Canon F-1 vs F-1n vs New F-1: The Complete Guide

Community tip: Kamerastore (YouTube) Connor from Kamerastore explains the differences between the three Canon F-1 models in under four minutes. A compact video overview with all the cameras side by side. Watch the video.

Canon F-1, F-1n, New F-1, three names that regularly cause confusion among buyers. Especially when it comes to accessories: Which battery fits? Which prism is compatible? Which cover cap do I need?

The short answer: F-1 and F-1n are essentially the same camera with minor improvements. The New F-1 is a completely different device, despite having the same name. This guide explains the differences and tells you which accessories and battery you need for your model.

Table of contents

1. The three models at a glance
2. Technical specifications in detail
3. Which battery fits which F-1?
4. Which prisms and focusing screens fit where?
5. Which lenses fit (FD and New FD)
6. Accessories for your Canon F-1
7. How do I identify my model?

1. The three models at a glance

Canon F-1 (1971–1976)

Canon’s first professional SLR camera. Fully mechanical, completely manual, built like a tank. The F-1 was Canon’s answer to the Nikon F. Released in 1971, it was produced until around 1976. Maximum shutter speed: 1/2000s. Everything works without a battery; only the built-in TTL light meter requires power.

Canon F-1n (1976–1981)

Canon lists this model in the Canon Camera Museum as “F-1 (Later model)” and gives the sales launch as “F-1N: September 1976.” In Japan, the camera was called “F-1改”. Collectors and dealers usually write “F-1n”. Canon counts 13 improvements over the first F-1; the most noticeable ones are these:

• ISO range up to ASA 3200 instead of 2000
• 139° lever travel for film advance instead of 180°, plus a 30° ready position instead of 15° and a plastic tip on the lever
• A lock on the flash socket to prevent the PC cable from slipping out

Otherwise identical mechanics. Same battery. Same prisms. Same mount.

Canon New F-1 (1981–1992)

This is where things get exciting, and confusing. The New F-1 is still called “F-1,” but it is a completely redesigned camera system. Canon positioned it against the Nikon F3. The key differences at a glance:

• Hybrid mechanical/electronic: 1/2000s to 1/125s, X (1/90s) and B work without a battery; slower speeds require power
• Automatic exposure: Aperture-priority AE (with AE Finder FN) or shutter-priority AE (with AE Motor Drive FN or AE Power Winder FN)
• Different battery: 6V instead of 1.35V, completely incompatible with the old F-1
• Other finders and focusing screens: Not interchangeable with F-1/F-1n

The names come from Canon itself, even though the body of all three models lists only “F-1” as the model name. The Canon Camera Museum lists the 1981 camera as the “New F-1” and explains why it is not called “F-2”: With the first F-1, Canon promised in 1971 to leave the camera unchanged for ten years. Because the suffix appears on none of the bodies, buyers regularly order the wrong battery or the wrong finder.

2. Technical specifications in detail

3. Which battery fits which F-1?

This is the most common source of error. The F-1 and F-1n on the one hand and the New F-1 on the other require completely different batteries, and the wrong one fits neither the camera nor provides the correct voltage.

Canon F-1 and F-1n: PX625 (1.35V)

Both cameras use a single PX625 mercury cell (1.35V), exclusively for the light meter. The mechanics work completely without a battery. The problem: Due to environmental regulations, the original mercury battery has not been available for years.

Modern alternatives:

• Zinc-air 675 cell in an adapter: According to the Energizer datasheet, it has a nominal voltage of 1.4V, slightly higher than the 1.35V of the mercury cell. Canon explicitly states in the F-1 manual not to use 1.4V mercury cells. Therefore, compare the metering once with a handheld light meter after inserting it. Once the protective film is removed, the cell operates with oxygen from the air and lasts for a limited time. Disclaimer: We sell some of the products that appear here. Even so, the article is meant first and foremost as help and not as a sales pitch. → Type 675 batteries in our shop
• SR43 (386) silver oxide (1.55V) in the MR-9 adapter: According to manufacturer Kanto Camera, the adapter reduces the voltage to about 1.35V. Silver oxide maintains a more constant voltage than alkaline batteries.
• LR44 alkaline (1.5V): Inexpensive and widely available, but only usable with an adapter because of its smaller diameter. The higher voltage (1.5V instead of 1.35V) causes slight metering deviations, tolerable with negative film, but problematic with slide film.

Open the battery compartment: The battery compartment of the F-1 and F-1n is located on the bottom and requires a coin or a special tool to open. Our battery compartment tool (1.7 mm steel) fits the Canon F-1, Rollei 35, Olympus OM, and many other cameras from that era.

