The FD lens mount was newly developed for the new line of FD lenses. The new lens mount enabled fully-coupled automatic exposure metering. The camera system also included the first accessory ever for remote picture-taking with the camera. The many accessories enabled seamless and instant compatibility.
The camera was built to endure 100,000 picture-taking cycles, temperatures ranging from -30 C to 60 C, and 90% humidity. Being a highly durable and reliable camera, the F-1 gained many followers including pros. Except for a one-time revision, the camera was manufactured and sold for ten years.
An F-1 with a few improvements. The film advance winding stroke was reduced from 180 to 139. And the film advance lever's ready position was widened from 15 to 30. This made film advance faster. The film advance lever also had a new plastic tip. The film speed range was also increased from ISO 2000 to ISO 3200. The PC terminal had a fastener to prevent the PC cord from disconnection. In all, thirteen improvements over the old F-1 were made.
The above statement were taken from Canon Camera Museum web site, what the interesting points from F1 for me:
- very strong, well build body
- for me F1 looks elegance compare to its competitor Nikon F or Nikon F2
- The interchangeable prism is sleek and small, almost the same size with nikon DE-1, plain Nikon F2 prism, however F1 prism have equipped with light meter, DE-1 is just plain, no light meter.
- large and bright viewfinder.
- only need one 1.3v battery.
and what point I don't like from Canon F1 is:
- have a special hot shoe, need a special flash design for that hot shoe, or using a special adaptor , this hot shoe function exactly the same with Nikon F or Nikon F2.
Some photos of my Canon F1 (Later model)
