Some questions about problems with the 1rst version of the Canon F-1

Hi Everyone, I'm hoping some of the experienced people here can guide me in making the best decisions in regards to some issues I have with a pair of Canon F-1's; they are the original early seventies version. Recently, I'd sent them for service to a very experienced repairman- a man who'd more or less specialized in Canons for many years when he was younger. I think he's done a very good job, as far as he could go and there's no dissatisfaction on my part with his work. He adjusted the price to reflect the things he couldn't do because of what he said is a lack of parts. He fixed the shutter on one and spent a lot of time on making the speeds as accurate as possible, plus looked at everything, cleaning, lubing and adjusting as needed. However, he couldn't repair the meters in either one, though he tried.

So my first questions revolve around the meter issues. I've read the archives here and for the most part, opinion seems to be that these F-1's had accurate metering ability, except in very low light levels as compared with cameras produced by various brands a few years later. Currently, the functioning of both meters is very bad, to the point where they are essentially useless. I've used these cameras very little as I have others and wanted to wait until these were fully repaired before putting film through them. I really do like them as they are cosmetically very decent and they seem to be of high quality. I've put a fair amount of money into them to this point, and though I don't regret it, I would love to have the meters working well on these F-1's. Is this is a viable possibility? They did seem to function somewhat in the past, but were very sluggish, especially when pointing to a dark area after metering from a brighter one, and I'm not sure they were very accurate. I'm wondering if you've ever dealt with a similar F-1 meter problem and if so, were you able to get it fixed properly or replaced, and at a decent price from someone who may have parts? I've thought of buying a hand-held meter and going that route, but wanted to at least explore the viability of fixing the in-camera meters first, because that seems the nicer method to me.

The only other issues are that on one camera, the mirror doesn't return back down when first fired at 1/15 of a second until it's partially cocked again. This performance is actually improved compared with before the service, as before, it would often stay up at various slow speeds. Still, it's not pleasant, and I especially have wondered if a very small amount of the right kind of lubricant properly applied might fix this?

Also, the shutter release button on the other camera is slightly sticky and it sits just a little lower than the other in its collar (the other camera seems very smooth and pleasing in its action). Might the right kind of lubricant sparingly applied solve this too?

As for your meter, I’ve read that CdS cells do lose sensitivity as they age. Considering early F-1’s are now 45+ years old, it’s probably not surprising that your meter isn’t as sensitive, or fast acting, as before. That being said, the meter in my main F-1 (1971 build) is both fast and accurate, in bright or dim light conditions.

Yes, your meters probably could be fixed, but whether it’s worth the cost and hassle is debatable. Personally, I’d just use a hand-held meter, or get a good exposure meter app for your phone.

Your other problems are strictly mechanical and should be able to be fixed by a good repair tech. I had Ken Oikawa give my F-1 a CLA years back, and my camera has been perfect ever since.

Yes, your meters probably could be fixed, but whether it’s worth the cost and hassle is debatable. Personally, I’d just use a hand-held meter,

and, as I've often said, if you shoot most of the surviving negative films, film latitude will make "Sunny-16" do just fine.

Ilford XP2 can be shot at almost any ISO in a broad range, all on the same roll with no developing compensation (it's C41 processing)

As for your meter, I’ve read that CdS cells do lose sensitivity as they age. Considering early F-1’s are now 45+ years old, it’s probably not surprising that your meter isn’t as sensitive, or fast acting, as before. That being said, the meter in my main F-1 (1971 build) is both fast and accurate, in bright or dim light conditions.

 

Yes, your meters probably could be fixed, but whether it’s worth the cost and hassle is debatable. Personally, I’d just use a hand-held meter, or get a good exposure meter app for your phone.

 

Your other problems are strictly mechanical and should be able to be fixed by a good repair tech. I had Ken Oikawa give my F-1 a CLA years back, and my camera has been perfect ever since.

Thanks, Jim. That sounds great about your F-1's performance after so many years. I came across some of your work with it on some other threads, and your pictures are really outstanding!

and, as I've often said, if you shoot most of the surviving negative films, film latitude will make "Sunny-16" do just fine.

 

Ilford XP2 can be shot at almost any ISO in a broad range, all on the same roll with no developing compensation (it's C41 processing)

Thank you, JDMvW. That's good to know about XP2. I might just try working with the Sunny-16 method as you mentioned, given the wide latitude of today's negative films.