Canon F-1 High-Speed
The Canon F-1 High-Speed is a specialised variant of Canon's professional FD-mount 35mm SLR, built in limited numbers for sports and press photographers. It uses a fixed pellicle (semi-transparent) mirror in place of the standard reflex mirror, allowing continuous shooting at frame rates well beyond what a moving-mirror body could sustain. Production was tied to major sporting events, and the camera was sold to professionals rather than offered as a regular catalogue model.
Recorded UK auction hammer results for the F-1 High-Speed span roughly £1,400 to £5,500, with a median around £3,500 — these are wholesale saleroom figures and exclude buyer's and seller's commission. The most recent sale in the data fell at the lower end of that range, while earlier results in the 2000s reached the upper end, so today's value depends heavily on completeness, cosmetic condition, and whether the original motor drive and accessories accompany the body. Because so few examples reach the open market, a single well-documented set can sell for a multiple of what an incomplete body sells for.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2024
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00586) Title: Canon F-1 New High Speed
Description:
Very rare special version F-1 for high-speed sequence photography designed for press photographers at the 1984 L.A. Olympic Games, fixed semi-transparent mirror allowing a rate of 14 fps/sec., in very good condition, operation not tested, only approx.100 cameras produced, with eye level finder FN and body cap. Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_40277) Title: Canon F-1 high speed
Description:
very rare modified Canon F1 issued for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympic Games, approx. only 100 cameras produced, integrated motor drive and fixed semi-transparent mirror, allowing a continuous speed shooting up to 9 frames per second, in very good condition (not tested), with body cap Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Jun 2019 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37496) Title: Canon F-1 High Speed
Description:
special version F-1 for high-speed sequence photography with amazing 14 frames per second!, the camera was designed for press photographers at 1984 L.A. Olympic Games, in excellent condition, with matching S12 charger, very rare - only approx.100 examples have been made Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| May 2012 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_14218) Title: Canon F-1 New High Speed
Description:
special version F-1 for high-speed sequence photography, 14 fps/sec., with battery pack, charger, 4 batteries, connection cord, Canon Lens 1.2/50mm no.51994 (UV filter, cap), - the camera was designed for press photographers at 1984 L.A. Olympic Games, very rare - only approx.100 cameras produced Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_12189) Title: Canon F-1 High Speed
Description:
special version F-1 for high-speed sequence photography, 14 fps/sec., with battery pack, charger, strap, cap, instruction book - the camera was designed for press photographers at 1984 L.A. Olympic Games, very rare only approx.100 cameras produced Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 5,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17966) Title: Canon F-1 New High Speed
Description:
very rare high-speed model for 14 frames per second, new in maker's boxes with all accessories (battery pack, connecting cord, battery charger S-12 120 volt, 2 NICD batteries S-12) Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
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| May 2007 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16298) Title: Canon F-1 High Speed
Description:
very rare high-speed camera for 9 frames per second, approx. only 100 cameras produced for 1972 Olympics, with original battery pack Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Nov 2001 | £3,525 | Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 370) Title: Canon F-1 High Speed camera no. 100217
Description:
Canon F-1 High Speed camera no. 100217 Estimate: £2,500 - £3,500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon F-1 High-Speed worth today?
At UK auction, hammer prices have ranged from about £1,400 to £5,500, with a median near £3,500; complete outfits with the motor drive sit at the upper end of that range.
How much does a Canon F-1 High-Speed sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom results put a clean body at around £1,400, while exceptional examples with full accessories have sold for several thousand pounds.
Why is the F-1 High-Speed more valuable than a standard F-1?
It was produced in very small numbers for professional use, and the pellicle-mirror design makes surviving working examples scarce, which supports a clear price premium over the regular F-1.
Is the pellicle mirror a problem when buying one?
Yes — the mirror is delicate and not user-serviceable, so any damage materially reduces the price a buyer will pay.