Canon New F-1: 6V (4LR44, 4SR44 or PX28L)

The New F-1 uses a 6V battery. The Canon manual lists three types: 4LR44 (alkaline-manganese), 4SR44 also known as PX28 (silver oxide), and PX28L (lithium). The compartment is under the handgrip, which also serves as the battery cover. The battery powers the light meter and the electronically controlled shutter speeds (8s to 1/60s). If it runs out, Canon says to simply remove it; the mechanical speeds from 1/125s to 1/2000s, X (1/90s), and B will continue to work.

Available 6V options:

• 4SR44 or PX28 (silver oxide): Holds its voltage more consistently than alkaline
• PX28L (lithium): Canon recommends lithium in the manual for use in cold conditions
• 4LR44 (alkaline): Cheaper, voltage drops faster
• 4x LR44 in an adapter: Practical solution with universally available button cells → 4x LR44 to 4LR44/PX28 battery adapter in our shop

Most common buyer mistake: A 6V battery does not fit the F-1 or F-1n: different shape, different voltage, different battery compartment. Conversely, a PX625 is completely useless for the New F-1. Always check which model you have before buying (→ Chapter 7: Identification).

Battery compatibility at a glance

Suitable battery solutions from our shop

PX625 battery adapter (F-1 / F-1n) (from €22.95) · 4×LR44 battery adapter (New F-1) (€19.95)

Which battery fits which Canon (F-1, AE-1, A-1, EOS, and more) is shown in our overview of all Canon batteries.

4. Which prisms and focusing screens fit where?

All three cameras have interchangeable prisms and interchangeable focusing screens. But:

The New F-1 uses its own viewfinders, such as the Eye-Level Finder FN and the AE Finder FN for aperture-priority auto exposure. According to camera-wiki.org, viewfinders, motors, and accessories for the old F-1 do not fit the New F-1, and vice versa.

The F-1 and F-1n are freely interchangeable: You can easily mount an F-1 prism on an F-1n and vice versa. The focusing screens can also be swapped. The F-1 came with the Type A focusing screen from the factory, while the F-1n came with the Type E. This is useful if you find an inexpensive F-1 prism as a replacement for your F-1n.

5. Which lenses fit (FD and New FD)

The good news: All FD-mount lenses work on all three cameras. There are two generations:

• FD (Breech-Lock / silver ring): The older lenses with a silver locking ring on the rear. Turn, click, secure.
• New FD (also “FDn”): The newer lenses with a bayonet lock on the lens ring itself. Faster to change.

Both versions are compatible with all three F-1 models.

Don't forget the lens hoods: FD lenses often don't have a built-in hood. A suitable lens hood makes a noticeable difference in backlit situations. We carry lens hoods for the most common Canon FD lenses:
→ Hoods for Canon FD

6. Accessories for your Canon F-1

Cover caps, eyecups, flash adapters: the range of accessories for the F-1 family is extensive. We have broken down the most important accessories by model.

For all three models (F-1, F-1n, New F-1)

19.5mm eyecup (€24,95) · 40cm cable release (€19,95) · Cold shoe flash adapter + PC cable (€39,95) · Battery compartment tool (1.7mm steel) (€19,95)

Only for the F-1 and F-1n

Servo EE connector cover (€19,95) · Type 675 batteries (1.35V) (€9,95)

Only for the New F-1

Cover cap set (AE, winder, rewind) (€29,95) · AE coupler cover (€19,95) · Battery adapter 4×LR44 → PX28/4LR44 (€19,95) · 4LR44 6V alkaline battery (€12,95)

Canon FD lens hoods

BS-52 for New FD 50mm (€24,95) · BS-55 for FD 50mm (silver ring) (€25,95) · BS-58 for FD 55mm / 50-135mm (€34,95)

7. How do I identify my model?

All three cameras are marked “Canon F-1”, without an addition such as “n” or “New”. So you need to look for other identifying features.

Quick body check

The easiest way: Take a look at the battery compartment. Is it on the bottom with a screw cap? F-1 or F-1n. Is it in the right-hand grip? New F-1. The ISO scale confirms it: up to 2000 = F-1, up to 3200 = F-1n, up to 6400 = New F-1.

The differences explained in the video

Further sources

If you want to read a second opinion before buying or look something up in the original manual, these pages will help you.

• Canon F-1 manual at butkus.org, original manual of the first F-1 as a PDF, also in German
• Canon F-1 vs FTb at Casual Photophile, whether the more expensive F-1 is worth it compared to the FTb (English)
• Jim Grey on the New F-1, critical hands-on report compared to the Nikon F3 (English)

Canon F-1 accessories in the shop Batteries, cover caps, eyecups, lens hoods, everything for the F-1 family. Go to Canon F-1 accessories.

Canon FD overview Everything about the Canon FD system: cameras, lenses, accessories, and compatibility. Go to the Canon FD page.

All blog articles at a glance Guides, tips, and technical background on analogue photography. Go to blog overview.