Canon F1 question(s)

[Pfreddee]

I am thinking of buying the Canon F1 that is presently sitting on the showcase shelf at my local real-live camera store. I want a rugged mostly mechanical metal manual camera for B&W work. This is a camera I have wanted since I first got a Canon AE-1, many years ago. Now I have a chance to pick one up. What has been your collective experience with it? I am planning to get a 35mm lens with this one, since I've got a 50mm f/!.8 Nikkor for my F100.

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[xayraa33]

I am thinking of buying the Canon F1 that is presently sitting on the showcase shelf at my local real-live camera store. I want a rugged mostly mechanical metal manual camera for B&W work. This is a camera I have wanted since I first got a Canon AE-1, many years ago. Now I have a chance to pick one up. What has been your collective experience with it? I am planning to get a 35mm lens with this one, since I've got a 50mm f/!.8 Nikkor for my F100.

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

Which F1... the one that came out in 1971 or the smaller "NEW" F1 of the early 1980s?

I have both, and they are both great cameras, built like a Tank and all that but the early type of F1 is too darn heavy.

 

[pagpow]

Stephen,

I've been shooting with an original F1 for 20+ years. With the FTB these cameras were manufactured about the time Canon decided to compete seriously with the Nikon F, and were sold to some of us on the basis of their indestructibility. I have loved it and the FD glass and never had a problem with it. In particular I really enjoyed the fact that their partial metering area was very well defined.

That said, there were 3 models of the F1: the original F1, took the mercury cells, the F1n (small n), a modification, and the F1N (capital N), or new F1, a camera that maintained compatibility with many parts of the F1 system (notably not the sports finder). All the FD and nFD lenses are cross compatible, though the nFD lenses were (are) significantly lighter than their counterparts and have a slightly modified system. Changes in focusing screens allowed changed metering pattern in the new F!, and changes in motor and finder allowed different exposure preferences (manual, aperture preferred, shutter speed preferred). The F1N uses a different battery, so I picked one up several years ago but since my stash of mercury batteries is not yet gone, I have not shot with the new one. So I can't speak to its performance. Perhaps others will chime in.

Giorgio

 

[mooge]

it's pretty good.

a few neat-o features:
- the meter read-out is illuminated from the top of the camera
- you can get different prisms for it (speedfinder!!!)
- the metering box is visible so you know exactly what you're metering

pretty sure the new F-1 has these features too but I dunno, I've only used the (old) F-1.

also, I don't think the F-1 I've been using has ever been serviced; it still works perfectly. actually that's a lie, it leaks light a bit... but no big deal, right?

 

[dogberryjr]

Let's put it this way: I have three (four?) of them and I am still tempted by the F1N that was listed in the RFF classifieds today. Solid, wonderful cameras.

 

[Mackinaw]

Simply put, the F-1 comes from an era when cameras were built like fine scientific instruments. All three versions are incredibly well-built and will last many, many lifetimes. Plenty of accessories too, ranging from motor drives, winders, view screens, finders, bulk film backs, etc. And of course you have access to the FD optics. The F-1 is a great camera. You will enjoy it.

Jim B.

 

[FrankS]

Which F1... the one that came out in 1971 or the smaller "NEW" F1 of the early 1980s?

I have both, and they are both great cameras, built like a Tank and all that but the early type of F1 is too darn heavy.

I'll take that heavy camera off your hands, and trade you for a lighter one! 🙂

 

[peterm1]

In my view this camera is very much on par with the Nikon F. (In fact I believe this is why it was named the Canon F1 - too good a marketing ploy to miss). It is a strong, well designed and well built camera. I do prefer the old F1 to the F1N (new F1) just because they look so cool and are true classic cameras. The only problem I had with mine when I owned one was that like some other cameras of the era they need to have the foam light seals in the camera replaced as the original had broken down and gone all "gooey". Note also that like many cameras of this era they use the old mercury batteries that are no longer available. But this is a minor issue that can be overcome - not the least of which because they only need the battery for the meter, not for operation of the shutter. A great camera.

 

[Joe AC]

I have two. I love them and would buy more you could pound nails with them and keep shooting. If you don't mind the weight of the camera it cant be beat. They are every bit as good as a Nikon F or a Leica M for that matter. (Oh boy did I say that?)

