fred_monsone Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Today my EOS 300v (Rebel Ti) broke down so I am looking to buy a new Canon 35 mm film body. I am studying for my fourth year of a photography evening course and am still very much an amateur. I would like to spend around 350 GBP / 600 USD. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_dunn2 Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 <p>Would you consider a used body to get a higher-end camera for your money? I don't know what camera prices are like in either the U.K. or the U.S. but I'm guessing that, for instance, a new 3 is going to be out of your price range but a used one might not be, so considering a used body might expand your options somewhat.</p> <p>I would suggest moving up to something higher than a Rebel, given that you're serious enough about photography to be taking courses in it. So I'd say you should probably be looking at a 30V or higher. But maybe the 300V was adequate for you; only you know if that's the case. Think about what it did well and what features or limitations of it frustrated you, and then see how the various cameras you could buy handle those features.</p> <p>If a 3 is within your budget, it's definitely worth considering; it beats anything below it in a number of ways. It also has some drawbacks; obviously, it's more expensive. It's bigger, heavier, and louder. It lacks a pop-up flash; personally, I wouldn't miss that, as I much prefer an accessory flash (better power, less red-eye, and the very important ability to bounce), but for some people, a pop-up flash comes in handy.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_monsone Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 Steve, I would certainly consider a second-hand body but apart from Jessops I would not know where to look here in the UK. I am not confident enough to buy from ebay either. What other camera would you recommend, possibly with a pop-up flash? I have a separate flash-gun but I don't always take it with me because I can barely fit in all my stuff in my camera back pack as it is. THanks again for your advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awindsor Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 I would get a used film body. There are lots of them around. If you want a new body as you say then either the 300V, 300X or the 30V. My edge would go to the 30V because of its better interface (rear command dial) and viewfinder. However I would be looking for a used EOS 3 or even an EOS 5 (I have one and love it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_jonson Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Since you presumably already have at least one Canon EOS lens, I would recommend either a new Elan 7N or a used EOS 3. The 7N can be bought for well under your budget and is a really nice, capable camera. A good EOS 3 can also be had for slightly more, but still under your budget, and will give you a much more rugged body and some other bells & whistles like better autofocus, spot-metering, etc...I'd go for the EOS 3 myself, simply for the build quality...one in good condition should endure heavy use for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_monsone Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 HI Ron, what's the ELAN 7N in Europe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben conover Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 For $600 you can get a good Eos 3 from ebay, if you're not confidant about bidding just press the mouse and click on buy, easy. I live in Ireland where there are no photo shops or opportunities to talk about photography, so I find buying used from ebay and talking here invaluable. I have bought five cameras and lenses from ebay, all of them excellent value for money. The shops in U.K are a rip off, just trust ebay, it really is worth it. If you go for EOS gear, the Canon Eos 3 is good for your money. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_musselman Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Elan 7 = EOS 33 Elan 7E = EOS 30 Elan 7N = EOS 33V Elan 7NE = EOS 30V http://eosdoc.com/manuals/?q=Bodies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben conover Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 The Elan 7N is not as nice as the Eos 3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheldonnalos Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Elan 7N = EOS 33v A used EOS 3 or EOS 1v is also within your reach if you're looking on Ebay. The 33v is smaller and quieter, and a very good performer. The EOS 3 is faster, heavier duty, better build quality, and louder. The EOS 1v is very good, still the top of the line. A quick Ebay search indicates that the EOS 1v is selling for the mid/high $600's and the EOS 3 is selling for $350-$450 (USD). Hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_jonson Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Sorry for my U.S. name branding. Between the 30V and the 33V, I think the only difference is eye-control autofocus. I've never tried it, but I'm inclined to live without it for even the small price difference. Also on this side of the pond, KEH.com is good reputable online seller of used equipment. I've bought from them a number of times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_unsworth1 Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Have a look at Ffordes - www.ffordes.com - they're based in Scotland and have a lot of used Canon EOS cameras available. They're very reputable - I've bought several Leica and Canon items from them. There's someone available on the phone Monday to Friday if you'd like to speak to someone rather than order from the web site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbizarro Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 I concur with the recommendation for Ffordes, I have used them in the past. Also Mifsuds, or MXV Photographic. The EOS 30V, or a used 1N sounds like a good option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_monsone Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 My point on ebay is that I'm not confident enough to buy a camera and assess it's in perfect working order when I get it. What about if the shutter speeds play up? I simply worry an ebay purchase might be a bit of a gamble compared to a second-hand shop that has checked everything on the camera works OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry_smith2 Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 There are several photo magazines in the UK that have adverts from dealers for secondhand gear. Some of thek Jessops have a central database you can use online to track down what you want. I've bought and sold lots of photo equipment on ebay with never a problem. I have an EOS 3 and a 7N/33V. They are both very good. The 3 will last for ages. The 33V issmaller and quieter and gives superb value for money given its advanced features. Well worth the price difference over the 300x/T2 Consider shopping with an online merchant in Germany or Luxembourg if you are in the UK. You could save a bundle over UK prices and have no VAT worries. Try Topvision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotsawa Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 350 GBP? 300D and go digital! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonny_jet Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Federica, where abouts in the UK are you? I can help. If you are in London, I can help even more. Let me know which body you are after and I have friends at many local camera dealers here in London who you can visit and they will get you a good priced camera, the price of which won't be too far off the ebay price (usually). All are reputable, long established dealers. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_monsone Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 Christof: never in a million years will I go digital. Sonny: I just put a bid in on ebay for a 3 with bits and pieces attached. Should I not be successful I will let you know. I am based in Hampshire but could easily get to London for the right camera at the right price :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotsawa Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 > never in a million years will I go digital. Ok, put some films in your fridge till then (1000006) ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben conover Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 Frederica, If you remain scared of ebay you will be giving more money to a shop. I bought a used Nikkormat (camera) in England for a good camera shop, when I git back to Ireland and used it there were problem with the lens. I sent it back and demanded a refund, I had to haggle the guy and was very adamant that he give me a full refund, which I received. That is the secong negative experience I had with a camera store. On the other hand, I have bought several very nice cameras from ebay. I am sure you can find a good EOS 3 in mint condition form a very reputable seller on ebay for your money, you can also buy film, filters, tripod, etc etc all on ebay. Just go for it, look for sellers with an excellent and long history on ebay. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 "Christof: never in a million years will I go digital" Well, that's what I used to say too. There are advantages to using digital - you can't pretend it is not true. Although I still shoot film now and then. Never say never, or you might have to eat crow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred_monsone Posted November 15, 2005 Author Share Posted November 15, 2005 Thanks guys. I am now the proud owner of an EOS 3! Bought it on ebay and the seller was very helpful. Two questions now: 1. Can I use my Canon Speedlite 430 EZ with this camera? 2. Is the REMOTE SWITCH 80N3 OK or shoudl I go for the timer one with costs more than twice that? Thanks again for all your help. I will read the camera manual tonight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotsawa Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 1) Read <a href="http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/">all about the EOS flash system</a>. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben conover Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 You're welcome Frederica, I hope you love your new camera and all is well. The other posters have a point about digital in that if you shoot many rolls of film it gets expensive very quickly. However, there is a place for film particularly B+W art prints, that digital cannot come near for aesthetic qualities. However, if you shoot wisely and consrve film you can cut costs a little and enjoy a medium that has a good history. Also, you now have a camera body which would have cost far more in the digital version, so you can enjoy the feel of the tool and just be happy. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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