Older Canon EOS

The problem with buying into the EOS system isn't the bodies, there's lots to choose from, it's the lenses. They're compatible with the current EOS digital bodies and so tend to be expensive. If money is an issue I would look instead to an 'orphaned' system like Canon FD (manual focus) and the Minolta manual focus systems. Great gear, and dirt cheap.

X. Phot. said:

I just found this review on the Elan 7. As I only use M42 mount lenses, not supporting manual lenses would kill my desire to own one. But, I would love to get my hands on one to try and prove/disprove that observation.

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I bought an Elan 7 and an Elan 7e in the last 3 months... the only problem I've had with the Elan lineup is poor battery performance in the cold. Really like these cameras with EOS lenses.

ntenny said:

I looked into the same question and concluded that they should be fine, although ultimately I ended up with a Rebel X (no gadgets at all and even cheaper, but a newer body with perhaps some metering upgrades and so on). I mean, they all keep the dark in, right? Unless you have specific needs---say, for extreme shutter speeds or unusual metering modes---I think you're fine with any EOS body.

-NT

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Good morning, Nathan, and Tim;

May I quote one comment? "I mean, they all keep the dark in, right?"

Well, with the Canon EOS Elan, that may be open to discussion, but for an odd reason.

With normal films, there is not a problem. However, with Infra-Red sensitive film, the Canon EOS Elan does have an IR LED system used with the film sprocket holes to control how the film is transported, and that IR LED in the EOS Elan body does tend to fog IR sensitive film. Again, this is not a problem with all normal film use, but it does become a question if you intend to use Infra-Red film for landscapes and other unusual applications.

Yes, I do happen to have an original Canon EOS-Elan body or two here also. This has allowed me to use my lenses purchased for the Canon DSLR cameras with film also. And, as others have pointed out, that deteriorating foam issue with the original mirror bumpers and the shutter blades is a real annoyance, but once it is cleaned, and the bumper foam replaced with a more modern and durable substitute, they do work well.

Thanks, Ralph. I don't generally shoot IR in 35mm so that issue didn't occur to me.

It's true that digital compatibility keeps the price up on EOS lenses as compared to "orphan" systems. There are still some very reasonably priced EOS lenses, though---often the older, non-IS, non-USM versions of current lenses lose a lot of value (for instance, look at the 100/2.8 macro). I don't use my EOS film body that much because I find all the automation sort of alienating, but that's my personal hangup, not a comment on the quality of the system.

-NT

Canon battery glut

If I remember correctly it seemed that every different make of Canon EOS camera came with a different battery type. Was all of that really necessary ? What I ended up doing was just buy the holders which all took AA batteries which are sold EVERYWHERE. The battery issue is one of the reasons I went back to the standard A, F & T models of Canons with MA (12 batteries) or the power winder A (4 batteries) AND their use of plastic (OH pardon me... carbon fiber) Of course they got a little economy minded when they came out with the EOS 1n HS and I loaded that with 8 AA eneloop batteries and proceeded to shoot film. To me it just seemed like a waste of time & money to get the special battery + the recycle fee. And I end up with a LARGE collection of rechargeable batteries.

I picked up the battery grip for my old X, and I'm pretty happy with it. Only cost me $8 or so, and while I do have a couple sets of 123 batteries left, I'll save 'em for when I want to "shrink" the camera back to its original size/weight.

flatulent1 said:

The problem with buying into the EOS system isn't the bodies, there's lots to choose from, it's the lenses. They're compatible with the current EOS digital bodies and so tend to be expensive. If money is an issue I would look instead to an 'orphaned' system like Canon FD (manual focus) and the Minolta manual focus systems. Great gear, and dirt cheap.

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This is also the great thing about the EOS system, all those nice L lenses work on the 35mm film bodies......so if you have the money you can build a wicked AF 35mm setup, which is pretty much what I did.

I started out with an early EOS and I've had several now.
I too love the RT with its pellicle mirror and own two of them.
One is suffering the dreaded sticky shutter syndrome and is waitin for me to gather the motivation and courage to pull it apart and replace the bumpers. I've had a Contaflex in bits but not a full electronic camera but I'll do it one day...
I've also had a couple of 630s.
I also have a newer EOS but I've lent it to a friend who is just starting in photography, and it does nothing to excite me and a lot to annoy me especially with its trick of winding all of the film onto the take up spool on loading then winding it back in the can one frame at a time as it is shot.
The RT is the best fireworks camera I have ever used with no viewfinder blackout you can use bulb mode and track the fireworks handheld for great effects and having 30 second shutter times and multiple exposure mode etc are all nice things.
The metering is great on them, and I will grab one as my go-to camera if I need quick accurate metering and if I need high shutter speeds for sports action photos.
For landscapes and tripod shots I tend to go for a manual camera and enjoy the whole process.
The pellicle mirror on the RT tickled my fancy enough to seek out a decent Canon Pellix which is now one of my favourite manual bodies.

A first generation EOS is a damn good camera and if you can find a nice RT that is a sweet rig, but a 600/630 is nice too...I'm glad I have both!

I've got the 650, two Elan A2's and two Rebels.

The Rebel Ti feels weird with an 800 f5.6L IS on the business end. Next time I get that opportunity I'll be sure to get a picture of it.

I went a little stupid acquiring 630s and RTs a few years ago. I ultimately ended up with three 630s and five RTs. It's always nice to have spares. One of my 630s developed the battery drain problem, one landed in a friend's camera bag, and the last one, well...

I sent two of the RTs to a repairman in New Jersey, along with a check covering the repair to both. He cashed the check, then took a year or two to tell me he couldn't finish the job. He kept my money and the cameras. So I lined up three more RTs, and found a more trustworthy repairman (Steve in Sparks NV).

Beyond that I have an EOS 1N, 1N-RS (available to a good home), 3 (ditto), 1V and 5D. I have parted company with an Elan, an Elan 7N, and an EOS 1. Oh, and an 850; what a ridiculous camera that was.

Interesting on that battery drain issue. I just tossed one of the 630's this past weekend for that exact problem. By the time Tuesday came along I had a replacement body on order, which should arrive Monday. I don't know what the production numbers were for the 630, but at the current rate it should take me some time to deplete the available supply.

The affection for the 850 is understandable. The 750 was also one of those silly cameras.

Well I have a 630, a Rebel and a couple cheaper third party lenses on the way. Still keeping an eye out for a deal on a good 50mm lens. With the cost of the bodies I can understand why some of you have built up a collection.
Thanks for all the help.

Tim