Canon EOS 3

[paddycook]

I upgraded from the EOS 650 to the EOS Elan 7E. Both are affordable sub-$100 cameras. The 7E, aside from a host of useful features, has the advantage of being 10 years newer and so in better condition.

The 7E has one of the most quiet film advances. I've also been pleased with the weather sealing (not an advertised feature of the camera), having taken it out with weather sealed lenses in the rain many times without issue.

It's also lighter than the more "pro" cameras in this line. It's been compatible with every 3rd party lens I've tried (2 sigmas and 2 tamrons).

I've had trouble engaging back button auto-focus with some of the newer EF mount Sigma lenses on my 7E. May be just my copy of course.

 

[Tony-S]

Sorry, you had to do what?

The dreaded BC error this camera is known for.

 

[koraks]

if the camera has never had a routine or required service, the glitch you are experiencing may be indicative of a service requuired.

What is the normal service requirement of an EOS camera and what is the regular service interval?
AFAIK these cameras are made to work without being serviced at a regular interval; if they stopped working, they could be repaired to an extent and before the end-of-life phase of the product. By now, all analog EOS cameras are outside of that period and are essentially a gamble from a service/repair perspective, although they still prove to be reliable workhorses for the most part.

 

[Taylor Nankervis]

What is the normal service requirement of an EOS camera and what is the regular service interval?
AFAIK these cameras are made to work without being serviced at a regular interval; if they stopped working, they could be repaired to an extent and before the end-of-life phase of the product. By now, all analog EOS cameras are outside of that period and are essentially a gamble from a service/repair perspective, although they still prove to be reliable workhorses for the most part.

Normal service requirements were published by Canon many years ago; things like weather-sealing would be checked, including gaskets under the top-panel push buttons; the lens mount checked for nicks, burs and abrasion, sealing of the top control plate and bottom plate drive (Power Drive Booster E1) /battery interface ports and rear cover hinge patency. Regular service intervals were for sustained, very heavy duty use (press, sports, any activity involving exposure to the ocean); this was a RFS (return for service), typically handled by Canon under their professional warranty).

In my own case, my EOS 1N I first purchased in 1992 had the seals on the top cover and around the shutter button and quick controld dial replaced as a routine service in 2004 (I was with Canon Professional Services here in Australia at the time and individuals using the EOS 1N, among other models, were advised of recommended service, but nothing was essential, just routine). Dust in the upper prism area was also removed (how they disassembled that area is a mystery!) — nothing unusual about this, even new cameras can have it; shutter tested, at all speeds, especially at maximum continuous speed (10 fps, a frame rate I have never used seriously, except to play with a roll of film and an f2.8 lens "just for fun!").

But not all EOS bodies are of legendary stock.
The EOS 5 that I purchased in 1995 was an absolute dud. The mode control dial broke 3x; the flash hinge became sticky, lens release button broke, back cover latch broke, the internal and external display drivers faulted...drrrrft! The cost of all these replacements exceeded the value of the camera; in the end I sold it off for parts and got an EOS 50E, which was with me running Delta 100 when I produced my magnum opus, "The Moorings" at Norfolk Bay, Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania in 1996.

The aforementioned EOS 1N has not been serviced since 2004. You reckon that camera has an "end of life phase"? I'm not convinvced, LOL! This beautiful, quiet, fast and accurate camera is not often used (exception being recently when I photographed my brother's house for sale with it) unless I am bushwalking and have to forego the weight and imaging quality of 67 cameras for something ... "a tad lighter"! (albeit not much lighter!).
I see a lot of EOS 1N, HS (high speed fixed pellicle mirror version) and EOS 1V cameras for sale with vague histories and more vaguery from the owners! I would not buy the stuff. You are correct that many of the EOS cameras are a gamble, and also correct that the high-spec pro models are workhorses, just as many of Nikon's are e.g. the F3, F3HP, FA and the F90X (loved by bushwalkers and rock climbers here in Australia) and of course, the enduring Pentax 67 behemoths. I doubt that Canon repairs their old analogue bodies now. But they certainly can be repaired by many other repairers who would follow Canon's service guidelines according to use. he EOS 5 was serviced repeatedly in Melbourne/Victoria/AUS by VinTech from new/scavanged parts, who also can service the Pentax 67s if needs be).

The analogue cameras I have and use are the last I will have (but will keep) as I am retiring next year — other things have to be done this side of 60 years!

_______________________________________________________
Photo: Printing notes for "The Moorings", 1996.
Ilford Delta 100, EOS 50E, EF 20mm f2.8

Finished prints:

The Moorings I

The Moorings II

The Moorings III

And with that, 'tis time for me to bid good night to the Mod Squad, as it's getting late and I have to pack up and head home from QLD.

T.

 

[loccdor]

I've had trouble engaging back button auto-focus with some of the newer EF mount Sigma lenses on my 7E. May be just my copy of course.

Thanks for letting me know. I didn't realize that was a feature that the 7E had though I've read the manual a couple times, I missed it.