Canon FT vs New F-1...surprising outcome

[mtnbkr]

I have a long background with the Canon FL series of cameras and lenses. I'm about to turn 50 and my dad's SLR from the time I was a toddler till digital took over was a Canon TL with a modest collection of lenses. That TL was the first SLR I ever used (followed by an Olympus OM-1 in the early 2000s). Because I still had the 50/1.8 lens that went with that camera, when I got back into film a few years ago, I picked up an FT. It was similar to the old TL, but better, and felt familiar in my hands.

I've owned and used that FT for a couple years now and in addition to the 50/1.8 from my dad's collection, I also have the 50/1.4 and 28/3.5 FL lenses. I've gotten some good shots (16 or so grace our walls here at home) and love those lens' rendering of color and tone.

So, when I found a New F-1 AE for a good price, I thought this would be an upgrade from my FT.

I'm starting to think I prefer the FT though. The F-1 offers improvements in metering, viewfinder clarity, and removes the need for stop-down metering, but I find it clunkier to use, bulky, and the controls don't seem to fall under my hands quite as conveniently. Things like exposure compensation are tedious to use and I'm realizing I *hate* match needle metering. The overall lack of handiness means I pretty much use it in aperture-priority AE model only.

Maybe "newer" isn't better after all.

So now the question is do I sell the F-1 and focus on the camera I enjoy using or keep the F-1 because it's a fine example of a tank of a camera and does offer some advanced capabilities?

Chris

 

[koraks]

I'd keep around the F-1 for a while because you may still warm up to it. I've had this happen several times over the years with cameras. Even the beat up Mamiya m645 I initially didn't like much I would have now regretted if I had sold it off. On the other hand, I don't miss the EOS1, EOS5 and T70 I ditched some time ago.

 

[Hassasin]

While FT has to be appreciated for what it was, F1 is in a different league. By F1 AE I assume you are referring to the last of the 3 models, with AE finder? It is different from the first two, all great cameras, but the New F1 was a departure in a right direction (perhaps not for all), but still a departure.

FT was never an F1 and it shows, but what fits one hand may not fit another as well. I would agree, hold off on your F1 final judgment, it really lived and still lives in its own world.

 

[mtnbkr]

I'd keep around the F-1 for a while because you may still warm up to it. I've had this happen several times over the years with cameras. Even the beat up Mamiya m645 I initially didn't like much I would have now regretted if I had sold it off.

I'm not in a rush to dispose of it. Right now, I'm alternating between the two.

While FT has to be appreciated for what it was, F1 is in a different league. By F1 AE I assume you are referring to the last of the 3 models, with AE finder? It is different from the first two, all great cameras, but the New F1 was a departure in a right direction (perhaps not for all), but still a departure.

FT was never an F1 and it shows, but what fits one hand may not fit another as well. I would agree, hold off on your F1 final judgment, it really lived and still lives in its own world.

yes, the latter model with AE finder.

I agree the F1 w/AE is, on paper, the better camera, but it's just no clicking with me at the moment. I can certainly afford to give it more time, but the initial impressions (only 2 rolls so far) hasn't been as positive as I expected.

Chris

 

[Duceman]

So now the question is do I sell the F-1 ...

My general advice, which applies to, and goes well beyond just cameras, is that unless you're in need of cash, or don't have any space to store, then hold on to it. It is much, much easier to simply pick it up from the closet, or wherever you have it stored, if/when you want to use it again, as opposed to not having it and either having to look for another, or not ever using one again.

 

[mtnbkr]

My general advice, which applies to, and goes well beyond just cameras, is that unless you're in need of cash, or don't have any space to store, then hold on to it. It is much, much easier to simply pick it up from the closet, or wherever you have it stored, if/when you want to use it again, as opposed to not having it and either having to look for another, or not ever using one again.

Totally get what you're saying, but I try not to accumulate stuff unless it has sentimental value or a definite future use. I don't mind holding onto the F1 for a while longer while I run a few more rolls through it, but if I decide it's not the camera for me, it'll be on the chopping block. Otherwise, it'll be a nagging itch in the back of my mind...

Chris

 

[eli griggs]

Keep the F1 AE, you never know when you'll need the functions/forms it provides, and then look at the FTB ql and second gen F1, next to a FT, and see if the working form is close enough to meet your 'muscle memory's' of the FT.

Personally, the build quality of all three is very good and I have all three as shooters, but the faster F1s, with faster shutter speeds and very good meters are my first choice in 35mm SLRs.

Spending some time in practice, composting and shooting a throwaway reusable roll of film, from loading to rewind will help you build new connections with any of these camera's, and shooting actually exposures will further hone your skills.

IMO.