Canon F-1 35mm Film Camera Review by Kea Nacolatabua

Written by Kea Nacolatabua

In 2023, my first-ever film camera, the Canon A-1 broke because I hadn’t loaded a roll of Kodak Gold 200 correctly, which ended up damaging the film advance lever. After watching every tutorial and trying every quick fix, I realized it wasn’t worth repairing. Instead, I decided to go for a different camera.

While researching, I realized I didn’t love the feel of the Canon A-1. I originally bought it because it was more advanced than the Canon AE-1 Program, but it had too much plastic on the body, and it never felt great in my hands—especially since I have larger hands. That’s what led me down the road to finding my Canon F-1.

The Canon F-1 was exactly what I had been looking for. It offered an almost entirely metal body, along with a modular system that included removable prisms and interchangeable finders—even allowing for waist-level finder photography. But my favorite part? The feel of the film advance lever. The confident, tactile motion of advancing the film is incredibly satisfying and, honestly, a little addicting.

Find the Canon F-1 at KEH Camera or on eBay.

History of the Canon F-1

Introduced in 1971, the Canon F-1 was Canon’s first professional 35mm SLR, designed to compete with Nikon’s F-series.

Built to withstand tough conditions, it featured a durable, all-metal body, a modular design, and an extensive selection of accessories. It used the Canon FD lens mount, which enabled full-aperture metering and interchangeable finders, making it highly versatile for professionals.

In 1981, Canon released the New F-1, an upgraded version that retained the rugged design while improving features such as a brighter viewfinder, better metering options, and compatibility with a motor drive system.

Unlike many competitors transitioning to electronic systems, the New F-1 remained mechanically reliable, using a hybrid shutter that still functioned without batteries. This cemented its reputation as a workhorse camera, trusted by photojournalists and sports photographers alike.

The Canon F-1 series was discontinued in 1992, replaced by Canon’s autofocus EOS system. However, it remains a highly respected manual-focus SLR, prized by film photographers for its incredible build quality, reliability, and timeless design. Today, it’s a sought-after camera among collectors and enthusiasts, representing Canon’s commitment to professional photography before the digital era.

Canon F-1 Specifications

Original Canon F-1
Lens Mount: FD mount
Shutter: B, 1 – 1/2000 sec.
ISO Range: 25 – 3200
Focus Type: Manual
Light Meter: Yes
Self-Timer: Mechanical 10 sec
Battery: 1.3v / PX625A
Dimensions & Weight: 147 x 99 x 43 mm, 820 g

Canon New F-1
Lens Mount: FD mount
Shutter: B, 1 – 1/2000 sec.
ISO Range: 6 – 6400
Focus Type: Manual
Light Meter: Yes
Self-Timer: Electronic 10 sec
Battery: 6V / 4LR44
Dimensions & Weight: 147 x 97 x 48 mm, 795 g

Favorite Lens Combinations for the Canon F-1

One of the best things about the Canon F-1 is how well it pairs with different lenses. My favorite lens combinations with this camera are the 50mm f/1.4 for stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh and the 28mm f/2.8 for capturing wider scenes and street photography.

The Canon F-1 also pairs exceptionally well with Kodak film, producing rich colors and great dynamic range.

Canon F-1 vs. AE-1 Program

At first glance, the Canon F-1 and the Canon AE-1 Program might seem like they serve different audiences— and they do — but if you’re serious about film photography, I believe the F-1 is the better choice. Here’s why:

• Build Quality: The Canon F-1 is a fully metal, professional-grade camera designed to handle extreme conditions. In contrast, the AE-1 Program has plastic internal parts, and its shutter relies entirely on battery power.
• Modularity: The F-1’s removable prism allows users to switch out different viewfinders and focusing screens. This makes it a camera that can grow with you as you experiment and refine your style.
• Performance: With a shutter speed of up to 1/2000s, the F-1 is great for fast action shots and shooting in bright daylight at wider apertures.
• Shooting Modes: The F-1 supports aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes, providing more flexibility for those who want some automation while still maintaining control.
• Metering: The F-1 offers full-aperture metering with FD lenses, giving it more flexibility than the AE-1 Program, which has more limited metering options and lacks interchangeable finders.
• Creative Control: Like my old Canon A-1, the F-1 has the ability to shoot double exposures, a great feature for creative experimentation.

Cons of the Canon F-1

Of course, no camera is perfect. The New Canon F-1 (Canon F-1N) relies on a battery, which can be a drawback. While the camera can still function without one, it’s locked at a shutter speed of 1/60s, and you lose the ability to meter altogether. That can be a challenge when you need accurate metering while out shooting.

Another issue is battery life, especially in colder weather—the battery drains quickly, so carrying extras is a must.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the Canon F-1 is an excellent beginner 35mm SLR but also a solid upgrade from entry-level cameras like the AE-1 Program. Its rugged build, combined with different shooting modes, makes it a great all-around camera for various photography styles.

I’ve seen people use the F-1 with a power winder for sports photography, and I’ve personally taken many portraits with it. Plus, Canon FD lenses are well-regarded, with the aspherical lens line even rumored to be the same formula as the legendary K35 cinema lenses—used to film movies like Alien.

Once you get past the weight and larger body, I think anyone would be happy to have this camera in their collection.

Thank you so much, Kea! You can find more of Kea’s work on his website and Instagram.

Leave your questions about the Canon F-1 35mm film camera below in the comments, and you can pick one up for yourself at KEH Camera or on eBay.

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