My Canon OD F-1 is ready for another outing. I’m not sure yet which lens or lenses I’ll take along. I typically choose a wide-angle lens as it best suits the close quarters of my town’s historic district.
OD is for Canon’s limited edition Olive Drab camera, released in early 1978 and limited to less than 3,000 units, mainly for the Japanese domestic market. The strap is a recent addition. I purchased it from a seller on Etsy who makes these custom straps. It’s not an exact color match, but it’s close enough for me.
Here are a few images from an outing a couple of weeks ago.
Pirate Pete outside the Palace Saloon.The Palace Saloon on Centre Street, Fernandina Beach Historic District.At the ready along the Amelia River.
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
“The Canon OD F-1 (released in March 1978) is a color-variation model of the F-1(later model) released in 1976. OD stands for Olive-drab, the camera’s body color, which was reminiscent of the U.S. army and a color popular with young people. Its specifications are the same as the F-1 (later model).” The preceding is a direct quote from Canon’s website.
My Canon OD F-1 with my homemade strap.
I say mysterious only because Cano was tight-lipped about it when it was released in early 1978. No official documentation exists other than that it was made, but no explanation of why it was made and in such limited quantities (estimated between two to three thousand). It’s not a military camera; it wasn’t made for the US Army or the Japanese forces, and other than being olive drab, it bears no markings that differ from a regular black Canon F-1 of the same period. Here is the only known supporting documentation.
The cover page of a flyer that wasn’t published until early 1980 and only released in Japan.The back page of the flyer. I’m not sure this flyer was published by Canon. When the camera was released, it didn’t include a lens, only the body. The camera depicted has a zoom lens, which wasn’t original to the set.The set was issued by Canon in early 1978.
Complete sets such as this command appropriate attention and value among collectors.
The set included a special olive drab case.
My fully decked-out OD F-1.
I’ve attached a power winder and what would have been the correct era lens for the body.
I’ll have more about the camera in future posts. Thanks for stopping by, Chris
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
Limited Edition Canon OD F-1 from early 1978. Out of the blue (in this case, green), Canon in Japan released about 2,000 of these factory-painted olive-drab F-1s, reportedly only for the home market. They came with a special box, unique strap, custom case, and no lens. My OD F-1 has seen some action as it has just a touch of brassing in its key wear points, which I have no problem with. I’ve added a Canon Power Winder F and my trusty Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. lens. Canon only made the body green, so no green accessories or lenses exist. I have this set loaded with film and will take it out and about soon. Stay connected for more about this special camera and my images.
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
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 