Camera review: The Canon EOS-1

This camera review is about the Canon EOS-1: the original influencer.

My Canon EOS-1 shot with my Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, monochrome setting

Time for something new

With the advent of autofocus in the 1980s Canon developed an autofocus system that introduced a brand new lens mount: the EF mount. But that was not the only thing they changed. Their autofocus cameras also gained a new look. All black with a polycarbonate outer finish over a diecast aluminium frame. Whilst the first EOS models were still a bit square this all changed  with the introduction of the EOS-1 in 1989. Canon's first professional autofocus camera was designed by Luigi Colani, a German industrial, automotive and aviation designer. Colani also designed the Canon T90, the last manual focus pro-camera Canon built, three years earlier.

Gone was the box-like structure of earlier cameras. In fact, the EOS-1 design was the basis for Canon's flagship camera designs for decades. Starting with the EOS-1 the design was also used for the EOS-1N and EOS-1V film cameras and the entire EOS-1D series digital cameras, ending with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III that was introduced in 2020. Talk about being an influencer in camera design!

EOS-1, front (with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM fitted)

So when you pick up an EOS-1 it just feels, well, contemporary. This is a 37 year old camera that will never look old, even in a world where digital has replaced film. As long as you don't see the back of the EOS-1 it looks like a modern-day DSLR. And the fun thing is that you can use any EF mount lens on it, also those that were built years after this camera was introduced.

EOS-1, back

The Canon EOS-1 was built from 1989 until 1994 when it was replaced by the EOS-1N as Canon's flagship camera.

Specifications

Camera:                Canon EOS-1

Built:                    1989-1994

Mount:                  Canon EF

Shutter speeds:     30 seconds - 1/8.000th of a second, B

Self timer:            yes

Size:                     161 mm wide, 107 mm high and 72 mm deep

Weight:                890 gram with battery

Light metering:     yes, TTL 

Hot shoe:              yes

Battery:                2CR5

Frame rate:          2.5 seconds per frame without the booster grip, 5.5 seconds with the grip

Camera manual:  click here (PDF)

Shooting

I obtained my EOS-1 at the photography fair in Hilversum a few weeks ago. My example looks pristine and came without the power drive booster E1. I find it a joy to use.

Me shooting with my EOS-1. Photo: Joeri van Veen.

Something to keep in mind is that  the EOS-1 series has a few design features that are exclusive to this series. I cut my digital teeth on the EOS-1D Mark II so I've become quite used to it, but this might be something to get used to if you've never shot with an EOS-1 series camera before. There is no dial to select the shooting mode, change ISO, activate the self timer etc., these are all done by pressing a combination of buttons on the upper left side of the camera. 

There are also eight custom functions if you'd like to change the way the camera operates. I've activated F-2, film leader out for instance. This leaves the film leader outside the case after rewinding. Quite useful when you're developing your film at home. You can switch the focusing screen if you want, seven interchangeable focusing screens are available. I've never attempted to change a focusing screen but screen B - new split would be very handy when shooting manual focus lenses.

The one thing that really shows the age of the EOS-1 is the sole focus point in the centre of the frame. Whilst groundbreaking at the time it was introduced it is a far cry from the 45-point autofocus of the EOS-1V and the digital EOS-1D series that followed it. I don't mind but I can imagine it could feel somewhat limiting when you're used to a more advanced autofocus system.

In the field

Cougar! Read more about her here.

Sherman bunker, IJssellinie (IJssel defence line)

Flowers

Naarden-Vesting

All shots shown here were taken with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens fitted to my EOS-1 on Agfaphoto APX 400/36 film. 

Conclusion

All in all I am quite happy with my Canon EOS-1. It still is a very usable film camera that is compatible with all the EF mount lenses out there and - with the exception of the single focus point perhaps - still feels remarkable modern. Recommended!

Click on the photos to enlarge

Achtung Panzer - Ede's liberator

The city of Ede in the Netherlands was liberated on April 17th, 1945. To commemorate this fact, a Sherman tank was placed at the outskirts of Ede as a memorial in 1990.

