Canon F-1n Film Camera

About 25 years ago or so I came across a Canon F-1n in near perfect condition, actually looked like it had never been used before. I traded my old beat-up F-1 + $200.00 and took it home. Put it away and basically forgot about it since I had transitioned to DSLR cameras (Canon of course).

A week ago or so I dug it out and decided to activate it and give it a go. I bought a roll of Kodak T100 Professional B&W film and a battery for the meter and set out. We live in an area with plenty of vineyards and old barns so I took advantage of that. Film has been sent out (needs to go to San Diego) so I won't get results for another couple weeks or so. I will get CD only, no negs or prints. I'l post a pic or two if I don't embarass myself.

I started with my New FD 50mm f/1.2 normal lens but went to my New FD 35-105mm f/3.5 zoom for better framing options.

 

Fast forward and I received the CD a few days ago (post above was written about 3 weeks ago but posted this morning). I'll post a couple of photos even though I'm not too happy with the results. I did not have a yellow filter to enhance contrast so these appear a little "flat". Also, this was more of a study of workable subjects that I will return to (after I get the filters which had to be ordered, one 72mm and one 52mm) than expecting best results first time out.

Stay tuned for the second round (in a few weeks)...





Dan

 

Tmax 100 is definitely my favorite B&W film. My experience with black & white is pretty limited, but I really enjoyed it. Excited to see your next round of photos.

These were from my first time shooting it.

 

Cool! Love great photography...

 

My god it's been almost 2 decades now since I last touched a film camera. Also a canon diehard here who's been on the dslr format since 2003 though. Here's a few of my favorite shots I have taken over the last 5 years. Your post inspires me to get out and shoot again. Especially in black and white. I can't wait to see how you develop the contrast in your subject matter over your return to it.

 

Good shots! There is really something about B&W that is kind of hard to describe (for me). There is character there that would not be there if shown in color. Ansel Adams was a champion of B&W photography and is absolutely the standard by which all others should be judged.

I posted a few photos from this first batch over on a photography forum (Focus on Photography) and got a lot of expert advice. I ordered two yellow filters (52mm & 72mm) for the two lenses I will plan to use next. Comments from these seasoned photographers were that my shots were about one stop over-exposed and what the expected effets of the yellow filters will be. The metering on the F-1 is a bit tricky so I'm going to use my 80D as a metering comparison and adjust the F-1 settings accordingly. Waiting on the filters so once they arrive, I'll head out again and see what I can do. The sound of the shutter release on an iconic SLR like the F-1 is truly music to my ears.

Dan

 

Thank you! I agree- B&W has a quality that even other film doesn't have. I've probably only shot three or four rolls of black and white, and none of my results have been truly great, but I've loved the experience every time. Funny you mentioned Ansel Adams- I visited the Ansel Adams gallery in Yosemite in 2022, shortly after the park reopened post-covid. Purchased my first two rolls of B&W there at the gallery. It's a must-stop if you're ever in Yosemite.

 

I attended a lecture by Ansel Adams where he explained his technique and expected results. I don't remember much since I was totally into color photograhy at the time, did not appreciate his work. Very sad, I missed the opportunity to learn from the master.

That was then, this is now as I move forward...

Dan