Canon A2 vs Elan 7

[dylan_bernard]

<p>I've been researching both cameras because they are both in my price range and are decent cameras but I'm having a bit of trouble deciding between the two. I can get either one with grip for about 50 dollars but I'm not sure what one would be better. I know the A2 has had problems with the dial becoming loose but any information or experience with these would be really helpful.<br>

Thank you</p>

 

[h_s1]

<p>(EOS-5 = A2 in North America. Not much difference between the two, just that due to insane patent laws in the US, A2 has a shitty metering display in manual mode, or so I have heard)</p>

<p>If you intend to use flash, Elan 7 has E-TTL, A2, or EOS 5, doesn't.</p>

<p>EOS 5's command dial has received notoriety of becoming loose and/or broken. However, I have ended up with two bodies of EOS 5 (one of them if A2 actually), both have command dial intact and properly functioning. Come to think of, I have also seen reports of back dial of EOS 50e (Elan IIe, elder brother of 7) breaking in similar fashion. So I am tending to believe that the design of dials in these cameras is not as robust as it is supposed to be and lack of extra care plays a big part in shortening their life. For example, on the 5, the center button in the command dial needs to be pressed to unlock it. If it is not done properly, the dial will of course break. In other words, with care the problem can be avoided if it has not already started. At the same time, not being careful may also damage the dials on the 7.</p>

<p>I do not have the 7, but love EOS 5 and EOS 50e. 7 apparently has better algorithms, more auto focusing points and E-TTL (EOS-5 was before E-TTL, so it lacks that). But other than the focusing points and the E-TTL support, I am not sure if it gives much in addition to what one can get in EOS 5 or 50e. EOS 5 is supposed to be a more robust body though.</p>

<p> </p>

[PuppyDigs]

<p>Do a search. This was an extremely popular topic back in the day and there are thousands of posts on the pro and cons of both cameras.</p>

[richterjw]

<p>I have and still use the EOS 5 (A2E) but would advise anyone to get the Elan 7. It has newer technology and has likely seen less use than most EOS 5's. Also, as mentioned above, there is the notorious command dial problem with the A2's. JR</p>

[h_s1]

<p>Good point by Jeremy, it is safe to assume that EOS 7 would have seen much less use than an EOS 5. Plus given the newer technology, I would also recommend going with EOS 7. Just as an example, while comparing EOS 5 to 50e, I would still prefer 50e due to the eye controlled focus and E-TTL.</p>

<p> </p>

[JosvanEekelen]

<p>I still have both the EOS 5 and the 30. As Puppy Face said, search the archives. My preference is for the 5/A2E but it's mainly a matter of preference. EOS 5 feels better in my hands.</p>

[bkpix]

<p>A2 doesn't do the latest flash tricks. It's a little tougher than the Elan in terms of durability, despite the command dial business, which problem I have never encountered. <br>

I like the eye controlled focus point selection on the A2E. I was never happy with it on the EOS3 (too many points to choose from).</p>

<p> </p>

[dylan_bernard]

<p>I've been looking up the reviews and things like that a lot but the only really hands on experience with film cameras that I have is with the Olympus om-1. Fully manual no auto this or that so I'm just not too sure what to look for in a film camera like this. Does the new technology really make the elan 7 better? I would be paying 40 for the A2 with grip or 70 for an elan 7 with grip. Thank you for all the responses so far. I really appreciate it.</p>

[chad_hoelzel1]

<p>You'll probably get somewhat better auto focus speed with the elan 7. If you ever plan on using any of the flashes including wireless E-TTL then the Elan 7 would be the way to go. I'd pick it up in the Elan 7e version with eye control. Even with wearing prescription glasses it seems to be effective and fast. If you depend on the in camera metering you will get better results with the elan 7 because it has more metering points to average out. You also have more focusing points to choose from. And lastly no offense to the A2E or A2 owners but the elan 7 looks way better... sort of old boxy BMW look versus new rounded BMW look.</p>

[songtsen]

<p>Puppy Face has <a href="http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/photo_index.htm">reviewed both cameras</a> in detail.</p> <p>I'm happy with my Elan 7 because it's small, light and has a full set of controls but I do wish the viewfinder was a little bigger and brighter.</p>

