What to do with Canon EOS Rebel...

If 40mm f/2.8 is pricey, then Industar 50-2 with focus confirmation is cheaper with different background rendering.

I have Helios 44-2(its not smooth but I prefer it) that works really well with EOS 650 through focus confirmation adapter. For adapter, I went with Fotodiox.

those rebels can be used as disposables. take them on kayaking trips etc. maybe you get stranded and can use the lens to start a fire.

Don't forget the cool thing about the EOS mount - it's one of the shortest flange-focal distances of modern cameras, and there are cheap adapters for all kinds of glass (since the shorter distance allows room for the thickness of an adapter).

I shot a lot of music videos with an EOS digital and my Nikkor primes. As far as I understand, the old film cameras use the same adapters. They're like 20 bucks.

I used to think the Rebels were kinda cheapo, not worth having. I then heard reports of many of them lasting a long time so I went on a mini-collecting spree. I have several, and all work. I recently took one on a major photo trip as a lightweight option. They are quite capable cameras. Only time will tell how well-made and enduring they are. They were often bought at Walmart by novice photographers who ended up shooting only 4 rolls of film a year, so many are like new.