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Canon F-1

Canon F-1 was introduce in 1971 as Canon's professional grade answer to the Nikon F series of Cameras. The target was the professional photographer.

By the time Canon got the F-1 to market, Nikon was on the F2 and had made some serious headway in the professional market. But the F-1 showed that Canon was serious about closing the gap. The F-1 also started the FD lens mount (older FL lens will mount but lack some functionality). Unlike Nikon, Canon showed a willingness to adopt new lens mounts. Something that was both a plus and a minus. The plus was, they were free to advance the technology. The minus was that users who had invested in legacy glass would have a more significant upgrade cost. Still a debate today (discuss amongst, yourselves). 

Mine is an original F-1, the F-1n started in 1976 with some minor changes and the "New" F-1 Started in 1981 and was a more significant redesign.

MY TAKE:

The F-1 is a beast. It feels solid. Not just well built solid but so heavy you would think it is a solid block of metal.  Shooting it was very similar to the FTb and why not the FTb was consumer grade companion to the F-1. The controls are similar that they both feel solid. The F-1 does somehow feel even more solid and is slightly larger. 

To shoot the F-1 was intuitive in all the best classic SLR ways. Controls were easy and logical. The viewfinder was bright and the clear. The meter is a needle and circle to the right of the viewfinder that was easy to see and responsive. The F-1 was built as the foundation of an entire ecosystem with a long list of accessories and add-ons. I don't have any of the extra toys but was still very happy shooting the F-1. 

Lens: Canon FD 50mm F1.4

Film: Kodak 400T

Link: 

https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2011/08/the-canon-f1/

https://www.shutterbug.com/content/canon-f-1-35mm-slr-real-pro-its-time

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Canon_F-1

http://jameskbeard.com/Photography/Legacy_Canon_Manuals/CANON%20F%20-%20SERIES%20CAMERAS/F-1%20Camera%20Owners%20Manual%20(1971).pdf