The Canon F-1 system was originally released in March 1971, and was the company's top-of-the-line 35mm SLR camera with accompanying lenses and related kit. This was the Canon EOS R System camera of its time, launched after five years of technological development and significant financial investment.
New FD series lenses were also introduced alongside the F-1, ushering in an exciting era for SLR cameras. But it wasn’t just a few token lenses as usual for a new camera system launch, with a slow stream of lenses following over a few years – as we have come to expect with more recent new lens mounts. The F-1 system was different. A total of 14 pro-spec FD lenses were available at launch for the F-1, from the FD 50mm f/1.4 to FD 300mm f/2.8.
