Next on deck is a 35mm film camera, the Canon 1V. This is Canon’s last flagship professional film camera. It was released in 2000 and is still in production. In its day it was known for a blazing fast frame rate and fast, accurate auto focus. You can buy it new for $1,700 from Adorama, B&H or Amazon. I got mine on eBay in EX condition for $500.
Body size and design
The 1V looks like the 5D’s slightly bigger brother. They look nearly identical, although the 1V is just a bit bigger and heavier. It has more metal and less plastic than the 5D. It also feels much nicer in the hand than my 5D because the rubber coating is thicker and softer, making it easier and more pleasant to grip. The 5D’s coating is harder, slicker, more plasticky feeling. It’s also weather-sealed, unlike the 5D. The overall build quality is definitely higher.
Controls
The controls should be familiar to Canon shooters, the one big difference being lack of a mode dial on the top plate. Unfortunately, you’ll have to press a button and turn the control dial to change shooting modes. Changing ISO requires pressing two buttons simultaneously while turning a control dial. Boo!
The on/off switch has 3 positions: off, on, and on with autofocus confirmation beep. Unfortunately, the 1V has the same problem the 5D has – the on/off switch moves into a half-off position every time you put it down and let it hang from your neck.
Loading film
Loading film is child’s play. Just pull out the leader until it hits the orange mark, close the back door then it loads automatically. Of course, it rewinds automatically as well. There is a custom function to set the rewind to quiet mode. It’s definitely quieter, but slower than the default. You definitely want to set your camera to the quiet mode if you’re going to be shooting indoor ceremonies.
Autofocus
The autofocus is significantly faster and better than the 5D. It has 39 focus points – 9 of them cross-type. It’s essentially the same system that went into the original 1D and 1Ds. I has more cross-type sensors and the Ai Servo (continuous) focus system really works well. My only complaint is that the cross-type focus points are all aligned vertically when holding the camera normally. That means when I rotate the camera to take a vertical the cross-type points are horizontal – so none are available to me if I want to focus on the eyes and then recompose downwards. However, for still subjects, the regular non-cross-type focus points seem to work fine. The bottom line is that the 1V focus system is just plain money.
Batteries
The 1V takes the same 2CR5 battery as the Contax 645. Users are reporting about 40 rolls per battery, which isn’t bad.
Lenses
Compatible with all Canon EOS auto-focus EF lenses. Will not work with EFS lenses or older FD lenses.
First test rolls with the 1V
Below are a few casual snapshots that I took under different lighting conditions – indoor fluorescent, indoor flash, indoor window light and outdoor natural light.
Fuji Pro400H. Zero color correcting. Developed and scanned at North Coast Photographic Services.
Observations
- The 1V just nailed perfect focus every time, even when shooting at f1.4. With the 5D, I have about a 60-70% perfect focus hit rate when shooting at 1.4.
- On 35mm film: It definitely is not as sharp or as 3D-like as medium format and the grain is bigger, but it still has that beautiful, organic film look. And of course, skin tones remain perfect. The quality of these files at full size would certainly be sufficient to make my normal products – 10×10 albums and up to 30×40 canvas prints. I look forward to running a few rolls of the new Portra 400 through this camera, as the results will be even sharper.
- NCPS uses a Noritsu scanner, which has an internet reputation of producing muddier, less pleasing shadows/blacks than the Fuji Frontier. I have not observed this to be true.
Conclusion
The Canon 1V is a terrific camera and a logical choice for shooters with Canon DSLR equipment that want to try out film. It’s going for between $500-$600 on eBay. The other day I saw one with the HS power booster in like-new condition sell for $500. The EOS 3 would be another good choice, going for $350 in EX condition at KEH. (maybe I’ll do a review on that camera in the future). It certainly solves my focusing issues I’ve had with the 5D. I’m no longer planning on buying the upcoming 5DmkIII nor am I tempted to switch to Nikon (at least for now). In essence, the 1V is the Canon “upgrade” that I’ve been looking for. For Nikon shooters, the equivalent camera to the 1V would be the F6, which gets great reviews, although I’ve never tried it. The rough equivalent to the Eos 3 would be the Nikon F100.
