Film Cameras

35mm Focal-Plane Shutter SLR Camera

New F-1

New F-1

New F-1

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  • Outline
  • Specifications
Marketed September 1981
Original Price With standard Eye-Level Finder FN:
201,000 yen (w/FD 50mm f/1.2)
181,000 yen (w/FD 50mm f/1.4)
149,000 yen (body)

Instead of being a next-generation successor to the F-1, this camera was called the “New F-1,” and not the “F-2.” With the first F-1 in 1971, Canon promised that the camera would remain unchanged for 10 years. This promise was fulfilled. During those ten years, there were remarkable advances in electronics, precision manufacturing, and optics. The successor to the top-of-the-line F-1 had to incorporate the best electronic technology for better automation, versatility, and specifications.

For metering flexibility, the New F-1 uses interchangeable focusing screens to change the metering pattern with a segmented metering element. For automation, system AE is incorporated for optimum operation. The camera’s basic controls are also the same as the old F-1 so F-1 users can easily adapt to the New F-1.

Type 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Picture Size 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens Canon FD 50mm f/1.2, FD 50mm f/1.4 (“New” is omitted from the lens designation from this point on)
Lens Mount FD mount
Shutter Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with metal curtains. X, B, 8, 4, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 sec. Hybrid shutter with mechanical shutter speeds from 1/125 to 1/2000 sec. and B and X (1/90 sec.), and electronic shutter speeds from 8 to 1/90 sec. Built-in self-timer (with adjustable delay and beeper). Electronic shutter release. Multiple exposures enabled.
Flash Sync X-sync with German socket (with locking pin) and hot shoe.
Viewfinder Interchangeable eye-level pentaprism. (Eye-level Finder FN with 0.8x magnification and 97% coverage. New split prism rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of Laser Matte screen.) Thirty-two optional interchangeable focusing screens (13 types) for three metering patterns. Metering indicator, exposure match needle, shutter speed display, aperture display, stopped-down metering needle, and various warnings provided.
Metering &
Exposure Control
SPC for TTL full-aperture, match-needle manual metering. System components (interchangeable AE Finder FN and AE Motor Drive FN) can provide shutter speed-priority AE. Metering pattern selectable with the interchangeable focusing screen: Spot metering at center (3%), partial metering at center (12%), and center-weighted averaging. Exposure compensation range of ±2 EV. Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.4: EV 1 – 18. Film speed range from ISO 6 to 6400.
Power Source One 2CR-1/3N lithium 6 V battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery. Battery check provided.
Film Loading &
Advance
Camera back with safety latch and slotted take-up spool. Advances with camera-top lever’s 139 stroke (partial strokes enabled). Ready position at 30.
Frame Counter Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Film Rewind Camera-top crank
Dimensions &
Weight
147 x 97 x 48 mm, 795 g (body only with Eye-Level Finder FN)