Which Film SLR Should I Get?

Just the feel of the paper not the life of it. I prefer a black and white film print to a digital print of the same photo. The paper you use in film I just find gives a nicer finish.

It depends on the digital camera you're using. If you're talking about one of the 1 series bodies with higher resolution, then, yes, I'd say it's very comparable to film. Black and white film images, IMO, are superior to digital black and white, however.

I'd love an Eos 3 - or an Eos 1N - the prices of both of these on the used market have taken a real tumble. the 1V is a great camera - the best a film can get - but the used prices are still too high, and there's so much other stuff I want!

Truth be told, you will hardly ever use the film if you have the choice of digital, so possibly just get yourself a nice 5 megapixel point and shoot for emergencies and SLR -unfriendly environments?

Only problem with getting a 3 or (especially) a 1v is that after using one of these a few times your 20d will feel like a toy and you'll be trying to figure out where to get the money for a 1-series digital.

Jim

Not really. My 10D is as heavy as my EOS 3, they are very similiar. The 20D is slightly lighter than the 10D, but I think is a better camera. So, I use all 3 about the same. EOS 3 is like an old Lexus, 10D a Honda Accord and the 20D a Toyota Avalon.

say what?

I shot film/slides for years... had a full color darkroom, 2 enlargers, color processor... I've printed from slides, negs, 35mm, and medium format - and I gotta say my Mark II outputs higher quality printed results than any 35mm stuff that came out of the darkroom. In my opinion it gives my old Mamiya 645 Pro TL a run for it's money as well. I still think that medium format probably has an edge over the 1.3x 8MP sensor in my DSLR, but I bet a 1DS MkII would beat the Mamiya in a head-to-head comparison. I don't understand your comment on "feel"... what are you printing on? The high quality photo paper that I use is virtually indistinguishable from Kodak color paper - I've used both (in terms of weight, feel, gloss, etc.)

I think this statement was probably true 2-3 years ago... but not today. Film is dying... I guess there will always be a few people stay loyal to it (I still know people who swear by LP's too), but it's market share will continue to shrink to the point where you are probably going to need to find a photo store just to buy it.

I think you should get a canon eos 1000f, cause then I can sell you my old one-special price just for you

I think a camera like the Elan 7E is very similar to the 20D and would make a great companion to it, especially for the price they are going for used these days: about $150, which is about 1/3 of what they cost new.

The eye controlled focus is a bonus. It will take 4 f.p.s. and has a decently bright viewfinder.

My advice - pick up a used 1n with booster. 1V's are too expensive still, even 2nd hand.

Dave

I still shoot film, especially when it comes to B&W. Digital B&W is not the same as digital. I do both 35mm and 6x4.5MF for film.

Hard to beat the great value of an EOS 3. It's got traits that you see in 1 series cameras but also gives you the similar feel for a 10/20/30D.

But with that said, having a backup body, a 10D is more than capable for a pretty good price.

I agree that digital matches, surpasses film now in terms of quality. I just really like the grain/noise that you get on film. I admit that I use film a lot outside of photography. I use a lot of acetate and type as you can get some great results for graphics but this is way off topic.

Just that film will always have a use for me.

I've got a 10D and decided to get a new film camera that could use my EF lenses and fits in 1 camera bag as well, rather than lugging around 2 camera bags. I went with an Elan 7ne. Great camera and although I had wished for a better model (more $$$) it serves it's purpose very well.

I don't use it often but there are still a lot of great films out there that still make shooting film fun. Try "extra color" for autumn foliage ... incredible!!! B&W on a snowy day ... beautiful! Try some of the extra fine slide film and the results are fantastic (then get a few prints made ... WOW!)

However ... if you are just looking for a backup to the 20D, why not stick with digital. Used 20D or an 10D or 300D? I'd suggest a film camera more for 'different' uses/needs/results.

I've got a EOS T2 SLR as a backup to my Rebel XT. The T2 uses both my EF lenses (see signature) and my 430EX flash. The T2 is a great 35mm SLR, give it a try.

Mmm. A different feel altogether - and often a very pleasing one, I agree. The layering of the reactive particles on color film is said by some to give a different depth to images. I've read that fujifilm is working on a digital sensor that will layer the red green and blue sensors on top of each other to try and mimic this but it's years out. Of course, fine grain film is something like the equivilent resolution of 25 MP in the digi world, but the whole thing - with how the light hits the film particals differently than a digital sensor - does give a different feel. I also like the notion - with an older body - of being able to do photography without needing electricity at all - just a mechanical device, with a lens and a chemical reaction.

Back to the topic - it seems that there is a steady stream of mint or good condition higher end Canon film bodies on Ebay, or there has been in the last few months.