After more than a decade of searching, I found a boxed set.
Canon’s only non-black F-1. This very special, limited-edition set was made only for the Japanese domestic market in 1978, and around 3,000 were produced (likely fewer). How many survive today in mint new condition?Flawless surfaces, just as it left the factory.Canon OD F-1.This one was made in February 1978.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Many photographers may disagree with my comment that the AE-1 was Canon’s best compact 35mm SLR. It was, at the time it was released, a hyper-popular camera and broke numerous sales records for the industry and made Canon a boatload of money. Some might say the A-1 was the best, but it was a bit more expensive, and although it was much more capable, it may have been too smart for casual users.
Simple, user-friendly, and affordable.Some of Canon’s best.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
My early F-1, July 1971, with a matching July 1971 50mm f1.4 lens and a November 1971 instruction book (PUB. NO. 5366G). These very early books are almost harder to find than the cameras. What’s interesting about this camera is that the serial number is less than 3,000, but the date stamp inside reads L712C, indicating July 1971. I have an August 1971 camera, and its SN is just shy of 20,000. My guess is that, for whatever reason, this body sat around long after its serial number was issued. The ‘C’ after the date stamp may tell the story that we’ll never know.
If you’re a Canon F-1 fan and a collector, you can’t go wrong with these first edition F-1s.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Happy to say that my most recent F-1 purchase from Japan did not disappoint. It’s hard to imagine a camera from January 1976 can still be this nice.
I see these early F-1s as little bits of Canon art – few cameras can match the design, elegance, and toughness of these gems.
The Canon patch was included with a bunch of early 1970s Canon brochures. I believe it was made at the same time the F-1 was released.My 1978 limited edition Canon F-1 in OD paint. Only 3,000 (or fewer) were made and only for the Japanese domestic market.
I believe the seller undervalued his camera by quite a bit. He did describe it as *Top Mint*, which is accurate. It’s unfortunate that more sellers don’t realize that when you call a camera mint, this is it.
It’s one of the best 35mm SLR cameras ever made.
Classic Canon SLR design.Brochure from the late 1970, just before the F-1’s March 1971 release.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
I never knew this existed. The Canon EF in a commemorative edition for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. It was never offered for sale, and only a few were built for Canon’s own use. Photo: Joseph DeLora.
Previously unknown Montreal 1976 EF camera.The F-1 Montreal 1976 was Canon’s first Olympic Games special-edition camera.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
As I continue to reduce my camera collection, I’ve added these two gems to my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com.
The original Nikon F 35mm SLR film camera was introduced in 1959. Here is my 1969 model.Introduced in 1971, this is a mid-1973 model of the Canon F-1 35mm SLR film camera.You can’t ask for a better camera in the Nikon line.Canon’s top-of-the-line camera for a decade.
Off subject, here is a beautiful picture that a dear friend took along the north coast of Long Island.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
I’ve always viewed the Canon Seiki logo of the mid to late 1930s as a phoenix rather than any other bird. To me, the feathers on the rear of the head do not suggest an eagle or a vulture. The phoenix is almost always depicted with its wings outstretched.
I showed my wife the SEIKI logo and told her it was for a Japanese camera from the mid-to-late 1930s. She identified it immediately as a phoenix. When I mentioned that some see it as an eagle or vulture, she reminded me of how important a phoenix is in ancient Japanese culture.
The feathers on the rear of its head, which are a prominent feature of the logo and of a phoenix, whereas vultures are generally identified by a ‘bald’ head.
*A common trait of vultures found in Asia (Old World vultures) is their reliance on exceptional eyesight to spot carrion from high altitudes. They also have bare or lightly feathered heads to keep clean while feeding on carcasses.
If I were picking a logo for a new camera company in Japan in the 1930s, I would seriously consider the phoenix.
*In ancient Japanese culture, the phoenix—known as the Ho-o or Hoo—is considered the most sacred bird, symbolizing the imperial family, fire, the sun, and the virtues of faith, duty, and mercy. Often paired with the dragon (representing the emperor) to symbolize marital bliss and harmony, the Ho-o is a powerful emblem of longevity, rebirth, and political authority.
The original Canon logo from the 1930s.Embossed on a leather camera case.
What do you see? An eagle, a vulture, a phoenix, or something else? Canon never acknowledged what it was.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
The Nikon F2A set is exceptionally nice and complete. It even features a Nikon motor drive!The Canon New F-1 is a limited edition 1984 LA Olympics set.Sales brochures. I have hundreds of brochures and instruction books.
I ship nearly worldwide. Please reach out if there’s something specific you are looking for – I likely have it! Here are two of the best 35mm SLRs from the late 1970s and early 1980s (see below).
My super-sharp, complete Nikon F2A set.(Sold) The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Special Edition Canon F-1.
The Canon F-1 LA Olympic set was just sold from my Etsy Camera Shop – thank you!
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Appreciating my first FTb-N in gorgeous black. Now I can see the F-1 DNA. I’ve overlooked this model for decades. It’s simple and uncomplicated. It just works, and of course, the best part is Canon glass.
Shown here with a classic chrome nose FD 50/1.8 lens.
This camera is dated February 1977. The lens is from April 1972.
This isn’t a display piece; it shows its dents, dings, and brassing with pride earned from years of careful use.
The FTb was produced from 1973 (in this version) until late 1977.I’ve added an early Canon chrome nose lens. They look good together.Still has a glow to it after all these years.Near perfect, blemishes and all.
The Canon FTb-N is still widely available, and with production continuing until late 1977, there are still some super sharp bodies out there at a fair price.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
My Canon FTb-N from 1974. It was an update to the original FTb, which was released in March 1971 – the same date as the Canon F-1. The FTb-N was released in July 1973. OK, that’s a lot of dates, how about some pics?
A big-bodied camera and lens. The ‘QL’ designation indicates it is ‘Quick-Loading’.A close cousin of the Canon F-1.The Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens was released in April 1972. It’s affectionately called a chrome nose.Stylish and simple design.Actually, this is a depiction of the original FTb from March 1971, before the updates made on the FTb-N.The Canon FTb-N is a worthy addition to your list of Canon must-haves.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 