Canon F-1 olive (ODF-1, military)
The Canon F-1 olive (ODF-1) is a military-finish variant of Canon's professional 35mm SLR, finished in olive drab rather than the standard black. It uses the Canon FD manual-focus lens mount and was positioned as a specialist version of the F-1 line aimed at institutional and military buyers.
Hammer prices for this olive ODF-1 variant at UK auction have ranged from £900 to £1,100, with both recorded sales clustered in that band — a level well above what a standard black F-1 typically sells for today. Because only two saleroom results are on file, those auction figures should be treated as indicative rather than a settled market value, and condition plus completeness of military markings can swing what an example is worth.
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: November 2014
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 550 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30867) Title: Canon F-1 olive
Description:
rare olive painted body in good working order with papers and maker's box, clean Canon FD 1.8/50mm no.164162 Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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| Nov 2013 | EUR 1,100 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_29243) Title: Canon F-1 olive
Description:
rare olive painted body in mint condition with strap, papers and maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_19027) Title: Canon F-1 olive
Description:
rare olive painted body in good working order with papers and maker's box, Canon FD 1.8/50mm no.164162, filter, cap, hood Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 800 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Canon F-1 olive (ODF-1) worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, an ODF-1 has sold in the £900–£1,100 range, though with only two recorded sales the value of any given example depends heavily on paint originality and military markings.
How much does a Canon ODF-1 sell for compared to a standard F-1?
The olive military F-1 sells for a clear premium over standard black F-1 bodies at auction, with recorded prices around £900 to £1,100 reflecting its scarcity rather than any difference in specification.
Why is the olive F-1 more valuable than the regular F-1?
The price reflects the rarity of the olive-drab military finish and collector demand for issued variants, not improved performance — mechanically it is the same FD-mount F-1 platform.