Cougar, shot with a Canon EOS-1 fitted with a 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens and loaded with Agfaphoto APX 400 black and white film.

The war diary of the OKW (Oberkommandos der Wehrmacht) [Armed forces high command, the supreme German military command and control staff during World War Two] reports on Monday, the 16th of April 1945: "Fortgang der kämpfe um die "Festung Holland"... an der Rheinfront noch Rühe" [progress on the battle of the "Citadel Holland"... quiet on the Rhine front]. In fact, that day the first Canadian tanks of the 1st Canadian Tank Brigade, part of the British 49th 'Polar Bear' Infantry Division roll towards Ede.

In the early evening of the 16th of April, 1945 the 147th Brigade of the 49th Infantry Division is tasked to liberate Ede. The brigade consists of three batallions: The 11th battalion 'The Royal Scots Fusiliers', the 1st battalion 'The Leicestershire Regiment' and the 7th battalion 'The duke of Wellington's Regiment'. The 147th Brigade is supported by the 1st Canadian Tank Brigade and A and C Squadrons, the 11th Regiment 'The Ontario Regiment' and A and C Squadrons of the 14th Regiment 'The Calgary Regiment' are tasked to support the drive towards Ede. Every Squadron consists of twenty Sherman tanks.

Canon EOS-1, 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, Agfa APX 400

Ede is but one of several targets in the Veluwe area and the task of capturing Ede itself is given to the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the supporting Squadrons from the Calgary Regiment. They leave Arnhem at 18:00 hours, C Squadron with their Sherman tanks in the lead. After a few skirmishes they stop at dusk, around 21:00 hours. The advance along the N224 highway to Ede will continue tomorrow.

Fuji GFX 100S II, 45-100mm f/4, Across film simulation

The next day the war diary of the OKB reports on the British-Canadian actions: "Bei Arnheim erweiterte der gegner seinen Brückenkopf und gelangte über die Strasse nach Appeldoorn [sic]" [The enemy extended their bridgehead at Arnhem and reached Apeldoorn over the (N224) highway]. At 05:00 hours the advance towards Ede continues, again with C Squadron in the lead. At around 06:00 hours a small battle erupts at the Drieberg hill which overlooks the N224. This needs to be taken before the Royal Scots Fusiliers can advance further. After an artillery barrage Shermans from C Squadron roll up the hill and capture two German anti-tank cannons with their crews, members of the 34. SS-Freiwilligen-Grenadier-Division "Landstorm Nederland "[34th SS volunteer Grenadier Division "Landstorm Nederland"], Dutchmen fighting for Germany. After taking the hill the allies advance over the Ginkelse Heide towards the Simon Stevin barracks just outside of Ede. Here they join battle with the 34th SS Division. C Squadron comes into action again, dispatching four Sherman tanks. Two of these are regular Sherman V tanks armed with a 75mm gun, the other two are Sherman IB tanks equipped with a 105mm howitzer gun. In the fighting at and around the barracks the Sherman IB's are in their element. 

After this engagement the tanks advance to Ede. As part of the N224 is blocked the tanks advance via the Arnhemseweg before they reach the N224 again. Now this part of the force splits up, one part follows the Arnhemseweg towards the centre of Ede, the other part follows the N224 before turning towards the centre of town. The first allied Sherman tanks roll into Ede.

Fujifilm GFX 100S II, 45-100mm f/4

It is at this location that we meet our Sherman tank 81 years later. Named Cougar, she looks brand new. She was fully restored in Delft in 2022-2024 and relocated from her old location at the roundabout on the N224 to her current location close by. 

This Sherman tank is displayed in the markings of a tank from C Squadron, 14th Regiment 'The Calgary Regiment'. It represents the tank used by Captain Davies and his crew. Davies and his crew drove a regular Sherman V tank. This tank however is an M4(105) 105mm howitzer equipped version. This tank was built by Chrysler with construction number 57562 and US Army serial number 30104244. The tank was part of the tank fleet of the Royal Dutch Army after the war and was stored at Soesterberg before it was donated to Ede. 

