Canon EOS 1n experiences

[Pfreddee]

Can you say GAS? Now I have a chance to pick up a Canon EOS 1n at my local camera shop. What can owners of this model tell me about the camera? I am really thinking of getting it, since it's going for $125.00 (plus tax).

Thank you to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[B-9]

Rugged, heavy as hell.

Very much the same as the EOS 1.

I used two, one with the battery pack, the other with power winder.

Cant go wrong if you shoot EF glass.

Quick AF, and a deafining Film Advance, make for a serious beast.

 

[CliveC]

It's a beast of a camera and I actually found it a little too much so. Maybe because I have relatively small hands.

 

[B-9]

I guess i should mention,

It has an Excellent Metering System, not groundbreaking, but consistantly accurate.

The N added a few custom functions, and improved weather seals.

It is definitely big, but you know that already. I personally found the BP-01 to be a must have for using AA batteries. I also feel it improved overall handling, overcoming that top heavy feel when using zooms (even smallish 20/2.8 EF). Mandatory if your using any extreme tele. Plus, AA batteries are way cheaper than the photo cell it would typically use.

Go for it, Sounds like a solid price if you get some sort of return period in case of failure.

The shutters were made to withstand the depths of hell, but even then, they do have a life expectancy.

Goodluck!

 

[Dave R.]

Have had one for about 4 years, works great & has nice bright & clear viewfinder. I don't find it to heavy myself. Make sure you always have a spare battery, that's the only thing has has bit me. Throw on that new lightweight 50mm 1.8 STM lens and you've got a great setup for under $250.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I had one, as my first 'serious/pro' camera. Sold it later in favor of the EOS3 that i still have. I didn't like using a wheel to determine the focus point. Other than that, though, it's a cool camera and Canon AF glass is fantastic.

 

[wakarimasen]

I thought about buying one recently, to complement the 1V that I already have. Instead I found a 1V at a very good price. Would be interested to know how you get on with it.
Good luck!

 

[marko.oja]

Really good camera, just try to find one with the smaller grip so you can get the weight down. Would be a great combo with my 50/1.2 but for some reason the focus is WAY off with that lens (just right with every other lens I've used so far).

 

[Kate-the-Great]

For 125$, I'd snap one up in a minute if I didn't already have a 5D. That's a heck of a deal for a 1N.

I shot an EOS-3 (which I understand is basically the same camera as 1N) with PB-E2 winder/grip for a couple years and it remains one of my favorite SLRs. Probably tied with the Nikon F100; I'd give the F100 a slight edge for ergonomics but the EOS wins on autofocus lens selection.

I'll second Dave R re: the new STM 50mm 1.8- I'd even go with that over the 50mm 1.4, I've never been impressed with the optical character or performance of the faster lens, even if the AF and focus override is much nicer.

 

[Fraser]

Second best 35mm autofocus SLR ever made the first being Eos 1v

 

[jarski]

if flash photography is important, V speaks better with Canon Speedlites (and is more expensive, naturally).

 

[Kate-the-Great]

Would be a great combo with my 50/1.2 but for some reason the focus is WAY off with that lens (just right with every other lens I've used so far).

I've heard this is a common problem with this lens, unfortunately. Something about spherical aberration causing focus shift and messing with the AF.

 

[presspass]

I've had one for a couple of years but don't use it much. An easy camera to use, and the autofocus seems tack on. I got it to supplement the EOS digitals I use for work but turn to either the manual focus Nikons or Leica Ms instead. Still, I won't get rid of it.

 

[gavinlg]

They are lovely reliable tanks.

 

[rscheffler]

Originally Posted by marko.oja
Would be a great combo with my 50/1.2 but for some reason the focus is WAY off with that lens (just right with every other lens I've used so far).

I've heard this is a common problem with this lens, unfortunately. Something about spherical aberration causing focus shift and messing with the AF.

I would only trust to use that lens on a camera with micro focus adjustment, which of course means digital and ca. 2007 and newer. Unfortunately Canon won't service old gear and I wonder if any independent shop would have the necessary software/hardware to interface with the 1N's AF system to tweak its parameters, and whether that's even possible on a lens by lens basis.

As for the 1N... I loved it in the mid 90s but eventually replaced it with an EOS-3. But it's a solid camera, naturally built on the EOS-1 series design philosophy that has held consistent to the present day. Of the EOS film cameras, the 1V was by far my favourite, incorporating the faster and more complex AF system of the EOS-3, with a super tough build found in current 1D series cameras. Before it, the 1 series bodies were definitely tough, but were primarily covered by thick 'engineering-grade' plastic that has a somewhat different tactile quality. Still very, very durable, but a different feel from the 1V's magnesium alloy housing.

But for $125... a steal for an AF camera that has all the functions you're likely to really need.

 

[Fraser]

I think you are right about the 50mm 1.2, I have one and would never have bought it if my bodies didn't have micro adjust. The 1v does feel nicer than the 1 and 1n as already said as it all metal, but for $125 you cant go wrong. One thing that is a nuisance about the 1v I'm not sure if its the same with the 1n is to get some of the custom features you need the link cable and software which I have never been able to find.

 

[philipus]

I come a bit late to the party but fwiw here are my thoughts. It's a very good camera. I bought mine used in 2000. It had been used heavily by a press photographer during three years (since 1997). The internal meter said something like 70,000 actuations. I used it as my main and only camera until 2011. I still use it occasionally and it works flawlessly.

Extremely quick AF esp. with USM/L USM lenses. I'm quite sure that while the V will have a much more advanced AF most users will not need it (that said, I'd love to have a 1V). Press, and sports, photographers might need this functionality. The same goes for the switchable AF points. I always have it set to the middle one. Since my first EOS (an 850 in the late 80s) I have always used the focus and recompose technique. Works for me.

The meter is very accurate. I've seen tests that the Nikon matrix metering is supposed to have an edge over the top EOS cameras but I never suffered from any inadequacies in this respect. I virtually exclusively shot Velvia 50 with mine and always had good exposures. Any errors were always mine.

Weight-wise it isn't very heavy, I find. It's just shy of 900gr with the battery. That's 1.5x the M6TTL. Granted lenses are of course larger and heavier so the comparison stops there. In any event it isn't something that's bothered me. It's a very ergonomical camera with the two dials placed conveniently for the right hand index and thumb. It makes for very swift operation of the functions.

I also have the booster and that transform the camera into a really large box. It's still very nice in the hand, and the vertical trigger is truly useful. But it isn't something I would find a necessary accessory. I just got it for free with the camera. The battery does last a very long times, but as said earlier it is good to bring a spare.

Here's a comparison which probably isn't very helpful:

Flickr

 

[littleearth]

It's a realy heavy brick, specially with the PB-E1 !
The body alone weights 855g !! A Mamiya 645 Super with a 120 back weights 895g !
IMO only worth it if you already have L glass. I didn't so I end up selling it.