Canon F1 Series Tribute, why not ?

G

Guest

Guest
So come on Canon users of old stock days, stick your oar in here, the Nikon system was not the only workhorse out there in the old days. This camera series has really endured the test of time, some claim the mechanics are better than the Nikon system but in reality, they both were and still are indestructible cameras when serviced. Just take the bottom plate off these cameras and inside they are workhorse Rolex cameras........ the glass aspect of them both does start the comparison though....
 
jmpgino said:
So come on Canon users of old stock days, stick your oar in here, the Nikon system was not the only workhorse out there in the old days. This camera series has really endured the test of time, some claim the mechanics are better than the Nikon system but in reality, they both were and still are indestructible cameras when serviced. Just take the bottom plate off these cameras and inside they are workhorse Rolex cameras........ the glass aspect of them both does start the comparison though....
Click to expand...

The Canon F1 , F1n and F1N were all first class cameras and the FD Canon lenses were no slouch and there were a huge variety of them,fast sharp and good.

The Nikon F system stole the limelight...maybe if Canon introduced their F1 system in 1959 and had the longevity of the Nikon F system then maybe the Canon F1 system would have been equally as legendary in SLR-dom as the Nikon F system in all its iterations through the decades.
 
I haz Canon F-1N. Lets me use Manual, Aperture priority with AE prism, Shutter priority with Winder. Solid camera; nice displays.

Photo is from the day I bought it, so it didn’t have a strap yet.

Will get F-1n next for solid all-mechanical operation.
 

Attachments

  • IMAG9108.jpg
    IMAG9108.jpg
    26.9 KB · Views: 1
  • IMAG9114.jpg
    IMAG9114.jpg
    35.3 KB · Views: 1
Will always have a soft spot for the Canon F1n, it was my first "Pro" camera, bought used in 1992. It just worked, day in and day out. Also fit my hands well, and I liked the match needle metering, helpful when needed, not obtrusive in the viewfinder. Would love to find another clean copy.

CanF1n.jpg


Best,
-Tim
 
Actually a slight correction: on the old FD lenses, you turn a chrome ring to ensure the lens is mounted and locked. It is very very smooth. The ring actually starts to turn as soon as you insert the lens properly. This breech-lock bayonet mount is designed for minimal wear. It’ll probably last hundreds of years. The old FD lenses are identified by the chrome ring and by orange and white distance scale numbers.

On the new FD bayonet lenses, there’s no ring - you turn the lens to lock it. Maybe simpler, certainly less expensive for Canon to make. Not quite as elegant as the old FD lenses. New FD lenses have no chrome and typically have pretty green and white numbers for the distance scale.

The Canon FD mount is probably the most complex mechanical mount ever made, considering all the linkages and connections it has. If there’s a more complex one, I’ve yet to see it.
 
Thanks for correcting the information given in post #12, @Pál_K. :) After my previous reply, in which I stated that I had "got it now", I remembered that some years ago, for a short time I owned an FD lens (for use on an early mirrorless camera), and that lens didn't have a mount ring.

At this point, I was confused (not uncommon ;)), and began to think I hadn't really "got it" at all - but after reading your later post, it now makes sense again!
 
When I used Canon SLRs often I would inadvertently rotate the FD lens silver mounting collar.
Once I recall catching the accidentally dismounted lens in my hand before it dropped to the floor.
The FDn lenses added a much-needed locking function to the breech-lock lens mount.

Chris
 
I used two F1N cameras and several FD lenses. I kept one F2n for the mirror lockup feature for very long exposures.
My favorite lenses were 85/1.2L and 500/4.5L.
I used the Motordrive and a battery cord for extended times in cold climates.
I used spotmeter focus screens. The coverage may have been 6 degrees.
 
Pál_K said:
That’s an interesting aspect of the F-1 system: you can change the metering pattern by changing the screen.....
Click to expand...

That is nice. I have a spot metering screen and averaging screen that I use depending on the situation (spot meter: slow deliberate shooting; averaging: when I use shutter-speed preferred automation). Easy to change screens too, which I like.

Jim B.
 
_1030807.jpg by ASA 32, on Flickr

Canon New F-1, with Speed Finder, High Powered NiCd Battery Pack FN, Power Cord FN and AE Motor Drive FN. This was a replacement for my stolen F-1n, which I dearly miss. Lens is the New FD 135mm f/2, one of my favorite lenses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom