In developing the EOS-1V as a next-generation professional SLR camera, Canon sought out the strongest available body materials for both functional attractiveness and high-level rigidity. The magnesium alloy used for the EOS-1V is lightweight, yet possesses exceptional strength.
Canon built the body of the EOS-1V to deliver top performance regardless of the shooting environment. Top priority was placed on the precise machining of all parts. The aperture and hybrid framework structure which serve as the base for various parts and fittings are diecast aluminum, with glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate resin, which is equal in strength to metal. The main outside covers are made of magnesium alloy. The lightweight body benefits from remarkably improved rigidity, precision, and durability, realized by the optimum use of carefully chosen high-tech materials.
The 72 major body seams and moving parts, such as the shutter button, selector buttons and Main/Quick Control Dials, are carefully sealed with silicone rubber, and the edges of the back cover are thoroughly finished. Furthermore, the battery chamber located inside the new grip GR-E2 is protected by packing, while the insides of function buttons, found on the upper left of the body, are protected from dust and water by a silicone rubber boot.
The satisfyingly solid feel and sound of the back cover being closed will tell you that the EOS-1V stands up to the elements like no other camera.
The EOS-1V's electronically controlled rotary magnet shutter has been designed to eliminate the possibility of operational trouble. This shutter unit ensures constant operation that remains as accurate as its original performance even after long use and under severe shooting conditions. The shutter blades are made of carbon fiber and super-duralumin, for high reliability in all shooting conditions over extended use. This has been confirmed by in-house testing in which the unit recorded in excess of 150,000 shutter-cycles. The unit performs high-speed shutter operation with exceptional accuracy at a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 second and a maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 second.
What is more, battery power consumption is minimized because the unit requires no power to hold the second shutter curtain open during bulb exposure. Accordingly, it realizes up to 1,000 hours of operation with the 2CR5 battery at room temperature.