film slr

[blinking8s]

I started my basic photography class today, Im SOOOOooo excited, I actually get to learn what all the buttons on my 300d mean :)

but I have to use film, and dev my own pictures

Im torn between a film rebel (dont know which model to get) and the elan 7n (I dont understand or think I have a use for the 7ne)

I will be getting a 550ex with it, which camera would be the best? I really like the 7n's body...well, if i HOPE to get a 550ex

I have to use a 50mm lens, so my 50mm f1.8 will have to do, I can bump the apature down, the class requires that everything be in focus, slight bummer...

any suggestions or tips about buying a film slr?

[Canuck]

Here are some ideas...
Being that you have a 300D, the 7N(E adds eye controlled focus) might be the best bet. I have a 50E (aka:Elan IIE in the US) and those can be had for relatively inexpensive. Mind you, that only has 3 AF points. Now the question to you, how much you willing to spend? That should tell you. Either one is good, but it is back to how much will you use the SLR, and cost. If you plan on using it very little, go for the Elan IIE; otherwise go for the 7N(E).

[blinking8s]

true, well pending i stick with this as my degree choice, it will prob get a hell of a lot of use in the next 2 years...

i have class everyday from 9-12:30...so in the next 5 weeks alone its getting used to a ton, then in the fall I start the intermediate class, then ater that it is indi studies, hopefully i can break back into digital by then, but they seem to be very against it

[blinking8s]

grrr...the elan 7n seems nice, i went and looks at the rebel line at the camera store, cant say i was even a remote fan, it was the feel, i know my dSLR is like a brick compared to them, but it just felt wrong...

i just cant decide if i really need to dish out the $$$ yet, i am 99% sure I am going to go ahead and pursue the photo degree, so it would be a good investment...eveyone else uses old full manual cameras though

[Tom W]

Well, a good alternative is to go to KEH.com and pick up a used Elan II - it is compatible with all the EOS lenses (plus Sigma, Tamron, etc), ETTL, and has full manual capabilities. It has 3 AF points, selectable 1-shot, A1 focus, and A1 servo, 3-position metering (evaluative, center weighted, and partial), FEC, and a rapid-fire feature (though not as fast since it has to wind the film, but the buffer is up to the whole roll). I have one - it is light, but a very good working camera.

Best of all, you can get one in top condition for around $150-160, or maybe even less.

PS - it has a big bright viewfinder which should help if you are required to focus manually for some reason.

[blinking8s]

Well, a good alternative is to go to KEH.com and pick up a used Elan II - it is compatible with all the EOS lenses (plus Sigma, Tamron, etc), ETTL, and has full manual capabilities. It has 3 AF points, selectable 1-shot, A1 focus, and A1 servo, 3-position metering (evaluative, center weighted, and partial), FEC, and a rapid-fire feature (though not as fast since it has to wind the film, but the buffer is up to the whole roll). I have one - it is light, but a very good working camera.

Best of all, you can get one in top condition for around $150-160, or maybe even less.

PS - it has a big bright viewfinder which should help if you are required to focus manually for some reason.

thanks, I will check it out now...and this class requires you to focus manually all the time, the basic class is full manual settings, i just dont want to go get some manual SLR and be required to upgrade in the fall...I would rather take the spill and get a good one while I am working and have free time to learn allt he features

[Tom W]

Well, I think it would be aweful wastful for you to get an older camera and lenses, when you have perfectly fine operating lenses in your posession already. But it might be a good idea to check with the professor - some profs are pretty anal about silly things and you might have one that demands that the camera be manual. If that's the case, get the cheapest mechanical camera you can find, and the appropriate 50 mm lens.

I also have the Canon FT. It was purchased new around 1969 or so for my Dad. I bought it from him (for a song) about 20 years ago. It still functions fine. If the prof. decides you have to have an older one, that is a good durable model as well. Just make sure the light meter works.

[Big_B]

This is absolutely none of my business, but for what its worth I reckon you should take a chance and go with the photography. You take some great photos and it sounds like you really want to do it. Whats another year out of your life in the long run?

BB

PS. Hope you don't mind me sticking my oar in

[blinking8s]

This is absolutely none of my business, but for what its worth I reckon you should take a chance and go with the photography. You take some great photos and it sounds like you really want to do it. Whats another year out of your life in the long run?

BB

PS. Hope you don't mind me sticking my oar in

nah man, encouragement is much appreciated...it means a lot

my family isnt so cool with the idea...my mom loves it, but thats it...hehe

Well, I have to go camera shopping this morning, the local store selection sucks...I'll prob end up right back here and ording online in a few hours, once I have actually held the different models I am lookin at

I do have my mind set ont he Elan 7n, eye control just sounds annoying to me, and I dont really feel like it is worth the price, I will prob order it and the battry grip so it feels even more like my 300d which I have become so comfortable with.

I talked to my professor this morning and she said anything in the EOS line is cool, as long as it has a full manual mode...

a flash will have to wait YET AGAIN...funds are running low, didnt clock as many hours at work starting class and all, this paycheck is going to suck

[blinking8s]

well, I am visiting my grandparents this afternoon, went to the camera store, they had a Rebel G and I didnt like it. But I told my grandparents about the class and my grandfather walk down into the basement and pulled out a Nikkon EM 1979 model, the battery light doesnt work, and the light meter seems to be functional...the rest seems fine.

I think the manual settings on it are fun, great way to really learn...and with a free camera to use, I have another month to save up, cause for the next photo class in the fall I doubt I will want to be using this...

I feel all hardcore with my 1979 nikon, after this class I will get a 7n and a 550ex and be set to pursue my photography degree :D hehe...maybe, havent switched my major yet!

http://www.blinking8s.com/stuff/em.jpg

[s00pcan]

But I told my grandparents about the class and my grandfather walk down into the basement and pulled out a Nikkon EM 1979 model...

