Among all famous SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Cameras, we still cannot say this or that one is the top system camera. There was an arguement among our friends some years ago. Though there was no agreement on which camera, but we have finalized some conditions. To be a top system camera, it must have a lot of accessories to meet various applications. These includes different viewfinders for eye level, waist level and magnification, different lenses including macro and specific application. In history, the closest candidate was EXAKTA. It was a very old design, ugly, heavy and rigid, surely not accepted by the modern eyes. But it had changeable viewfinders, lens covering general to macro, even included a glass fibre lens to take inside structure of material. A few years ago, this brand name has been used by a 120 hand held model. But it disappeared from market very soon.

Checking cameras for the past twenty years, the obsolete model, Canon New F-1, did have the chance to be one. Unfortunately, the trend has been turned to full automatic camera that Canon had to give up New F-1 for the EOS series. It is a pity that New F-1 was a few steps to be our ideal top system camera.

Canon does not forget the duty to meet all demands. From the first EOS, they have a macro lens EF 50 mm f/2.5, soon followed by a new EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO which has a great quality. Not long ago, another great one appeared, EF 180 mm f/3.5L MACRO USM. This is the first macro lens that designed with the 'L ' standard. The 'L' of Canon lens represents superb quality. What a great job! Very few manufacturers of today will care about minority of photography (those who enjoy macro photography).

System Camera: Macro P.1/2