[2][1]: 10  The New F-1 is also capable of operating in aperture priority mode with earlier Canon lenses which do not have an automatic diaphragm.

When aperture-priority autoexposure is used, all shutter speeds are electronically timed, and the fastest speed is reduced to 1⁄1000 s.[1]: 13 Metering patterns are determined by the focusing screen in use, as each focusing screen incorporates a beam-splitter grating to redirect some light to the silicon photodiode metering cell in the body; in the previous F-1, the light-splitting device was a partially-silvered mirror in the condenser, which was mounted in the body.

It includes interchangeable viewfinders, focusing screens, motor drives, and alternate backs, all of which are specific to the New F-1.

All other Canon components, such as the FD lens series, close up accessories (bellows, extension tubes, etc.

Both units also have single-exposure mode, where only a single frame is exposed when the shutter release is held down.

Both units also have a second shutter release for vertical format shooting, and a subtractive frame counter.

[1]: 26 Both units add the possibility of shutter-priority auto exposure mode by setting the lens's aperture ring to 'A'.

Also, using either of the motor drive systems also enables use of electronic interval timers and remote shutter releases, both wired and wireless.

The back imprints the dial settings onto the film for classification or dating purposes, either at the time of shutter release, or when the manual record button is pressed.

Canon was the official camera sponsor of the 1984 Summer Olympics and produced a commemorative edition of the New F-1 for the occasion.

Also constructed for the 1984 Summer Olympics was a high-speed camera for the sports photographers covering the event.