I own quite a few film canon film cameras. I enjoy using all of them from time to time, but the Canon 35mm film camera that I used the most is the EOS 1N. The familiar layout combined with the fact it uses all of the lenses I already own make it the camera I reach for first whenever I go out. If you’re considering getting into film or stepping up from an older Canon AE-1, then this is definitely the camera for you!

Canon EOS 1N Questions

If you’re considering a 1N, then you might have some questions. I’m going to start with a few common questions to hopefully help you find the information you’re looking for.

What kind of film does the Canon EOS 1N use?

The 1N is a 35mm film camera and can use ALL 35mm films in a standard film cartridge. Color, black and white, and specialty stocks all work great with this camera. Certain films might not have the ISO data encoded into the film and therefore you might have to set the ISO manually, but the film will still work fine in the camera.

What kind of lenses does the Canon EOS 1N use?

The 1N uses Canon’s very popular EF-mount. EF lenses are still in production and there is an abundance of used lenses out there on the market. Beside the option to buy new or used lenses, EF lenses from Canon also come in a broad range of focal lengths, prime and telephoto, as well as a broad range of glass quality from some very basic beginner lenses all the way up to their L-series glass which boasts some of the most beautiful optics in photography.

What kind of batteries does the Canon EOS 1N use?

The Canon EOS 1N body uses a 2CR5 battery. These batteries are available locally at battery and electronics stores and also available on Amazon. I’ve used the Panasonic 2CR5 as well as the Energizer 2CR5 and have had good results from both.

If you get a 1N with the optional BP-E1 battery pack then you could simply load AA batteries. These battery packs are no longer produced but if you can pick up a used one its a simple addition to your Canon 1N SLR.

Can I use a flash with the Canon EOS 1N?

Yes! All of the Canon branded flashes work great with the 1N. There are also several non-Canon flashes that work great with the camera and are much more affordable. You can pick up an older used flash or buy a brand-new one. The 1N utilizes TTL to help you get a better result while using a flash. I personally recommend the Canon Speedlight 600EX II-RT. It’s a little bit pricey, but the features and build quality make it totally worth the price!

Does the Canon EOS 1N have autofocus?

Yes! It features a 5-zone autofocus utilizing TTL phase detections. The focus zones consist of a series of five little boxes that are placed across the middle of the image. You select with zone you want to use and then place and half-press to focus. The autofocus is a little slow compared to more modern cameras, but it is accurate.

How much does the Canon 1N cost?

You can expect to pay between $100 to $350 for a used Canon 1N according to my research looking at Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, and a few used camera dealers. The condition of the camera affects the pricing the most.

Canon EOS 1N Review

I bought this camera as a compromise. I actually wanted a Canon EOS 1V, but the prices of the 1V were outside of my budget. I spent quite a bit of time looking at used camera sites and Ebay before I finally found a camera that was in good shape at a decent price. While I generally do love the camera, it does have a few issues. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Canon EOS 1N:

Pros

• Familiar form factor with other Canon SLR/DSLR bodies

• Popular lens-mount (Canon EF)

• Availability of both new and used lenses

• Modern features like autofocus and TTL flash

• Auto-winding film

• Rugged design

Cons

• Batteries are a little inconvenient to find sometimes

• Battery has some connectivity issues (I have had to recently insert a piece of tape to keep the battery pressed against the contacts)

• There’s a common issues with the shutter becoming stuck and not cycling, but is easy to fix (has only happened to me once when I first got the camera)

• Focus is limited to only 5 zones and is a little slow (great for portraits, not so great for events…)

Should You Buy the Canon EOS 1N?

Absolutely! If you’ve already invested in the Canon eco-system, you can pick up a body and use all of your existing accessories, which is a huge win. If you’re just getting started but know you want to live in the Canon eco-system then anything you buy will work on all of the existing Canon equipment (with the exception of the newest mirrorless devices that use the new RF lenses). Also, if you’re interested in getting into film but don’t want to go the fully manual route that many of the older 35mm SLRs require you to take, then the 1N is a great camera at a great price-point that offers enough modern features to get you started. Just rotate the mode selection into P for Program and shoot away and you’ll get great results almost every time!

There are a lot of great features and specific settings that can help you get a lot out of the 1N - but honestly, I don’t use most of them. I mainly use mine for shooting 35mm film at weddings and special events when I need the speed of autofocus and the ability to use the lenses I already have with me. When I get an opportunity, I will also be picking up and Canon EOS 1V and will more than likely retire this camera. But its still a great workhorse and is dependable in spite of its age!

If you need more information, make sure and download the user manual below! It’s got everything you need to know about using the camera on a daily basis!

Check our Online Store for the Canon 1N

We occasionally carry these in our online store! Click here to see if we have any in stock!

Recommend Films to use with the Canon EOS 1N

If you’re a beginner, here’s some links to some great film to get you started with your Canon 1N.