Canon EOS-1N

Infobox_camera
camera_name = Canon EOS-1N


type = 35mm SLR
lens_mount = Canon EF lens mount
focus = TTL Phase Detection Autofocus (5 zone)
exposure = Programmed, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, depth-of-field AE.
Metering: 16-zone evaluative, centre weighted, partial, spot, and fine centre spot
frame-rate = Up to 6fps with Power Drive Booster PDB-E1
dimensions = 161 x 112 x 72 mm; 855g

The EOS-1N is a 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera body produced by Canon. The EOS-1N was announced by Canon in 1994, and was the professional model in the range, superseding the original EOS-1. This camera was itself superseded by the EOS-1v in 2001.

The original EOS-1 marked Canon's new entry into the professional autofocus area of camera design and building. The professional manual-focus F-1 models were highly respected during the long and successful FD-lens period. Following their bold decision to design the all-electronic EF lens mount, Canon managed to convince many professionals to swap to their system to the EOS-1. The later EOS-1N model followed on from the original EOS-1, retaining the same design concept but introducing many new improvements and fine tuning exposure. The original EOS-1 was strongly influenced by the Canon T90, designed by Luigi Colani. This same basic form has been used by Canon in all their professional SLR and many DSLR cameras.

Key features of the Canon EOS-1N

* Very high build quality, rugged construction, weather resistant seals
* Canon EF lens mount
* 5-point BASIS autofocus auto focus
* ISO 6-6400 film speeds; manual or automatically set by camera
* Metering modes: 16-zone evaluative, centre-weighted average, partial, selectable spot, and fine central spot
* 30secs to 1/8000sec. top shutter speed and bulb
* 1/250 sec. X-sync
* Depth-of-field AE (DEP): automatic selection of focus and f-number to place the depth of field between user-specified near and far points
* Variable stepped automatic exposure bracketing (AEB) facility
* Selectable mirror lockup with 2 or 10 second self-timer for use with super-telephoto lenses
* 14 custom functions to tailor the camera's exposure and operation to individual preferences
* Exposure compensation −3 EV → +3 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
* Background flash exposure metering when used with Canon EZ-series Speedlites
* Fixed eye-level pentaprism viewfinder with 100% vertical and horizontal coverage
* Dioptric viewfinder adjustment –3 to +1 diopter (behind removeable Ec-II eyecup)
* User-interchangeable focusing screens
* User-interchangeable back (exchangeable with Canon Command Back E1)
* Viewfinder blind
* Backlit external display (6 second timed illumination)
* Power: 1 x 2CR5 battery
* Optional BP-E1 battery pack (4 x AA alkaline or lithium AA† (FR8) batteries): selectable power source on camera
* Optional PB-E1 power-drive booster (8 x AA alkaline or lithium AA†(FR8) batteries) with 6fps wind-on
* Weight: 855g, body only

Background

There were several versions of the EOS-1N available. The base model EOS-1N consisted of the standard camera body with significant upgrades over the EOS 1, launched in 1989. The EOS-1N DP comprised the standard body and the BP-E1 pack (see below) and the EOS-1N HS comprised the standard body plus booster (see below).

In addition, there was a specialist EOS-1N RS model, launched in 1995, which was based on a modified EOS 1N. This model had a power drive booster E1 permanently attached and featured a fixed pellicle mirror which enabled it to reach a formidable 10fps top wind-on, with a shutter release lag as low as 6 ms.

One feature the EOS-1N (and previous/subsequent '1' models) lacks which does feature in lower models in the range is built-in flash, intentionally omitted to provide an overall very rigid camera body able to withstand severe treatment by professionals. Weather sealing was incorporated after feedback from professionals. Other notable omissions are the eye-controlled focus feature of the EOS 5 and the bar code reader of the EOS 10.

Another feature of the EOS-1N, and other professional models in the range, is the provision for a precise viewfinder indication of exposure in manual mode. This had previously been provided in fully manual cameras such as the F-1, but older Canon cameras with automatic exposure modes merely provided a recommended exposure reading in manual mode, leaving the user to make the offered settings or not, as they saw fit. The EOS-1N provides a viewfinder readout similar to the old F-1's needle display, but in electronic LCD form showing steps in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 stops. Like the EOS 5, the internal displays of the EOS 1N self-adjust in brightness in response to the brightness level of the subject.

The optional Power Booster Drive E1 or Battery Pack BP-E1 attach to the base of the camera. The booster (PDB-E1) holds 8 AA batteries or an optional Ni-Cad pack, and boosts the standard drive from 3 frames per second to 6. The Power Drive Booster E1 has its own shutter release and input dial for use when shooting in the vertical format. The battery pack (BP-E1) is a lighter and simpler accessory. This holds 4 AA cells and a lithium battery, and you can select between the two power sources with a switch. It provides a grip for vertical shots but no additional controls. The major appeal of the Battery Pack BP-E1 is that is lighter and less expensive than the power drive booster.

In addition to the standard EOS-1N there was another, specialised model in the range — the EOS-1N RS, permanently attached to a power drive booster. This camera has a fixed pellicle mirror so there is no viewfinder black-out at the moment of exposure. The fixed mirror allows high-speed continuous shooting at a top speed of 10 frames per second. There is a cost to this however: slightly less light reaches the film, as some is always being directed up to the viewfinder. By the time of the release of the next generation EOS 1V, considerable technical improvements to the standard camera design meant that Canon no longer offered RS model variants.

The EOS 1N was discontinued in 2001 with the arrival of the EOS 1V.

References

* [http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/1992-1996/data/1994_eos-1n.html Canon Camera Museum, EOS-1N]
* [http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/eos/EOS-1n/index.htm Canon EOS-1N Series AF SLR camera] - technical website and message board at [http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/ Photography in Malaysia]