Fujifilm GFX 100S II, 45-100mm f/4

From 1990 to 2022 it was marked as T212125 with the number 13 in a green circle on the turret. It was however discovered that these markings were incorrect and it was decided to change her markings to 31 in a blue circle. It kept serial number T212125 and the name Cougar. Why Cougar? All tanks of C Squadron had a name beginning with a C, hence the choice for Cougar.

Click on the images to enlarge

Photography - is there really one camera that rules them all?

I was discussing being a photographer with a friend the other day. Our exchange made me realise that there are certain things that I take for granted that other people might find excessive. As the Dutch expression "doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg" or "just be yourself, that's crazy enough" goes, well, I guess it's too late for that. Without going extensively into what exactly normal or natural is I will assume for now that is it normal or natural for one person to own one proper camera or even just a mobile device to take pictures with. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Last weekend's photo fair in Hilversum 

However, as a photographer I don't want te rely on just one camera. I need to have a backup camera for contingenties and I want to be able to use different formats, be it digital or film. A camera is a tool, certainly, but there are different tools for different jobs and I want tools to fit my needs when I have a certain look or composition in mind. Modern digital cameras can do a lot but I can't help but feel that these all-rounders are like the expression "Van vele markten thuis, maar nergens een meester" of "Jack of all trades, master of none". I want specialist equipment. So instead of owning one, two, or even three cameras I own about ten that I regularly use and about twenty more for special projects. These range from top of the bill digital medium format cameras to simple forty year old single-lens-reflex cameras that still use film. Doe maar normaal? Muhahaha!

So, what else does being a photographer mean? Well, I live in my cameras' apartment for one thing. Guess who lives in the master's bedroom and who uses the spare room. Exactly! In addition to that, cameras haunt your dreams. When you're dreaming about the perfect picture they make sure you stop thinking about the composition and start to worry about what camera to use. Furthermore, they want to increase their numbers. Just when you think you've got enough cameras they somehow convince you to buy another one. This one is special, they would whisper. This one is nice. And before you know it, you're in the camera shop again.

When you enter the shop, the mood of the salesperson behind the counter improves markedly. She meets you with a beaming smile. She knows what is going to happen. Somehow I suspect that she is into it as well. She must have a secret connection with my cameras. After your purchase, your bank sheet is so red it looks like a violent horror scene but you don't care. Happy with your latest buy you get into your old Volvo. As you are leaving the parking lot, you notice a brand new sports car. Business is going well you think, before your thoughts return to your new camera.

So far, I've managed to stay out of trouble. After obtaining the one camera that rules them all in 2024 I really thought that'd be it. I never visited a camera shop again and I managed to visit the Doesburg outdoors photography market last year without adding a single camera to my collection. A proud achievement. But that was until last weekend.

Cameras for sale

Last weekend was the photography market in Hilversum. A big indoor happening with loads of gear. I went with my dad, a fellow photographer. And there it happened. I tell you, these cameras are like puppies. They were literally following me everywhere. So I did what every sane photographer would do: I asked my father if I could take them home. He said yes.

My precious cameras

So now my small collection of cameras also includes a Canon EOS-1 and a Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, both in perfect condition. In addition to these I gained a Kiev 60 in good condition. You might see them featured in a future post or two.

Port visit: L-400 TCG Anadolu

The Turkish drone carrier TCG Anadolu was anchored in the harbour of Rotterdam this weekend. This was the perfect opportunity to pay the Anadolu a visit and learn more about its aviation assets.

The flight deck of TCG Anadolu

Steadfast Dart 2026

TCG Anadolu had just returned from NATO exercise Steadfast Dart 2026 in the Baltic Sea. With Türkiye in command of NATO's Amphibious Task Force and Landing Force in 2026 and 2027 it contributed four ships to the task force. In addition to TCG Anadolu, the flag ship of the task force, frigates TCG Istanbul and TCG Orucreis and fleet replenishment ship TCG Derya were part of the Turkish contribution.

Anadolu is the biggest ship in the Turkish navy and combines amphibious assault and light carrier functions. Built as a Juan Carlos I class amphibious assault ship it was commissioned in 2023. It is the first ship built from the start to operate a fleet of unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from its flight deck and as such brought a new element to Steadfast Dart. 

Air Wing

The air wing of the Anadolu consists of four aircraft types. It is centered around the Bayraktar TB-3 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV), of which three operated from the Anadolu. Additional air power comes from three AH-1W Cobra helicopter gunships. Troop transport is handled by three Turkish Army AS.532UL Cougar helicopters and one S-70B Sea Hawk in support of naval operations.

AH-1W on deck

Flight line

Another AH-1W

During my visit two AH-1W Cobras and all three AS.532UL Cougars were on the flight deck. The rest of the fleet was tucked away in the hangar below deck.

A TB-3 in the ship's hangar

Another TB-3

An AH-1W below deck

The third TB-3 of the air wing

The sole S-70B Sea Hawk helicopter

TB-3 operations

The TB-3 made its operational debut during Steadfast Dart 2026. Baytar Technology, the manufacturer of the TB-3, supplied me with a couple of photos for publication. Shown is a TB-3 operating from the deck of Anadolu during Steadfast Dart on February 18th, 2026. Although not my photos, these shots are interesting enough to include them.

Click on photos to enlage.

Camera review: The Pentax 67II

It's the biggest camera in my arsenal and it still hasn't been reviewed here. What? This is where we change that!

An F-84F preserved at the former Luftwaffe base in Memmingen. The original scan of this 6x7 negative has a 55.5 megapixel count! (since sized down for this blog)

The Pentax 6x7 generations

It all started with the mother of all medium format 67 cameras in 1966. In that year the prototype Pentax 220 was introduced at the Photokina event. This was developed into the first generation Asahi Pentax 6x7 (called Honeywell Pentax 6x7 for the US market) that was released in 1969. This was basically a blown-up version of the Pentax Electro Spotmatic (ES) series with an interchangeable view prism and shooting 120/220 film instead of 135. In 1976 a second generation model called the Pentax 6x7 (MLU) was released, this featured a mirror lock-up system. This was followed in 1990 by the third generation Pentax 67. This featured some cosmetic changes. The fourth and last version was released in 1999 and this is the Pentax 67II. This is a thoroughly modernised version with introduced a hand grip on the right side of the camera body, new digital displays on the outside and in the viewfinder and a departure from the fragile light-metering system of the previous generations. Also aperture priority exposure metering was possible for the first time with the Pentax 67II.

Photo: Joeri van Veen

Specifications

Camera:                Pentax 67II

Built:                    1999-2009

Mount:                  Pentax 67

Shutter speeds:     4 seconds - 1/1.000th of a second, B manual, 30 sec. - 1/1.000th of a second, auto

Self timer:            no

Size:                     Huge! Okay, 185,5 mm wide, 151 mm high and 106 mm deep

Light metering:     yes, TTL auto exposure control

Hot shoe:              no

Battery:                2x CR123A

Photo: Joeri van Veen

Using the Pentax 67II

The Pentax 67II feels like a giant film SLR and it pretty much functions as such. If you were ascending into the world of medium format and already familiar with classic pre-AF 135 cameras like the Pentax Spotmatic or K1000 you'd have no problem operating any Pentax 67 model camera. Yes, it is huge, the mirror slaps harder than your girlfriend when she's mad at you and said mirror is probably bigger than the one in your bathroom but it is such a joy to use. The shutter sound is not too loud and actually very pleasing. 

Photo: Joeri van Veen

All Pentax 67 cameras use 120 and 220 medium format film. These days you'll likely only use 120 film as 220 film has been discontinued but if you are that lucky son of a gun that has some expired 220 film in your freezer you're good to go shooting it with this camera. Due to the way it is built - like a giant SLR - there is no option to digitize the 67II body. Personally I don't mind. With the advent of digital medium format cameras we have those options elsewhere. Of course, you can always scan your negatives and quite frankly, using a 67II like a digital camera is not what it is about. 