The 1V will take its place in my bag as (1) a backup to my primary camera (medium format) and (2) to use for fast moving subjects. There’s no way I can chase toddlers around a park with a medium format rig – a 35mm camera is required.
As for 35mm film vs. medium format, I do prefer the look of medium format, but in terms of quality, I’d say 35mm is definitely good enough for the purposes of most wedding/portrait shooters. [I don't hear Joe Buissink's clients complaining] With a well-executed hi-rez scan you’ll certainly be able to do anything with 35mm film that you currently can with your Canon or Nikon DSLR at ISO 1600 or below.
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Hi Lawrence, I'm really enjoying your recent emphasis on film - I love using film, but every time I spend more money to do what my DSLR can do for free I wonder whether I am being crazy... until I get the shots back. Its encouraging to observe from afar your journey back to film - and esp some attention to 35mm, because medium format is a long way away for me... I use the EOS5 for lots of film work - its good, but the functionality as a camera is inferior to my 40D (ease of menus, mirror lock up, depth of field preview etc) - and I use an eos500 for fun. I wish we had somewhere as good value as NCPS in England! Thanks for the great blog. Lots of your tips have been very useful to me! (March 30, 2011 | 02:51pm)
Just an FYI - people are often dumping these cameras on CL for much, much cheaper than places like KEH or Adorama. I'm currently torn between getting a 35mm Canon or a Mamiya MF system. (March 31, 2011 | 06:37am)
I don't know what 1v's are going for, but you might also consider the 1n or F100... I've seen F100s for $200 regularly on FM forums. I've owned both, they're pretty much equal. (March 31, 2011 | 07:26pm)
@MIKE and @JACK Hi Mike & Jack, Just curious, what do "CL" and "FM" stand for ? (April 03, 2011 | 10:55am)
@Keith: CL = Craigs List. FM = Fred Miranda (April 03, 2011 | 11:17am)
Laurence - Great camera, congratulations! OK, now you totally got me in trying film again. Can you please advise on couple of questions? How does the EOS 1V metering system perform - if I go for it I will be using it with colour transparency film so this matters and the Nikon F6 with its metering is way above my budget. As I own DSLR gear for faster action and everyday - would you advise to get into film with a MF camera instead of DSLR? Which MF kit would you recommend, my budget allows me to go only for used options? (April 04, 2011 | 04:32am)
@Yanko: If you want a 35mm film camera and you're on a tight budget, I would stick with the same brand as your DSLR. If you shoot Canon, I would go with the EOS 3 and if you shoot Nikon then the F100. You should be able to get either one for just a couple hundred dollars. Both cameras have great metering systems. However, if you're already happy with your DSLR for action, then it might make sense to skip straight to medium format for your more contemplative work. The cheapest way to get into medium format is to get an older TLR (twin lens reflex). You can get a Mamiya C220/330 or Yashicamat for just a couple hundred dollars. You can even try a Seagull, which is a really inexpensive Chinese TLR. For less than $500, you can get a Mamiya 645 manual focus camera (including lens). If you don't mind manual focus, this rig will give identical image quality to any modern 645 camera. (April 04, 2011 | 07:11am)
This is my dream 35mm camera and your review makes me just wanna go get one ASAP. Currently using the earlier EOS1N itself is giving me great results... for me personally, I prefer those I get from this camera compared to my 5D.... just that the 5D is truly needed for commercial works. Congrats on the purchase. Looking forward to see more of your creative work with this awesome camera. (April 04, 2011 | 08:29am)
@Laurence: You are really very helpful! Thank you for all the advise! My current DSLR AF lenses are APS-C Pentax lenses so they will do me no good, As 12 of my 15 lenses are manual focus M42 I am used to this and I think I will take your advise and get a manual focus MF film cam I am going to use it for cityscapes and landscapes so with smaller apertures focusing will be a HFD routine - thanks for the advise on the MF cameras. Have a great day! (April 04, 2011 | 09:01am)
