Before the dawn of the digital age, camera manufacturers produced some of their most technologically advanced 35mm SLR film cameras to date. Sophisticated autofocus systems, auto exposure, eye-control, and zone-assist focusing to name just a few features. The Canon EOS-1N (1994), the Nikon F4 (1988) which was Nikons first professional camera with autofocus, the F5 (1996), and the Contax RX (1994), AX (1996) which had a basic autofocus system and later, the N1 (2000) a true autofocus camera with a new line of Zeiss lenses.
My Contax RX set. The lens was initially sold separately.The RX’s ‘highlight’ was the Digital Focus Indicator (DFI) function—not quite autofocus, but close.It’s a handsome SLR with a timeless, classic look that, in my opinion, modern Fujifilm mirrorless cameras emulate.The list price of JPY 160,000 was about USD 1,600 in 1994.Contax RX brochure. Shoots at up to 3 frames per second.Canon EOS-1N RS (a film eater with autofocus). It’s capable of shooting 10 frames per second! Uses Canon EF lenses.Canon EOS-1N brochure – 1994.Nikon F5 1996. It’s capable of shooting 8 frames per second.Nikon F5 brochure.The Contax RX. The data back only indicates the year up to 2019. Thirty years on, it’s stuck in the 1990s. The data is printed between the frames on the film, not in the image.Contax craziness!
More soon. Thanks for stopping by, Chris
Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai
Comments are always welcomed, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Canon EOS-1N RS SLR. (RS = Rapid Speed). One of the best late model film cameras made by Canon. The later model EOS-1v was released in 2000 and was at the time the best a professional could get their hands on. In the current used markets the 1v goes for 2 to 3 times the cost of a little used 1N RS. The specs between the two cameras are not that different to justify the extra cost. About the best thing a 1v has going for it is that it’s anywhere from 5 to 8 years newer so maybe it could last longer. I don’t buy that argument as both are built to exceed professional standards for reliability and durability. One could argue that the EOS-1v may have been used harder by professionals than the EOS-1N RS.
Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris.
Back in late 1994 Canon released the newest member of their EOS 35mm SLR film camera family, the EOS-1N. This hyper-talented camera series would be the last 35mm film cameras made by Canon on the dawn of the digital age.
The motor drive in the RS was non-removable and was capable of up to 10fps in the high-speed continuous mode!!Scan from the Canon EOS-1N sales brochure for the RS – 1994Scan of the instruction manual – Japanese Edition 1995Pictured with its standard lens – Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Fast lens, fast camera.
Do I need the high-speed function of a 35mm SLR film camera that goes through film like it’s a movie camera? Heck no, but it’s a blast owning it (kinda like a Corvette). You don’t need it but it’s fun to drive.
As the weather turns more favorable for out and about shooting I hope to take this marvel for a spin around town (pandemic appropriate of course).
Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris.
One of the last 35mm SLR film cameras made by Canon. Their was another model, an update of this one released in 2000. What made the EOS-1N RS so special is its ability to accurately take up to 10 fps and still keep autofocus and auto exposure. It has a fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror.
Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic Friday! – Chris
Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris.
The original Canon F-1 35mm SLR film camera was capable of up to 3.5 frames per second (fps) when mated with the Canon Motor Drive MF (shown below left). My F-1 is from 1978 and at that time I didn’t purchase the motor drive. The drive was added within the last 5 or so years. The Canon EOS-1N RS (lower right) is the latest addition to my Canon collection and although I haven’t run a roll of film through it yet I have no reason to doubt that it’s fully operational.
The motor drive on the F-1 is removable thereby saving the extra weight of carrying it around when its not needed. The motor drive on the EOS-1N RS is built-in so there’s no option to save a bit of weight. The EOS weighs in at 1,476 grams which is 3 lbs 4 oz with batteries installed (8 AA) but without film and without a lens.The Canon EOS-1N RS in all its glory. With its fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror the RS is capable of shooting film at up to 10 fps! A fun way to eat through a roll of 36 exposures in under 4 seconds!
Since the pellicle mirror doesn’t move when shooting the 10 fps with quick and accurate autofocus and auto exposure can be achieved. I can’t imagine ever holding the shutter button down to eat up 10 exposures in a second but who knows, it’s nice to think that I’ll someday use it if needed.
The two cameras are about the same width and height but they differ greatly in bulk.
I’m still up in the air as to which EF AF lens I want to get. I do know that as I’ve aged my ability to hold a steady shot has diminished so the lens will have to have image stabilization.
Canon’s EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM lens is at the top of my wishlist as it falls within what most people would call the normal range for 35mm photography.
$599.99 new. I’ll have to save up a bit to get this one.
Thanks for stopping by. I would recommend looking at the Canon EOS-1N RS or Canon EOS-1V which is a bit newer ( I think 2000). I would say that these cameras represent the best (most sophisticated) film cameras that Canon made just before going digital. The good news is that the EOS-1N RS is not all that expensive via online auction sites, in fact it’s quite a bit less expensive than the EOS-1V which in some cases goes for double the cost of the RS. Have a great day and if you own this camera please drop me a comment about what your impression with the camera has been. – Chris
Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris.
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 