Which Canon EOS body?

f/16 · Aug 16, 2015

I want to get one EOS body. I want a mid grade or prosumer one-not an entry level or high end. I'd like an older one maybe from the 80s or early 90s. Some features I want are: metal lens mount, multiple exposure capability, leader out rewind option, and a frames per second rate of at least 3fps. And a pop up flash is nice but not required.

Kirks518 · Aug 16, 2015

Except for the leader out and the pop-up flash, I would recommend the EOS 620 or 630. I think for leader out, you have to get into the pro level of bodies. I've used both (bought the 620 on the day it came out), and they're both fine cameras.

The EOS 10 (s, plain, qd) had the pop-up flash, up to 5fps, metal mount, ME, but no leader out option. I have never used one of these, but it should be just as good as the 620/630.

FrancoisM · Aug 16, 2015

I have an EOS 5 wich fits your requirements. Altough not sure about the multi exposures, will need to check that

Francois.

Theo Sulphate · Aug 16, 2015

You need the Complete EOS Lookup Page!

Dead Link Removed

From there you can compare the various models side-by-side. I suspect an Elan of some sort will be what you like.

From this Wiki link, look at the "Film cameras" section to see a list of the models by year:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS#Film_cameras

MattKing · Aug 16, 2015

I like the Elan 7Ne. The eye control focus works for me, so I appreciate it.

It offers a leader out option, 4fps and everything else you have asked about (I believe).

It is also reasonably sized.

I have an extra 7N as well.

f/16 · Aug 16, 2015

Thanks for the Canon lookup page. That helps.

Theo Sulphate · Aug 16, 2015

Yes, I have the 7NE as well - beautiful camera, good features and controls.

The eye-controlled focus works for me, wearing glasses, in bright light. Works in dim light for me if I don't use glasses. It has, I think, five banks to save eye configurations for each user.

f/16 · Aug 16, 2015

Looks like the A2 might be the one.

Manwithacam · Aug 16, 2015

I agree about the EOS 5/A2. Use custom function 2 to leave the leader out on this and the EOS 10

j-dogg · Aug 16, 2015

Elan 7Ne or 7e.

EOS 3 is a good body too and they're heap, hell you can get some of the 1-series for under 200 bucks.

Brett Rogers · Aug 16, 2015

Kirks518 said:
Except for the leader out and the pop-up flash, I would recommend the EOS 620 or 630. I think for leader out, you have to get into the pro level of bodies. I've used both (bought the 620 on the day it came out), and they're both fine cameras.

The EOS 10 (s, plain, qd) had the pop-up flash, up to 5fps, metal mount, ME, but no leader out option. I have never used one of these, but it should be just as good as the 620/630.

There are several custom functions available for the 600/630. One of them will leave the leader out on first push of the rewind button or at the end of roll if it is set. Same with the RT.

Slixtiesix · Aug 17, 2015

EOS 30/33 or EOS 3.

McFortner · Aug 17, 2015

I have a 10S and a 10QD and they both will shot non-perforated film and don't use IR LEDs to check film advance.

alanrockwood · Aug 17, 2015

Safest bet, considering both features and cost is probably Canon 7ne. At the low end (which I realize is not what you are targeting, but others may be interested) consider one of the later Rebel series, particularly the Rebel T2.

f/16 · Aug 17, 2015

Thanks for the tip about the 630 doing film leader out Brett. I wasn't aware of that.

Poisson Du Jour · Aug 17, 2015

Given the age of the majority of entry-level EOS bodies from the 80s and 90s, I think realistically you're looking also at the risk of fatique failure of plastic parts that were plentiful on a number of EOS bodies e.g. the EOS 5 with its brittle mode control dial, breaking lens release button and poor rear cover clasp, but especially its known LCD driver display derangement (also effects other cameras too). Any camera that has been well used over several owners should be considered a liability with doubtless layup time for repairs. It's a risk you have to take with all cameras, not just the EOS line. The EOS 1N would be a very good camera for its noted lack of service presence (my own was bought in 1994 and is still in-service, bench-tested annually) but it could be "too much" for you and is a bit befuddling to beginners in the way settings double-up. I would not recommend the EOS 5 (as a long-time owner and sufferer of its plasticy foibles and LCD derangement, servicing of which now would exceed the cost of a reasonably priced body). The later EOS 50 /50e with a more robust retro-metal build would be a worthy consideration.

Brett Rogers · Aug 18, 2015

f/16 said:
Thanks for the tip about the 630 doing film leader out Brett. I wasn't aware of that.