 

Photo: Joeri van Veen

With the Pentax 67II you are slowing your photography. With only ten photos on a roll of 120 film you become selective, considerate, almost meditative when shooting. And each time that shutter slaps you just know that it is going to be good.

Photo: Joeri van veen

In the field

As part of our Atlantikwall series Joeri van Veen and I set out for those giant bunkers once again last weekend. This time I brought the Pentax 67II with me, together with the Super-Multi-Coated-Takumar 55mm f/3.5 wide angle lens and the Super-Multi-Coated-Takumar 105mm f/2.4 standard lens. Below you'll find some images of that photo shoot.

Click on the images to enlarge

The last photo of 2025

So it's 16:28 hours on December 31st, 2025 and I have just finished my last photo of 2025. While the younglings are still pretending to be Merry and Pippin messing about with fireworks on Bilbo's birthday it seems they have lost some of their enthusiasm as it is quieter than the years before. But hey, the day is still young! 😁 I have however retired for the day and am about to enjoy my evening.

So here is that last photo, shot with my EOS 90D fitted with the new to me 35mm lens I'll be using for the FFP in 2026.

Cheers!

I want to thank you all for visiting my blog this year, may 2026 be a good year for all of you! Happy New Year!

Achtung Panzer - Breda's Polish tank

Nowadays it is unusual to see a World War Two German tank as a symbol of sacrifice and friendship, but when Polish soldiers presented the Dutch city of Breda with a captured tank in 1945 it was certainly meant as such.

The 'Polish Tank', in fact a German Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Ausf. D with hull number 534 black.

Breda was liberated by the 1st Polish Armoured Division under General Stanisław Maczek, attached to the First Canadian Army, on the 29th of October, 1944. To commemorate this, on the 29th of October, 1945 the 1st Polish Armoured Division presented the city of Breda with a captured German Panther tank. 

Known as the Poolse tank (Polish tank) in Breda this particular Panther tank was 'liberated' from the Krupp testing facility in Meppen, Germany, where it was used as a test vehicle during the war. It is quite a rare find these days, it is the only Panther Ausf. D tank in existence today. 

534 black partly hidden by the trees.

Another shot of 534 black, the only surviving Ausf. D.

This Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Ausf. D has hull number 534 black. Usually, the first digit (5) would mean the 5th company of the 2nd tank battalion (the 1st battalion of a Panzer division would have numbers 1-4, the 2nd numbers 5-8). The second digit (3) would mean the tank is from the 3rd platoon and the third digit (4) would mean the 4th tank within the platoon. But as said, this tank was captured as a test tank in Meppen. Had it seen frontline service before that? Sources differ on this matter. Its manufacturer serial number is KMY 212-583 according to one source. The D model of the Panther tank was the first production model and 842 were built between January and September 1943. 

Dit geschenk van de Polen wordt in de hoede van het publiek aanbevolen

Miastu Breda 1 Pol.Dyw.Panc 29.X.1945.R

There are two plaques on the tank and one sign in front of it. The first plaque reads Miastu Breda 1 Pol.Dyw.Panc 29.X.1945.R (City of Breda 1st Polish Armoured Division 29/10/1945) and was added by the Polish liberators. The second plaque was added by the city of Breda and reads Dit geschenk van de Polen wordt in de hoede van het publiek aanbevolen (This gift from the Poles is given in the care of the people). The same text is also written on the sign in front of the tank.

A good view of the thick frontal armor of 534 black. 

This Panther was given to Breda in full working order. Over the years several bits and bobs were removed by "private collectors" and the tank was in need of a proper restoration in the early 2000s. In exchange for the engine, gear box and the turret engine of 534 black to use in their restoration of Panther 158-134 the Wheatcroft Collection restored the Polish tank in 2003-2004.

Click on the photographs to enlarge