Cameras, Cameras and More Cameras ...

Can't have too many cameras right

Sorry, if this isn't the right place, I haven't participated on APUG for a while (been shooting digital --- Boo!, Hiss!), so Mods feel free to move.

I've been thinking about what to do with my Canon EOS ELAN 7E (with BP300 battery grip). I picked it up used about 2 years ago. I last used it with a EF 85mm f1.8. Focus was a bit soft but that could have been operator error. I tried selling it as a kit with a EF 50mm 1.8 -- I did sell a 40D and T3i but alas, no takers on the ELAN 7E.

Well, now the film bug is biting again and I'm thinking maybe I should again attempt to sell the ELAN 7E -- maybe get a EOS 1V ?? I also have a Leica 3-lug (w/ older 50mm Summicron) and a Minolta X700. But I have a large Canon lens collection, which includes the 24 f1.4L, 50 f1.8, 85 f1.8, 100 f2.8L macro, 24-105 f4L, 70-300 f4-5.6L and a Samyang 14mm f2.8 (canon mount), so a Canon film body would make sense.

Maybe the ELAN just needs a good CLA. And if that would improve focus performance, who performs service on older Canon film cameras ??? Wish there was someone out there like Sherry Krauter to send my ELAN to.


Can't decide

Well if you really like the elan they come up for sale quite inexpensively compare to the v1. I think its a cool camera especially with the Eye focus thing they implemented. Maybe start with the simplest test and check your camera diopter and see if its set correctly and shoot a few shots with manual focus to see if you have the same or different results for AF. Then try a few of your lenses to narrow it down if it's the body or that 85mm.

The camera is clean: no blemishes, scratches, etc. inside or out. When I first picked it up and looked at it, I thought it was new. It is a nice camera and you're right, could be the 85mm but the ELAN could also need adjustment. I don't know anything about the cameras history. It came with the BP300 and it was inexpensive, so I grabbed it up. I wouldn't want to rely on the cameras eye focus with my eyes Lol ... Obtaining AF lock seems to be working but then the cameras AF point may be zeroing in on something other than what I think its locked onto.

There's a partially exposed roll of film inside, maybe I should try shooting with other lenses. I don't process my own film, so the anticipation after taking the film to a lab to be developed and waiting is gonna drive me crazy ...

Have you tried manual focus for comparison? In my experience, focus issues with an EOS camera that isn't obviously broken are usually due to the AF not doing what I expected, rather than to anything actually *wrong*.

If manual focus is off too, then maybe the mirror has gotten out of alignment so that the optical path lengths aren't quite right. But eliminate other variables first.

If I were you, I'd take the rest of that partial roll and do some controlled focus experiments with a measuring tape. Use a tripod, take pairs of shots using auto and manual, document where you attempted to focus, and see what the results look like. Do it with two lenses; maybe your 85mm is out of adjustment.

Tragically, or perhaps conveniently, the lower-end EOS bodies are basically being given away; I just looked at KEH and you can get a Rebel X for *five* *dollars*. It's probably more cost-effective to treat them as disposable than to repair them.

-NT

Excellent points Nathan. I considered doing the controlled focus tests just after initially posting this and also why I thought maybe a EOS 1V may be the way to go (saw one on KEH too!)
A new EOS 1V will set you back $1899. I've already sold two digital bodies (I have a 5D MK II body, so I can still shoot digital) which will help. I think I'm pretty much covered as far as glass is concerned. If I could sell the Leica M5 and the Minolta X700, then I'll have to decide if I'm really committed to shooting film again.

Cox B&W lab is nearby, so film processing won't be a problem (well, there's the film and processing costs depending on how much and how often I shoot film). Cox B&W has Gordon Hutchings PMK formula processing available. I was looking at some of my prints were the film was processed with Rollo Pyro --- man they look good. Pyro staining rocks

ntenny said:

In my experience, focus issues with an EOS camera that isn't obviously broken are usually due to the AF not doing what I expected, rather than to anything actually *wrong*.

If manual focus is off too, then maybe the mirror has gotten out of alignment so that the optical path lengths aren't quite right. But eliminate other variables first.

If I were you, I'd take the rest of that partial roll and do some controlled focus experiments with a measuring tape. Use a tripod, take pairs of shots using auto and manual, document where you attempted to focus, and see what the results look like. Do it with two lenses; maybe your 85mm is out of adjustment.

Tragically, or perhaps conveniently, the lower-end EOS bodies are basically being given away; I just looked at KEH and you can get a Rebel X for *five* *dollars*. It's probably more cost-effective to treat them as disposable than to repair them.

-NT

Click to expand...

You can have too many cameras Maggie when they become your master not your servant, and your reason for existence.

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I think it's silly to sell the Elan 7e if you just want to shoot some film, it's an excellent camera. I personally DO own the 1V and it's an exceptional camera, however if you're not really shooting film all the time and mostly shoot digital (I also have the 5DmkII ... shhhhh don't tell anyone... then I think you might want to spend sometime shooting the Elan, if you find after 10 rolls that you want to shoot more rolls, THEN go upgrade... but unless you just have a case of the GAS... there's no sense spending money in something you might not use... and for $50 in film just to know for sure, is a better investment than $600 for a used 1V (give or take $100).