Canon F1 35mm SLRs
Canon F1 35mm SLRs
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[Jul 31, 2003]
cliffs
Intermediate
Strength:
Mirror lockup, Solid beautifully constructed, still everything fits and moves perfectly after all the years.
Weakness:
Weight, Cds meter not so sensitive as later silicon cells, 1.3V mercury battery required for meter. The second revision of the original F1 mechanical masterpiece. Sounds as good as new, clockwork selftimer and lower speeds all gear driven, no batteries required. Battery only for meter. Customer Service None required Similar Products Used: A1, EF, F1N, and T90 |
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[Jul 29, 2003]
james_willy
Intermediate
Strength:
The camera is not as forgiving as the AE-1 because it requires more precise understanding of exposures, and other aspects of photography. However, once these are understood, exposures from the F-1 with a good peice of glass (my fave right now is the Tamron 88mm telephoto macro)are incredible! It's a beast that produces stellar images once tamed.
Weakness:
These units are getting old. Mine is at least 23-25 years old. I haven't bothered with a serial number check, but it is the F1-N body which dates it later than ealier models. Anyway, my F1 has required some TLC as of late. However, once my tech was finished cleaning, refurbishing the foam, lubricating and what not, the camera is once again ready to be abused! So these units are old and hard-er to find parts for... My father was a pro photographer in the 1980's. He used the F-1N for a good 15 years, and began showing me its various functions, etcetera when I was twelve. 13 years later, I've inherited the unit since dad went digital. I estimate that I've shot 8-10000 images in the last 4 years since receiving it in 1999. Recently got it cleaned and refurbished. I LOVE this camera. I will get it refurbished again if I need to, and the parts are still available. Customer Service never had to access. Always dealt with local sells/techies. Similar Products Used: Canon AE-1. Smattering of other low-mid range minolta and pentax slr's. |
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[May 06, 2003]
Roar Mathiassen
Intermediate
Strength:
Mechanical! and if any other camera become dirty in the wievfinder you must send it to a workshop for cleaningn (Yes try to use a camera in the fine brown dust in Lebanon and you will seen what i mean, my A-1 must go to an expensive cleaning after mi UN service.My F-1 i cleaned ny self And at last:The FD lenses(with chromium ring) they is the best you can get!!!
Weakness:
The somewhat clumsy battery control (forget it , instead replace the battery every year (Yes, the battery last for a year or two or..) In tte early 1980 i begin photographing whith a 35mm SLR. i begin whith the canon A1,because this was a camera whitc was affordable there, but after few months i tired of the electronic and buy the CAMERA! I use the F-1 for abt 10 years, and it has been my best friend for theese years.i want still to use the F1, but in 1988 i buy a second hand FTb for general Photographying.The best camera it,s of course the F-1, now im is afraid of this masterpiece, and only use my trusty FTb. when i get a second F-1, i will use it for rest of my life Customer Service None, None!!a F-1 it,s your thrusty old friend.The F-1 will last longer than i (I am 43 year old) Similar Products Used: Canon FTb Canon A1 CanonTLb |
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[Apr 30, 2003]
Morgan
Expert
Strength:
All of it, I love it, its photographic perfection.
Weakness:
With my type of photography I never had any problems and never found something that I did not like with the product. (I know it seems a bit biased, but its true, NOTHING I have ever used on the market comes even close to this, neither in the past, nor today). I have never, repeat NEVER had any problems with this camera, and I have abused it hideously in all sorts of ways. When I have been freelancing I have had things falling on it (20 Kilos from 2 meters height), I have travelled with it in deserts and jungles, I have dropped it numerous times on all types of surfaces. I even had to use it as a weapon in some fights I had... and it still works like a clock... what a marvel this piece of work is... it never let me down I am soooo impressed and would never go for anything else. Customer Service No experience in this area. Similar Products Used: Lots of manual cameras of different brands. |
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[Apr 10, 2003]
Ken McBeth
Expert
Strength:
Super tough build quality...solid assurance!
Weakness:
a bit primitive by today's standards I have both the original F1 and the later second series (F1N/F1NAE)- my preference is the original type, regarding the build quality it is superb. My F1N is a bit scruffy now as a lot of the paint has come off. I never did understand why the makers put on the semi-matt paint that comes of with any use. I also like the original because the shutter is not reliant on battery power... Similar Products Used: Nikon F/F2/F3 |
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[Apr 03, 2003]
cliffs
Intermediate
Strength:
Built like a tank compared to my A1 which it replaces.All metal constuction.
Weakness:
Not quite as automatic as the A1 , heavy.Hard to get spare parts! Just purchased a good example of Canon F1 with AE Finder. Camera is in excellent condition. Always wanted one of these.Just needs a clean. Customer Service None from Canon Similar Products Used: Canon A1, Canon EF |
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[Mar 30, 2003]
ricekrispiesc
Intermediate
Strength:
Interchangeable prisms, many accesories, cheap for what it is, quiet, rugged, and works without its batteries in.
Weakness:
Need motor drive for shutter priority, prism for aperture priority, and its still kinda heavy compared to today's plastic marvels. This was my regular shooter until I got a T-90, and it still comes out for certain situations. Overall its a very nice camera with the AE prism. Easily available for $300, for a camera that cost over $1000 originally, a pretty good deal. Customer Service Had to have it repaired and cleaned recently, used KEH since its not really supported by Canon. Similar Products Used: T-90, AE-1, AE-1P |
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[Mar 09, 2003]
Russell Ruggiero
Professional
Strength:
Built Quality
Weakness:
No TTL Dear Reader I am avid photo buff that owns Canon, Hasselblad, Leica, and Nikon systems. In my opinion, The Canon F1 (New) is the best built 35mm SLR ever made. It and the Nikon F2 represent the zenith in 35mm SLR's. The meter and control lay-out on the Canon F1 (New) are excellent. However, this product does lack both TTL and mirror lock-up, which are both offered on the excellent Nikon F3hp. Nikon did a great job with the F3hp, but made an error in the shutter design. The Nikon F3hp only works at one speed (80th second)if the battery fails. This speed is almost useless for most serious users. The MD4 may cure the problem, but it makes the F3hp a moster to carry. I for one, do not need a motor to take still life photos. As a product, the Canon F1 (New) is and will always have a place in photo history. It is a true masterpiece. Thank You Russell Ruggiero Customer Service Good Similar Products Used: Own Nikon F2, FT3, and 4004s |
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[Mar 04, 2003]
Harvey Platter
Expert
Strength:
(original model) Enormously tough, superb viewfinder, marvelous 'fit and feel'.
Weakness:
(later model) Just doesn't feel that nice! There are two cameras bearing the Canon F1 name: the original, superb mechanical model and the later electronic shuttered machine. I have used both and they are very different. The original camera was intended to go head to head with the Nikon F/F2 series and succeeded admirably. It is a solid, reliable camera with a marvelous viewfinder (use it with the grid screen to get the full benefit) and a simple reliable metering system. The shutter operates with a subtle 'thud' which doesn't attract attention - very useful for street photography. Everything about it breathes quality and it is more than a match for the Nikon competition with the advantage that the metering system works with all viewfinders. The motorwind is also relatively quiet and unobtrusive (inasmuch as such things ever are). The later model, unfortunately, is a cheapened, coarsened product in several ways. The black chrome finish feels nasty, the electronic shutter has a noticeably tinny sound that immediately attracts attention and the whole camera looks ill thought out, especially by comparison with its predecessor. Both cameras benefit from the huge range of excellent Canon FD and FL mount lenses which rival Nikon in both range and quality. Customer Service Never used it Similar Products Used: Nikon F, F4 |
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[Dec 19, 2002]
tjhtjh
Expert
Strength:
This camera is exceptionally well built. It's over 30 years old, has had hundreds of rolls of film run through it, been subjected to backpacking trips, rain, snow, extreme cold, desert heat and it just keeps going and going.
Weakness:
Lack of hotshoe for flash. I've bought this camera used about 5 years ago...I intended it to be a backup to my A-1, instead I quickly fell in love with it and made it my camera of choice. Yes it's heavy, no it doesn't have any automation, electronics or power anything. If I wanted that stuff, I would have bought a EOS system. What this camera does offer is rock solid dependability, awesome pictures, total control over pictures, reasonably priced (used) lenses and accessories, minimal battery usage (important when shooting outdoors in subzero weather)....by the way, did I mention that it takes awesome pictures? Customer Service This camera's 30 years old...I don't expect any customer service and haven't needed any yet. Similar Products Used: Canon AE-1, Canon A-1, Canon T-90, Nikon F3, Nikon F, Nikon FM2, Olympus OM2, Minolta SRT, 4x5 Field Camera, Pentax RB67, |