[bkpix]

<p>Not to confuse you even more, but you should at least consider saving your pennies and getting an EOS1n or EOS3.<br>

KEH's website is paralyzed as usual (what is the story with their web team?!) but last I checked, you could get an EOS3 for $179 or a 1n for less than $100 (I think....)<br>

I recently saw an EOS3 on our local Craigslist for $75.<br>

Both are tough, professional quality cameras. Technologically the 1n is the same generation as the A2; the 3 is top of the line, in the same league in most ways as the 1v.</p>

<p>The 3 will make you want to take up photographing birds in flight.</p>

<p> </p>

[h_s1]

<p>I am not sure about this, perhaps someone will correct me if I am wrong, I seem to recall reading some place that the EOS 5 (A2) does not come with a battery grip that takes AA batteries.</p>

[richterjw]

<p>H S, you are correct. You can get the VG-10 (VG=Vertical Grip) for it, but it is only a grip with a shutter button. It does not contain a compartment for batteries.</p>

<p>Since others have already muddied the waters, I'll weigh in on the EOS 3. I bought an excellent one off Craigslist last Christmas for $85. I've really enjoyed it, but if you don't have any experience with modern cameras, it could be a little overwhelming. The EOS 5 or 7 would be a much better stepping stone at a smaller cost. Also it wouldn't be a waste if you decided to move up later. I second body with the same set of lenses can be a blessing in a time of need. JR</p>

[h_s1]

<p>Jeremy, an EOS at that price? You are one lucky guy!</p>

[PuppyDigs]

<p>The EOS 3 prices seem to me all over the place. I've seen many go for $100 or 125, but mint ones with boxes, cards, manual, etc., can easily command $300.</p>

[paul_russell1]

<p>Elan 7:</p>

<p>More AF points and better version of ECF that works in portrait mode as well as lanscape, the A2e does not (in fact the A2 doesn't have ECF at all)<br>

Dedicated depth of field preview button on the Elan 7 (the A2 can have the AEL button custom functioned, or on the A2e the ECF can trigger depth of field preview as well, but only in landscape!)<br>

More recent camera so less wear and tear<br>

Cheaper batteries if you are using the lithium type (2x cr123s are half the price of a CR25)<br>

Much much cheaper batteries with AAs in the grip<br>

Better E-TTL flash system</p>

<p>A2/A2e<br>

Has PC synch socket (Elan 7-non)<br>

Has top 1/8000th shutter (Elan 7 1/4000th)<br>

Has spot metering (partial on elan 7)<br>

<br /> Has decent AF assist lamp (pop up strobe on Elan 7)<br>

Has the classic and brilliant to use DEP mode (bring it back canon!)</p>

<p>I would opt for the Elan 7. I had a five (a2e) and loved it at the time, but it feels flimsy and cheap, the Elan 7 is still largely plastic but feels so much better in the hand.</p>

 

[chad_hoelzel1]

<p>If the EOS 3 is in your price range I'd definitely choose that over the Elan 7 and the A2. It's got the 100% viewfinder, really good metering, and very fast focusing. Plus you get the eye control focus. I really wish Canon hadn't gotten rid of that.</p>

[paul_russell1]

<p>Another vote for the EOS 3 as well actually. No built in flash though and professional interface which is pretty different to use from the command dial system, not for nothing though, if you half know what you are doing it is better.</p>

[jimmy_s.]

