Canon has finally stopped selling film cameras

In an almost offhand post on their Japanese website, camera manufacturer Canon announced that they have "finally decided" to end sales for their last film-only SLR camera, the EOS-1v. The company will still offer repairs on any existing EOS-1v cameras until October 31, 2025, as parts availability allows.

While digital photography has been the standard for almost two decades now, there’s still a thriving community of film photographers. Unfortunately, film enthusiasts were dealt a blow today as Canon announced it will no longer sell film-based SLR cameras.

In an almost offhand post, Canon stated that the company will cease sales of its last film single lens reflex (SLR) camera, the EOS-1v. This 35mm SLR, released in 2000, represented a shift in camera body design for the camera king. The now-familiar chassis was used as the basis for the EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds, and this design has lived on in Canon’s current DSLR lineup (with some minor modifications).

The EOS-1v was Canon’s last professional-grade film SLR. Production of the camera was discontinued in 2010, but Canon continued to sell the remaining stock until today. The small post on their Japanese website, began by thanking customers before saying:

By the way, we are finally decided [sic] to end sales for the film single lens reflex camera "EOS-1v". (Translation from Japanese via Google)

That’s a pretty lackluster send-off to what was once one of the best cameras money could buy and was arguably the best film camera ever made.

Although you won’t be able to purchase a new EOS-1v from Canon, the company will still service and repair existing bodies. Canon stated that they will “take repair measures until October 31, 2025,” so long as parts allow. After October 31, 2020, Canon may refuse a repair request due to a lack of parts.

While the camera on your phone can likely take better photos quicker and more easily, if you’re craving the classic feel of film, there are a few companies that still manufacture 35mm SLRs, including Leica and Nikon. There’s also been a small resurgence in instant film cameras akin to those of the 80s and 90s; both Polaroid and Fujifilm sell simple instant-film cameras.