This camera review is about the Canon EOS-1: the original influencer.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
Influencer :-D Well written elaborate review. Having seen our EOS-1 irl I can confirm it looks absolutely prestine. Agreeing with you on the ‘modern-ness’ of the body. Such a good find!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joeri! I used it yesterday when out and about around Lake Naarden, it really is a joy to use. Quite a find indeed!
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