Canon film body advise

[dlanter]

It probably sounds backwards to some, but I've been thinking about getting a film body just to play with black & white. I want to stick with Canon just so I can use my current lenses & I would probably only use it for landscapes & portraits. I found an Elan 7e for under $100 and just wondered if any of you had any thoughts on this body. If I get it, I'll probably be back asking about film advise. The only one I'm familiar with is T-Max.

Thanks

[Daniel Bates]

The 7e is basic but certainly enough. If you happen across an EOS 3 or (perhaps) a 1v of some sort, even better...

[90 5.0]

T-maxx and Ilford are the two B+w films I used the most.

[JohnT]

A few months ago, someone here had a 1v for sale with a grip/winder and some other accessory for around $500, I think. I don't know if you that's more than you're wanting to spend though.

[dlanter]

Thanks guys. I'll look around a little more before getting something. I just did a quick google search and it looks like the EOS 3 would definitely be in the budget, would have to look a little harder for the 1v though. Don't want to put too much into it, but still want something reliable so that when I ruin a roll or 2 I can't blame the camera.

[KJ Smith]

Here Don't let it get away.

I am full of free advice.........and other things....

[dlanter]

Thanks Kevin, I just PMed her. I did a search here but missed that one.

[toverman]

The EOS 3 would be a great camera, being more of a pro body than the Elan line (kind of like the prosumer digitals, just above the Rebels). I have an Elan II that served me well, but lately it's just waiting for me to take a detour back to film.

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by dlanter

Thanks Kevin, I just PMed her. I did a search here but missed that one.

Your Welcome.

I have a EOS 1. I love it. Bought it new when they first came out.

You can't go wrong buying a "PRO" body.

[venchka]

Film: Here's the best deal going.

Freestyle Photo sells Arista Premium 100 and Arista Premium 400. 36 exp. rolls for a little over $2/roll. Cheap. The film is made in the USA. Who makes film in the USA? Kodak. The Freestyle film is house branded Plus-X and Tri-X. Cheap.

The EOS 1 is a nice camera. The built in diopter in the viewfinder is a lifesaver for glasses wearers. The DOF program in the old film cameras is brilliant!

[Daniel W.]

+1 on the Arista. Setup a developing area (can be done out of a small 1/2 bath if setup right), start scanning negs!

I have an old Rebel XS that I used for the same exact purpose, I think the 7e has that crazy eye control focus? Sounds pretty neat! I think LightTec was looking to liquidate a number of their film bodies (mainly 1-series and F5's), they might have something but probably for not the best price.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by Daniel Bates

The 7e is basic but certainly enough. If you happen across an EOS 3 or (perhaps) a 1v of some sort, even better...

I remember when both the EOS 1v and the EOS 3 came out. My friend and I hadn't been shooting for the morning news all that long, but it was time to invest in better bodies. He got the 3 and I got the 1v. He wasn't a big fan of it after using it for a while. I was never happier with a body than I was with my 1v... Obviously, my suggestion is something like the 1v, or any of the 1's - including the 1nrs with a pellicle mirror.

[dlanter]

Thanks everyone. Since this would be just to play with I can't justify spending a lot, but fortunately film bodies & equipment aren't that much now. Like I said, I will probably use the film body just for b&w. Maybe it's me and my inexperience with processing, but b&w conversion of digital files just cant match the look of b&w film.

[kenw]

I had the older Elan, and it is still slugging away for a friend. One of the quietest film bodies ever made, I had to hold it to my ear to make sure it was rewinding. IMHO, it was a bit more durably built than the later Elan II or 7.

[dlanter]

Thanks again for the advise guys. After doing a little more research on it today, I'm making arrangements to get Joyce's (JMM) EOS3. Now lets see if anything that I have learned here on the forum will translate back to film. The last time I had a film camera, late 80's, I got so discouraged with the results it got stuck away in a box & eventually lost during a move.