Thanks
Joe

 

[kdemas]

I'm a total Nikon guy on the SLR side but I can tell you the New F1 is the most solidly built camera I've ever owned. It's my only Canon and I can highly recommend it, great camera.

A tank. Nice viewfinder and displays as well.

 

[xayraa33]

I'll take that heavy camera off your hands, and trade you for a lighter one! 🙂

I got spoiled with the OM cameras and Barnack Leicas Frank so the all mechanical Canon F1 feels like lugging a gym weight on a neck strap around.

But compared to the Mamiya C330's weight I guess I should not complain too much.

 

[al1966]

I used to have a very dented one that I dropped down a cliff, she survived the 50 1.8 did not though, some arsehole stole it. It was one of the first generation ones and one of the few cameras I fancy getting again, if you want rugged well I know from experience that the one I had was very tough. One of the systems I have always loved is the old FD Canons apart from the T range, they did not feel right in the hand and on the day I bought the F1 I had the option of buying a T90.

 

[al1966]

I got spoiled with the OM cameras and Barnack Leicas Frank so the all mechanical Canon F1 feels like lugging a gym weight on a neck strap around.

But compared to the Mamiya C330's weight I guess I should not complain too much.

That is the truth I will go out with my OM's over much else because they are so light and also the OM1 and 2 feel so much smoother than anything else, but I have a 24mm Fd so the AE1 gets a nice walk if I am in the mood for that focal length.

 

[pachuco]

One of the finest cameras I have ever used. You will not be sorry.

 

[Gid]

Excellent camera. Got mine from my father several years ago (as he moved to a P&S) with a 50 1.8, 100 2.8 and 200 f4. Since picked up a 50 1.4 - super lens. Wein zinc air cells work well but as noted its only for the meter. Plus the lenses are a steal. Go for it 😎

 

[Beemermark]

I have two. I love them and would buy more you could pound nails with them and keep shooting. If you don't mind the weight of the camera it cant be beat. They are every bit as good as a Nikon F or a Leica M for that matter. (Oh boy did I say that?) Thanks Joe

The downside to the Canon FD line (compared to Nikon) is fewer lens selection and IMHO, except for a few, the lenses are not as good.

That's why I bought a Canon to Nikon adapter so I can use my Nikon lenses on my F1!

 

[Mackinaw]

The downside to the Canon FD line (compared to Nikon) is fewer lens selection and IMHO, except for a few, the lenses are not as good........

Care to elaborate on this rather outrageous claim?

Jim B.

 

[dogberryjr]

Care to elaborate on this rather outrageous claim?

Jim B.

Heh. I thought that comment would raise a hackle or two.

 

[kermaier]

Get the F-1N (aka New F-1), for the brighter viewfinder and readily available batteries. (Unless you don't plan to use the built-in meter, in which case you can go with the F-1n, which has a fully mechanical shutter so you can go without batteries, as opposed to the electromechanical hybrid shutter on the F-1N.)

Almost all of the FD prime lenses are simply great. I generally prefer the new-FD (FDn) lenses, which have a more convenient bayonet mounting action and are sometimes smaller, but the earlier FD "breech-lock" lenses are, for the most part, more solidly/heavily built. A few of the zoom lenses are also great, but most of them don't stand up to modern zooms.

I've used the following lenses: 24/1.4L, 24/2.8, 28/2, 35/2, 50/1.2L, 50/1.4, 50/1.4 SSC, 50/1.8, 85/1.2L, 85/1.8, 135/2, 135/2.8, 200/2.8, 35-105/3.5, 70-210/4.
All were amazing, except the 50/1.8 which was merely good, the 135/2.8 which was mediocre, and the 70-210/4 zoom which sucked.

I still have 3 well-worn F-1N bodies and a bunch of lenses and accessories, but they haven't tasted film in about 4 years, so I should probably let it all go. 🙁

Enjoy your new entry into a great classic system!

Oh, and another note: If you have a Nikon system already, there may be some getting used to the Canon system, as I think the focus and aperture rings turn in the opposite direction. 🙂

Cheers,
::Ari

 

[kdemas]

Oh, and another note: If you have a Nikon system already, there may be some getting used to the Canon system, as I think the focus and aperture rings turn in the opposite direction. 🙂

Cheers,
::Ari

On the bright side, they turn in the same direction as Leica equipment if you happen to be an M or R shooter 🙂