Cannon is way better than Nikkon.

[Digital Prophet]

I am glad that you have found the joys of old cameras. I am the happy and proud daddy of a bouncing baby 300D. But I really wanted to explore the world of film. And I had the very same choice issue. Rebel or Elan. Both were good cameras but I didn't like the film rebel. You're right, maybe a lead weight in there would sway me back.

But what ended up happening was that I bought a Pentax K1000 off an old freind. I got the body nd lenses for a song. It is a old fashioned metal body. Had weight. Had dials.

I once read that the difference between an amatuer and a professional photographer was that a amatuer covets his camera. A professional covets the image. But as dazzled as I am by the digital magic of my 300D I have a special place in my heart for the mechanical gears and levers of my older cameras. I have since collected another Pentax and a N**** from 1967.

Imagine. Collective they all cost less than my 300D body (and each of them has more lenses than my 300D). And some of them are older than me. Yet they are just as fun to use and take great pics.

I wonder if my Digital Rebel will be pulled out of a box by my middle aged kid or early twenties grand kid. And if so, will it still take great pics?

Good luck.

- Digital Prophet -

[blinking8s]

I wonder if my Digital Rebel will be pulled out of a box by my middle aged kid or early twenties grand kid. And if so, will it still take great pics?

Good luck.

- Digital Prophet -

wow...thats a though, the whole speech was inspiring

I really like the N**** EM, 50mm f1.8 lens, its small and heavy, feels awesome in my hand, I just hope it works *fingers crossed* I will try it tomorrow I guess

the Elan 7n will come in a few months, just cause I will need the use of my other lenses for higher level classes, we have to use a prime for this one

thanks for everything!

one question though if the light meter is broken, cause the needle seems to work about 50% of the time and not at all in low light...and when it is moving its bouncing like mad...do they make external ones?

if i can master a full manual camera where i see the settings and not have to sit there and read the computer...uff...just cool

[Tom W]

The light metering circuits on the older cameras of that era are pretty simple. My guess is that the switch contacts are very dirty or corroded. You can probably just turn the meter on and off several times (I don't know how that's done on the Nikon, but whatever lever or button you push, just push it repeatedly for a couple of minutes) and the contact surfaces will clean up enough to get consistent light meter readings.

[blinking8s]

i get the light meter to work...then go to class, and I cannot use the camera because it doesnt have manual shutter controls, as you can now officially tell, i did notice this, so much to learn *sigh*

time to go camera shopping

[Big_B]

Ever get the feeling that someone's out to get you?

[blinking8s]

haha...yeah, get my MONEY

and the dud on bhphoto's phone couldnt speak english worth a...grrr

but if I order by 4 they can have it one here by friday...so thats cool

Elan 7n it is, better go stock up on the ramen noodles and prepare to be BROKE for a while

[Tom W]

i get the light meter to work...then go to class, and I cannot use the camera because it doesnt have manual shutter controls, as you can now officially tell, i did notice this, so much to learn *sigh*

time to go camera shopping

Well, who would have thought that a 35 mm camera from 1979 would NOT have manual shutter controls. But I just googled it and you are correct.

[stopbath]

Look for a Pentax K-1000. Should be able to pick one one dirt cheap and then sell it again after classes finish. The camera is fully manual, it doesn't even need a battery (only needed for the meter and then you can guess the exposure when out side - sunny 16 rule.)

With the old camera, make sure the fast speeds and slow speeds are working (two different mechanisms) Make sure the lens stops down fast (not slowly) make sure the focus mechanism of the lens is still smooth. Look for major dents, if the camera was dropped the back focus would likely be off and would need correcting. Make sure the film mechanism is still working well....

[blinking8s]

i get the light meter to work...then go to class, and I cannot use the camera because it doesnt have manual shutter controls, as you can now officially tell, i did notice this, so much to learn *sigh*

time to go camera shopping

Well, who would have thought that a 35 mm camera from 1979 would NOT have manual shutter controls. But I just googled it and you are correct.

haha...who would have though!?!? but oh well, it still looks fun to play with :)

stopbath - thanks for the advice, I picked up a Elan 7n though, it arrived this morning, I figure if I am going to stick with this whole photography thing I might as well invest in what I can while I am working a lot, before the school year picks up full swing and all.

the 7n is built like a TANK

[PhotosGuy]

With the old camera, make sure the fast speeds and slow speeds are working (two different mechanisms) Make sure the lens stops down fast (not slowly) make sure the focus mechanism of the lens is still smooth.

The lubricant may have 'firmed' up a bit over time. Usually, with an older cam that hasn't been used, - the slow ones usually show the most variation, & you can just cycle it for an hour or so, (shoot without film), & get back to approximate shutter speeds. Just like:

The light metering circuits on the older cameras of that era are pretty simple. My guess is that the switch contacts are very dirty or corroded. You can probably just turn the meter on and off several times (I don't know how that's done on the Nikon, but whatever lever or button you push, just push it repeatedly for a couple of minutes) and the contact surfaces will clean up enough to get consistent light meter readings.

And, as to this semi-informed comment from 's00pcan':
Cannon is way better than Nikkon.
Now, perhaps, but the subject was Nikons in the '70s & if you hadn't used both of them in the field, I wonder what your qualifications for making that statement are?

...and this class requires you to focus manually all the time, the basic class is full manual settings, i just dont want to go get some manual SLR and be required to upgrade in the fall

I upgraded to the 300D, & it's on M 99% of the time. Even the focusing. The reason your instructor wants everything on M is so you learn to tell the cam how to get the pic you need, not accept what it wants to give you.
:wink: