Spot metering: The photographer can set exposure according to readings of one or multiple small areas in the composition. For example, the autoexposure systems will recognize a backlit portrait and provide optimal exposure of the subject despite the brighter background for which average metering would overcompensate and result in too dark an image. The Nikon F6, Canon EOS-1v and Leica R9 offer: Evaluative autoexposure: The microcomputer in the camera assesses a scene through an array of sensors, and applies an ideal aperture and/or shutter speed as fast as 1/8000 sec. Together with their abundant selections of optics and all manner of gadgetry, the top-of-line Nikon, Canon and Leica cameras have been widely considered the best in 35mm film photography. Features in Common The three flagship models are equipped to enable excellence in most photographic situations. The Nikon F6 is a more versatile and lighter redesign of the F5 that pioneered the most advanced autoexposure system available, engineered for accuracy in extreme or peculiar lighting conditions where other cameras would fall short.
The Leica R9 provides ultimate finessing of manual with automatic controls to a precision of 0.1 f-stop (in multi-pattern metering), and is arguably the most user-friendly of the three cameras. Canon has led in technology to steady hand-held telephoto lenses. The stereotypes were flat-out wrong, even before the introduction of the new Nikon F6 in late The reality is that each manufacturer has selectively invested in features for different users. As to Leica, well, the legendary mark had already had its day and is a stodgy if reliable instrument years behind Canon and Nikon. If ad hoc quips about the world s leading 35mm SLR cameras were to be believed, Canon had pulled ahead in optics and overall speed of operation. LEICA R9 Shutter Release, April 2005 Revised March 2007 Canon got the better of Nikon and Leica on Internet forums in 2004 with regard to film cameras.
Smaller companies have also stepped into the industry, such as MiNT’s used camera refurbishing and the list of film cameras trying to get a start with crowdfunding, such as the Reflex and Rolleiflex’s return with a twin-lens instant film camera.1 Battle of the Titans: NIKON F6 vs. Along with Nikon still selling film cameras, instant film continues to be a popular option. Nikon, for example, is still selling film bodies, but at about $570 for the FM10 and $2,670 for the F6.Ĭanon’s discontinuation is notable, but not exactly the death of film. The secondhand market is a popular option for film enthusiasts because it allows for picking up film bodies at a lower price point. Photographers still pick up film cameras for a handful of reasons, including the aesthetic as well as using film as a learning tool. But according to reports, the company’s stash of the film body lasted eight years. Digital photographers that want to experiment with film can also use the same EOS lenses on both film and digital bodies (depending on the lens, some features aren’t compatible).Ĭanon didn’t say just how many EOS-1V bodies were left after manufacturing was discontinued, or if they ran out of the camera or just decided to end sales.
The EOS 1 line was the professional model from Canon, a naming trend that continues with the Canon 1D-X series for digital bodies. As the line expanded into digital, the concept of that electrical connection allowed the camera lenses’ metadata to be included in the image’s EXIF. For film, that meant replacing levers and pins with electronics. The EOS line, which stands for Electro Optical System, created the first electronic connection between the body and the lens.
Canon’s current digital lineup still carries the EOS name, a line that’s now over 30 years old. The EOS-1v is now 18 years old after the 2000 launch, the fifth generation in the high-end series.
The discontinuation, of course, also doesn’t end the secondhand market, a popular option for photographers looking for film. The company will continue to repair the film camera until 2025 unless parts run out. “By the way,” the Google translated support page reads, “we are finally decided to end sales for the film single reflex camera EOS -1v.” An official announcement from Canon Japan gives the EOS-1V a casual death. Canon hasn’t produced a new film camera since 2010 but continued to sell the SLR from the remaining stock over eight years. The end of the ability to buy a brand new (unused but stored for eight years) Canon EOS-1v is a notable, nostalgic moment for the company and Canon photographers. Canon Japan recently announced the end of sales for the Canon EOS-1V, a pro-level film SLR - and the company’s last remaining film option. Fitbit Versa 3Įight years after ending actual production of film cameras, Canon has discontinued the company’s last film SLR.