Canon F-1 ‘Tax-Free’

Chris and Carol

This is the first time I’ve seen a Canon camera box (any model) with a tax-free sticker. Apparently, it was placed by Canon. These tax-free cameras were not sold in U.S. military exchange stores in Japan. They were for sale at duty-free shops scattered around the country. So, no <E.P> markings on the camera.

Here is one of my Canon F-1s with an <E.P> mark. It’s an early model from August 1971.

Early original Canon F-1 with the <E.P> mark.
The mark is affixed to the leatherette on the lower right of the film back.

The <E.P> mark indicates that the item was an exempt purchase at a U.S. military exchange store overseas, mainly in Japan. It’s not to be confused with Canon cameras and lenses that are marked ‘U.S. Navy’.

Canon 400mm lens with U.S Navy markings. The lens is from 1985.
U.S. Navy marked Canon F-1n (late model). The camera is from 1981, the last year of the original F-1.
Canon OD F-1. This limited-edition olive-drab-painted camera was made by Canon in early 1978 and was sold only in Japan. It was not made for any military organization.

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