You're welcome. Apart from the well known issue of the shutter bumper foam dissolving goo over some of the early models (fixable with some patience) they're cheap, solid and reliable. Disadvantages include auto focus that is not as quick as later models and that some of the function buttons are stashed away behind that cover flap at the lower rear. Which on the flip side gets them out of the way and unlikely to be accidentally set I suppose. The RT is excellent if you need split second timing for exposures, or an SLR that can be a sort of rangefinder when you need it to be (by permitting continuous vision during your exposures). It comes at the cost of about 2/3 of a stop of light hitting your film though, so for low light hand held stuff a 630 is a better option. The RT & 630 both have a maximum 1/2000 shutter speed and a 1/125 sync. The 620 on the other hand does not have as sophisticated flash interface (the RT and 630 are on a par with the 1). But it does offer 1/4000 and a 1/250 sync if these are desirable.

They are all so cheap these days you could do worse than get one of each. I was gifted a 630 in excellent condition, which I still have, but chose to find a 650, 620 and RT to complement the 630, for those rare instances when I need autofocus or dedicated flash. The 630 & RT make it all so easy, when I do, it feels like I'm cheating.
Cheers
Brett

RowanBloemhof · Aug 18, 2015

I have an original EOS 10. And it has all the functions you describe. including leader out rewind. You have to enable it trough the custom function button. On butkus.org you can find a manual which notes the custom function options.

edit: with original i mean the first version. No S or qd.

Ron789 · Aug 18, 2015

I second Poisson du Jour and would not recommend an EOS 5, nor any older EOS not designed for professional use. I bought an EOS5 in 1994 and still own it. The built-in flash is a nightmare as it pops up in all kind of situations where you don't want it to, even landscape photography with no object in near sight. I slammed it back so many times that it was broken, and that was a big improvement to the camera. The on/off / program selection dial is known to be faulty. Mine requires strong force to turn it, I even applied some WD-40 on it but I'm waiting for the moment that it really breaks.
I recently bought an EOS 1n and an EOS 3 and this both have a much better build quality!
I would recommend the EOS 1n, especially since it's slightly smaller than the EOS 3.

McFortner · Aug 18, 2015

RowanBloemhof said:
I have an original EOS 10. And it has all the functions you describe. including leader out rewind. You have to enable it trough the custom function button. On butkus.org you can find a manual which notes the custom function options.

edit: with original i mean the first version. No S or qd.

The S and QD have these features as well.

ignatiu5 · Aug 18, 2015

f/16 said:
Looks like the A2 might be the one.

I'll agree with others here and note my non-recommendation for the EOS 5/A2. I liked the balance and feel of it, but the command dial vulnerability is well-documented, and I had two break on me.

I own three of the Elan 7 series, and they probably fit most or all of your criteria.

f/16 · Aug 18, 2015

ignatiu5 said:
I'll agree with others here and note my non-recommendation for the EOS 5/A2. I liked the balance and feel of it, but the command dial vulnerability is well-documented, and I had two break on me.

I own three of the Elan 7 series, and they probably fit most or all of your criteria.

Yes I've read about the dial breaking on the EOS 5/A2. So I'll probably just look for the 630-I wasn't aware the 630 did film leader out until a few days ago.

Poisson Du Jour · Aug 19, 2015

The 630 debuted way back in 1989 but 26 years later, if and when it makes an appearance, it is largely passed up for the now easily affordable pro-level bodies (keep in mind an EOS 1N ws $3,900+ in 1994 but is now as little as $300) which are much more robust and reliable (a built-in/pop-up flash does nothing to enhance reliability of the consumer cameras). Buying one of these early EOS cameras is not the same experience as say buying a vintage large format camera and never having anything to worry about, save for pinholes in the bellows or squeaky rails! Failing electronics and water-penetration (the 630 nib-buttons are not weather-sealed as those on the 1N-series bodies) are two places that regularly bring down the EOS earlybirds, additional to the documented weaknesses of the A2/A2e/5. Caveat emptor is something to keep in mind.

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Brett Rogers · Aug 19, 2015

Poisson Du Jour said:
The 630 debuted way back in 1989 but 26 years later, if and when it makes an appearance, it is largely passed up for the now easily affordable pro-level bodies (keep in mind an EOS 1N ws $3,900+ in 1994 but is now as little as $300) which are much more robust and reliable (a built-in/pop-up flash does nothing to enhance reliability of the consumer cameras). Buying one of these early EOS cameras is not the same experience as say buying a vintage large format camera and never having anything to worry about, save for pinholes in the bellows or squeaky rails! Failing electronics and water-penetration (the 630 nib-buttons are not weather-sealed as those on the 1N-series bodies) are two places that regularly bring down the EOS earlybirds, additional to the documented weaknesses of the A2/A2e/5. Caveat emptor is something to keep in mind.

Sent from my SM-T805 using Tapatalk

How does a built in flash relate to the 630?

I'm sure the 1-N for $300 is a better (and heavier) camera. But for $10 or thereabouts how much risk should a buyer beware of?

NitroRoo · Aug 19, 2015

The Elan 7e / EOS 30 was my first SLR. Saved and saved and ordered it from one of those shady grey market NY camera shops. Eventually I went digital and listed the EOS 30 on ebay - I've really regretted that and I'll be searching for another here soon. I'd happily recommend that camera, it served me really well.

Which Canon EOS body?

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