Great choice! I bought my F-1 in Sept. 1971 and used it for over 30 years, without any problems. I sold it in 2004 for slightly more than I paid for it. But I never forgot how much I liked it, so I found a mint condition New F-1 last year, and couldn’t pass it up. Original, or the new F-1, both great cameras, and easily a match for the Nikons. Winding the film and listening to that shutter adds a tactile and audio experience that no digital camera can match.
I used an F-1 from '72 through 2003, with an F1n added during that time. Still my favorite 35mm system. (The FTb that preceded it was stil working perfectly until I sold it in 1999. Great kit, great lenses.)
I absolutely adore the old F1. It's the dream camera. I have an A1 in an extremely good condition, but that F1 is just another level. All mechanical.. would trade it as well!
Shot with mine for the first time yesterday. The solidness of this camera can't be overstated and it's fantastic to use because of it. I love my Canon P as well but the F1 is on another level! It's CLA'd but the lightmeter don't really work I think so I just use sunny 16 for an even better experience.
I bought a new Canon F-1 in the 70s. I loved shooting with that camera but I ended up moving to a Nikon F2 system with motor drive. A few years ago I was really happy to pickup a very clean F-1 with a 50 1.4 and a couple other FD lenses. It’s definitely my favorite camera from the 60s and 70s. I also still have my Nikon F2, Nikon F and a couple Spotmatics. Thanks for the tip on the battery with o-ring! I just subscribed to your channel.
Love my original F-1! When I had it CLA'ed a few years ago, they put a voltage reducer so i could use the 1.5 volt batteries that are available today. IMO, these cameras are the best value in vintage 35mm SLR's right now.
Nice video. I never had any experience of Canon back in the day, but became interested in them about 10 years ago. I have 5 of these, they can be bought in good shape for $100 if you're patient. Unbelievable.
I had both versions of the F1 and some lenses, but sold them off a few years ago to help fund an extensive Pentax 67 collection. I shot with F1's through the 80's into the mid 90's. I am tending to consider getting a Nikon F2 soon.
A most excellent, fun, and thorough review. Have wanted one for decades. When the Canon F-1 came it I immediately ordered the book, The New F-1 World. It was excellent but the price for the F-1 was out of my budget. Love the design, ruggedness, and the quality. Not being dependent on battery is awesome. And the quality of the lenses are incredible. Peace
I’ve a F-1n from 1976 and a New F-1 from 1981. Some people prefer Canon over Nikon. But I think the F2 is another unique example of fine instrumentation in Japanese camera industries. 🎉
Thankx for the video !Great camera, I love mine. Check out the Canon EF, similar chassis and ruggedness as the F-1 but with shutter priority. The F-1 and the EF are my personal favorate Canon 35 SLR's.
Nice video, the OG F1 is for sure a sleeper. It was/is my go to 35mm camera for the past 2 years. The speed finder for these is an amazing accessory, highly highly recommend it. It lets you switch between an eyelevel and "waist" level without removing the prism. You only get about 5 inches eye to finder distance but it lets you get that low angle. Also amazing for if you're wearing a motorcycle helmet or glasses, don't need to take them off to get the shot.
I loved the F1n which was basic but 100 % solid and a pleasure to use, much more than the NEW F1n ( AF finder model etc) but the Nikon F2 was far more successful as was the F3 compared to the NEW F1. Never did get an F1 which is a shame, owned an F3 T at one point, long before switching to Canon for digital. Now primarily a Fuji shooter - BECAUSE they remind me of older film cameras....but nothing feels quite like a classic F1 or Nikon F2...have fun.
Beautiful camera. I have two of those. They are on the heavy side but very solid pro cameras. One thing that I dislike is the shutter sound, it is too metallic for my taste. Otherwise it is a workhorse.
