a built-in light meter that works through the lens. It offers an aperture-priority mode (automatic aperture selection) or you can manually set both aperture and shutter speed.
Does the camera have a self-timer?
Yes, the New F-1 has a built-in self-timer, a handy feature for taking self-portraits or group photos without needing to rush to get into the frame.
What type of lens does the camera take?
The camera utilizes Canon FD bayonet mount lenses. This is a popular mount with many lenses available on the used market. The 50mm f/1.2 is a common one found with this camera.