Written by Samantha Stortecky
Hey friends! Today, we’re reviewing one of my favorite film cameras, the Canon EOS 1V.
I’ve owned the Canon 1V for years, and it has seen me through so many different seasons and clients. This camera is a powerhouse and perfect for beginners and seasoned film shooters.
My favorite way to use this camera was at weddings when I needed to take a lot of images quickly, such as family portraits or ceremonies. So for me, the Canon 1V is the perfect companion when you need a robust and reliable 35mm film camera.
So, let’s jump into the review!
Find the Canon EOS 1V at KEH Camera or on eBay.
Technical Specs for the Canon EOS 1V
The Canon 1V is a 35mm SLR film camera. It was released in the year 2000 and was Canon’s high-end professional SLR, made to be a solid and reliable workhorse.
It has a 45-point AF area and three focusing modes (one-shot AF, AI servo AF, and manual).
The 1V is a full-frame camera with a picture size of 24mm x 36mm and has an ISO film speed range of up to 6400.
The Canon 1V can be used as-is or with a PB-E2 battery grip (find on eBay) for easy vertical shooting. This batter grip allows for high-speed continuous shooting at ten frames per second.
In addition, the battery grip has a main dial, shutter button, FE lock button, AE lock button, and focusing point selector.
Pros of the Canon 1V
You can use all Canon family EF lenses on this camera!
This is fantastic, especially if you already own a Canon DSLR with an EF lens of its own. You don’t have to pay extra for special lenses, which is a huge pro in my book.
It also takes images fast, and the loading and unloading are quick.
This makes the camera perfect for weddings, especially during crucial times like the ceremony. All you need to do is pop in the roll of film, shut the back, and let the camera do its own thing!
The auto-focus on the Canon EOS 1V is excellent. While I am a huge promoter of manual focusing, this camera is the only film camera where I will utilize the autofocus function.
While this camera isn’t as fast as most DSLR cameras, it is significantly faster with autofocus than most SLRs. This makes the 1V great for photographers who prefer autofocusing!
Cons of the 1V
This camera needs an external light meter. I’ve found that the internal light meter on the Canon EOS 1V isn’t always reliable, and I have been burned with underexposed images a few times.
I hope you’re ready to get an arm workout because this camera is heavy. The heaviness of the camera typically isn’t an issue, but if you’re like me and have small hands, gripping the camera body for long periods can take a toll.
Like many film cameras, the Canon 1V has been discontinued, and purchasing it can cost you a pretty penny. Depending on where you prefer to purchase your cameras, the Canon 1V body can cost anywhere from $600 to $800.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this camera is an excellent addition to anyone’s camera family!
If you’re in the market for a sturdy and relatively fast 35mm SLR, definitely give the Canon EOS 1V a go!
Thank you so much, Samantha! Samantha is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can check out her other articles here, including a The 3 Film Cameras I Take on Every Trip and the Pentax 645N camera review.
You can also check out more of Samantha’s work on her website and Instagram.
Leave your questions about the Canon EOS 1V below in the comments, and you can pick one up for yourself at KEH Camera or on eBay.
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Blog Comments
Daniel Grant
July 8, 2022 at 11:32 am
Great Camera and review. If you want something equally as capable, with the only true difference being FPS & AF points it’s worth taking a look at the older sibling in the EOS line up the 1-N. Can be had for just around 50% of the cost of the 1-V
shootitwithfilm
July 11, 2022 at 10:22 pm
Such a great suggestion! Thank you, Daniel!
Alejandro
July 8, 2022 at 1:05 pm
Picked this one up recently to pair with a Canon 5D. It’s hefty but it feels good in the hand! I agree with the point about the light meter, except I’ve had trouble with overexposed images in bright conditions. Other than that, I love using it for paid shoots.
Steve
February 3, 2023 at 10:54 am
I came back to film in 2020 after leaving it for digital in 2005. I was always a Canon user and have lots of EF lenses so any EOS film camera would be a great choice. I had an EOS 1N in 2005 that had failed in 2020 because the main circuit board quit – a hazard with any heavily electronic camera. I did find and EOS 650 – the first EOS camera Canon made – and it is mint and works great. Internal meter is very accurate but it does struggle with out focus a bit. Trying to convince myself I need a 1V.
Bernadeta
February 21, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Thanks, Samantha for this article – I am looking for a 35mm camera to use mostly during weddings and it seems like the perfect solution for me. I’ve been using Leica M6 but focusing on rangefinder is still not my strong lol
Steve
August 25, 2023 at 12:04 pm
I have one and have had no problem with the light meter. My go to film camera and a good choice for Canon owners as all my L series lenses work on my SLR and DSLR.
Fern
September 29, 2023 at 6:56 pm
The metering on this camera delivers consistent results which is what is most important in a meter. To say it’s a con is inaccurate. Try rating your film lower and mind your scene. It can’t think for you.