Recommend a 35mm Camera

keith204 · Aug 19, 2008

The camera that I used to shoot the pictures here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133796 is an EOS ELAN II that I am borrowing from my brother-in-law. Anyway, I had tons of fun shooting my first roll of B&W 35mm film. Now, I'm ready to buy a hobby camera.

First I looked into buying this camera off him for $75 or so. Are there any other 35mm camera bodies that I should look into before buying this?

tirediron · Aug 20, 2008

Since you're already a Canon shooter, I'd say that sounds like a good deal to me.

usayit · Aug 20, 2008

The ELan IIe was my first EOS camera and still one of my favorites... I still have it. Not as advanced as later Elans but the dual dial layout was wonderful. Every feature of the camera was practically available via a turn of a dial. The only reservation I'd have is that it is an all plastic camera. I say go for it.

Bifurcator · Aug 20, 2008

35mm SLR film cameras I like:

EOS 7s
Canon A1 (on EBay)

Nikon F3
Nikon F4
Nikon F5
Nikon F6

Olympus OM-4Ti

But you mentioned Canons so I only linked to those ones.

And I never actually owned the Nikon F6. Just read about it.

Steph · Aug 20, 2008

Bifurcator said:
EOS IX <--stainless steel body (On EBay)

Eh?! That is not a 35mm camera but an APS camera. The choice of films is really limited for these APS cameras.

usayit · Aug 20, 2008

EOS IX = APS film camera = yuk. You'd be lucky to find traditional B&W film for it.

Bifurcator · Aug 20, 2008

Oh... Heh!

I had one about 6 years ago. Someone gave it to me. It was built like a steel brick and the design was really classy. I never took any pictures with it but I could swear it was a 35mm. It was 24mm cartridge huh? Hehehe...

Or maybe it was a different model? Is there one that looks like that (same styling) that is a 35mm film camera? To find this one I searched the camera museum because I don't remember the specific name.

I'll have another look though.

keith204 · Aug 20, 2008

thanks guys, you've helped make up my decision.

I'll either buy this ELAN II from him, or get another ELAN II. It's a fun camera, and I like the style/appearance of it. It still has a familiar feel, even though it's a completely different camera than my 40Ds. Sounds like there's not much reason to go more expensive on a hobby camera. The ELAN II combined with my Canon 50mm f/1.4 has been a great combination.

Big Mike · Aug 20, 2008

The ELAN series are pretty good. If you can swing an ELAN 7 or 7n, that would be several years more modern than the ELAN II. Some of the ELAN cameras have the 'eye controlled focus' (an 'e' in the name). This is a neat feature that some people love and some people hate.

Depending on your budget, you might also consider a used 'pro' model. The EOS 3 was a great camera and there are plenty of 1 series cameras floating around...the 1n was very popular I think. The problem with those, are that they might have been heavily used by a pro, where as an ELAN might have been used twice a year by an old lady.

I've got an EOS 650, the first EOS ever made. it's big and heavy but built like a tank. It has or does have the common problems though, a 'gooey' shutter bumper and a wonky control dial.

keith204 · Aug 20, 2008

Big Mike, that EOS 3 looks like a very capable camera...in fact, there are some features (45-point AF) that my 40Ds don't even have! It seems to be a great camera with great reviews. Also, it's apparently built better, so that's a plus.

Now... I am TOTALLY comfortable using a film camera (as one of my cameras) to hold my 50 f/1.4 for portrait sessions. Is there any reason that this camera (combined with 50 f/1.4) would NOT be sufficient for taking portraits that could possibly be blown up to 16x20?

Big Mike · Aug 20, 2008

When talking film cameras...the actual model of the camera is pretty much irrelevant when talking about image quality and the ability to make enlargements. It's the lens and the film that are important. The 50mm F1.4 is a great lens, so I wouldn't see any problems. Although, I'd probably prefer to use your 70-200 for portraits.

usayit · Aug 20, 2008

ooOOooo... the slippery slop of G.A.S

First, Elan II ... good enough
But... The Elan 7.. is more advanced
But... The EOS 3 has that nice AF
But... The 1n is a 1 series
But... Guess the next step? At this point... the 1v (I have one love it).

hehehe....

The world of film is different from digital... as Mike said... whether you are shooting with an Elan or 1v.. the film inside is the same.

keith204 · Aug 20, 2008

Big Mike said:
When talking film cameras...the actual model of the camera is pretty much irrelevant when talking about image quality and the ability to make enlargements. It's the lens and the film that are important. The 50mm F1.4 is a great lens, so I wouldn't see any problems. Although, I'd probably prefer to use your 70-200 for portraits.

That's what I was wondering...didn't seem like the model would plan much of an effect since it's film. And yes, very good point....the 70-200 on a 35mm would be a great length for portraits. Seems a little far on digital sometimes.

Would the shutter "chomp" be any less noticeable in the EOS-3 (than ELAN)? After every shot with the ELAN II, I am worried because the shutter hits harder and shakes the camera a bit more than my 40Ds. Probably normal for a bigger shutter, but something I am not used to. Doesn't seem as balanced or something.

I'll probably go with the EOS-3 for 'feel' and quality since I plan to use this more often than before.

keith204 · Aug 20, 2008

usayit said:
ooOOooo... the slippery slop of G.A.S

First, Elan II ... good enough
But... The Elan 7.. is more advanced
But... The EOS 3 has that nice AF
But... The 1n is a 1 series
But... Guess the next step? At this point... the 1v (I have one love it).

hehehe....

The world of film is different from digital... as Mike said... whether you are shooting with an Elan or 1v.. the film inside is the same.

You are right...it's that slope. Shoot.

I thought that film would be a phase I'd get into, but could see it lasting awhile. Film forces me to think before shooting. Also, the photos have far more value (to me) after spending so much time composing the shots, and waiting for them to get developed. Maybe what I really need is a good psychologist...