Laurence, i've been meaning to ask you if all of the rolls you've shot with all of these cameras are slides, or if you are using negative print film. If i had to guess i'd say you're shooting slides. If not, could you elaborate why. Is there any difference for you in choosing one or the other? I have an F-5 and from what i've read, the holy grail of meters that it has would be going to waste, unless i use slides. Thank you kindly for your thoughts/response in advance. (April 04, 2011 | 02:06pm)
@Joel: Ah yes, the old E6 vs C41 question! The vast majority of portrait photographers shoot print film, not slides. The main reasons being the beautiful film "look" that C41 film gives you along with the latitude. Some E6 films are okay for skin tones (Provia, E100G) but C41 films are better. In my opinion, E6 films are much better suited to landscapes. (April 04, 2011 | 02:12pm)
Although I could easily understand why you wanted to shoot with a Contax (or Mamyia) 645 camera which is an upgrade compared to 35mm sensor/film cameras, I don't understand the point about buying a Canon 1V over a 5DmkIII. I hear ya, the body doesn't cost much, but on the other hand, you don't see what you shoot, you have less ISOS (I'm always happy to shoot at 3200 when it's necessary), you have to keep your film in the fridge, you probably shoot less (but maybe "smarter"). I'm curious to see how you will handle weddings. How many rolls do you intend to shoot? Although shooting a portrait session with film is understandable, shooting a wedding with film is IMHO a step back (sorry, I was born in 1980 so I've almost never lived with film cameras ;) so this might be a reason why I don't see your point). I respect your work and I see you get great results with film, but I don't totally understand the approach... (April 05, 2011 | 07:03am)
@Edouard: I don't think I'll ever shoot 100% film for a wedding. Digital has too many advantages over film, especially once the lights go down and you're shooting in a dark reception hall. You'll never hear me say that film is better than digital. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. If, however, I have plenty of light, like at an outdoor wedding and reception, then yes I'll be shooting film for all of film's advantages (beautiful organic look, perfect skin tones, huge dynamic range, zero post processing time, etc.). (April 05, 2011 | 09:45am)
Hi Laurence, great review on the 1V. I bought mine from James Christianson in December and I absolutely LOVE it! I shoot my weddings mostly with the 5D Mark 2 but there is no comparaison with the 1V... just better camera. I have been learning on film when you could not see the result... funny that some youger "photographers" are so scare of film.... it is a different language for them. That is where the photography started learning light and master it! No offence though! (April 07, 2011 | 05:43pm)
[...] my first trip back since MaryBeth and I renewed our vows in 2009. My camera for this trip was my Canon 1V with 35mm and 85mm lenses plus 9 rolls of Kodak Ektar 100. Wow – Ektar is just a wonderful [...] (August 15, 2011 | 06:04pm)
Hey Laurence, I just got a rebel 2000 after reading about your articles on film, without realizing that I have just gotten myself into the world of "full-frame". The feeling of popping a 50mm f1.8 and a 17-40, and looking through the viewfinder... is simply amazing. The autofocus isn't as efficient as the way you described your 1V but its more than enough. :) (August 29, 2011 | 02:22am)
You hit it ! Can not more than agree with you ... (April 06, 2012 | 02:56pm)
Hi Laurence Thanks for a great review. I have been using a 1v for a while and I found it a fantastic back-up for motorsports photography. I utterly love the feel in the hand - it gives such a solid reassuring feel and that sound makes me feel like craftsman. My one grouse is I am unable to get the PC link software and cable that will allow me to transfer EXIF data. Any help on where I might find it? Do these new models being sold come with it? Thanks! (April 08, 2012 | 05:02am)
Hi Laurence, what lenses were you using mostly for these shots? (April 26, 2012 | 02:10pm)
@Sandra: 35mm & 85mm (April 26, 2012 | 02:24pm)