It was the F-1 that Canon inc. invested a large amount of money and labor in producing it and took five years of time to go into production of a highly durable and reliable camera with which the users could photograph wherever they were, even under difficult conditions.
As a result of using highly durable materials, the camera was built to endure 100,000 picture-taking cycles, temperatures ranging from -30 C to 60 C, and 90% humidity.

The various kinds of accessories were prepared for the camera including the newly designed FD lenses, and the FD lens mount which equips with the sequential and automatic correction mechanism, and also the remote picture-taking system were developed for the camera.

In 1976, the F-1N was introduced as an upgrade of the F-1.
The revisions were as follows:

• Operation arc of film wind lever decreased from 180 deg. to 139 deg.
• Film speed range was increased from ISO 2000 to ISO 3200.
• PC terminal had a fastener to prevent the PC cord from disconnection.
• Film type indicator was added on the rear cover.

Refer to Differences between F1 and F1N.

• First introduced in March, 1971
• Picture size : 24mm x 36mm
• Lens mount : FD mount (both FD and FL lens available)
• Viewfinder : Interchangeable eye-level pentaprism
• Exposure meter : CdS cell for TTL full-aperture / stopped-down-aperture metering, center weighted light reading
• Film speed range : ISO 25-2000
• Shutter : two-axis, focal plane shutter with titanium curtain
• Shutter speeds : B, 1-1/2000sec.
• Self-timer : built-in
• Flash sync contact : FP, X
• Film wind : lever
• Film rewind : crank
• Power resources : 1.3V HD mercury cell
• Body dimensions : 146.7x98.7x43mm
• Body weight : appox. 820g.