<p>At the risk of irritating a number of people on this forum and bucking accepted opinion, I must say that I don't see any <em>real</em> practical advantage to the EOS 3 over the 5/A2. Both have less than 100% viewfinder coverage, both have full power flash sync speeds that top out at 1/200 sec, and both lack viewfinder shutters. If these things are important to your photography, as they are mine, then both cameras will seem insuperably deficient. Yes, the EOS 3 is replete with a brilliant array of gadgets and technical refinements lacking on the A2, but that doesn't make it a "better" camera in a strict sense. Better for some purposes, of course, but if those purposes bear no relevance to the type of work that you do, then I suspect that the technological improvements represented by the 3 will, at best, present little to no advantage and, at worst, put you at a disadvantage. If your primary subjects are fast moving; if you shoots sports or flying birds, etc., then I can see a reason to opt for the EOS 3's superior AF-tracking ability. If, however, your work consists mostly of walk-around people photography, landscapes, and street scenes, then the added "benefits" of the 3 could seriously work against you. I personally find the 45 "lottery" AF point system on the 3 to greatly distract from composition, as it routinely latches onto whatever appears most prominently in the frame, requiring frequent (and annoying) user overide and stifling my creative impulse. Yes, you can shut it all off, but doesn't that simply nullify the 3's raison d'etre in the Canon lineup? What's more, the shutter and winding mechanism of the 3 is churlishly loud and extremely obtrusive, more so than even the original Eos-1 and 1n. The A2E, to it's great credit, is nearly silent, which allows for greater discretion in approaching subjects and blending into the background.<br /><br />As I see it, the difference between the flash systems is a moot point. If you are not capable of great flash photography with any of Canon's EOS series bodies and dedicated speedlights, then the difference between A-TTL and E-TTL won't really amount to anything in practical terms.<br />Gimmicks notwithstanding, the Elan 7 is a decisive step backwards from the A2, with its slow 1/125th sec flash sync and lack of PC socket for off camera flash. <br />In my opinion, if you absolutely need 7fps AF tracking ability, if you are looking for the fastest camera with which to get the "money shot", by all means go ahead and buy an EOS 3 which, incidentally. is a tremendous bargain today on the used market. If however, you simply need professional build quality and have little use for ECF and ultra fast focus tracking, it seems to me that your needs would be better served by an EOS-1n, which is superior to the 3 in many important respects that are often ignored and have little to do with superfluous gadgetry. If neither of these considerations is ultimately decisive for you, then an A2 would be a great compromise. Not to mention the fact that you can score one for about $50 right now in today's market.<br />Oh and, of course, if you need the advantages of a pro camera like the 1n AND the "money shot" gimmicks of the 3 then, by all means, go for a used EOS-1V or (gasp) a Nikon F5 for a whopping $450.</p>

[trex1]

<p>My advice is to go with the EOS 5. I just sold an Elan 7 with grip for about 120 bucks, thinking I would never shoot film again, but a mint EOS 5 with the VG10 grip fell into my hands for about $35. I could not resist. Wow, what a camera. There is simply no question, no contest, this is the pinnacle of EOS camera body engineering, without a doubt. In many cases, the newer version of something is not as good as the older one. This is certainly the case with both the Elan 7 and the EOS 3.</p>

<p>Why? Well, for starters, the 5 is simply a flawless execution of a close to perfect design. It is a powerhouse of a camera. Belts out 5 frames per second without skipping a beat (my 40D has had its shutter button clap out with less than 30K shots, so no matter how nice a camera it might be, it is just a paperweight right now). It has a very quiet shutter, compare this to the obnoxious horrible jack hammer sound of the EOS 3, never even mind the 1 series! *rolls eyes*.</p>

<p>Then, the EOS has the near IR focus assist light, meaning it can very subtley focus in dark areas. This wonderful feature has been inexplicably wrenched from every camera made later than the 5 (maybe with the exception of the Elan II). This is such a useful feature, and I have missed it terribly on my 10D, 40D, 350D, and Elan 7.</p>

<p>The 5 has a silent rewind, worth its weight in gold in quiet places. Uses the standard type 2CR5 battery not those annoying batteries the Elan 7 uses.</p>

<p>It is ergonomically just right, perfect. The finder is much better, noticeably so, than the Elan 7. It is the cheapest camera in the world. I was in Costco today, and wanted to buy my daughter a kiddies camera, but it cost more than the EOS 5 I just got....</p>

<p>Go for the EOS 5, I can endorse it 100%, especially if it is mint, a real no-brainer.</p>

[jim_krupnik]

<p>More mud in the sandbox....</p>

<p>I own several EOS film cameras, incluuding the 1, 1V, 3, 10s, and the Elan 7e. I like all of them for various reasons, however, they all have their quirks as well. That includes the much exaulted EOS 3, which is as noisy a beast as has ever been built.</p>

<p>If I were to suggest an all around EOS film model that also happens to be pretty cheap, and maintains current status with all of the latest EOS accessories, it would be the Elan 7e. It works very well. Various bits don't fall off of it over the years as is the case with some higher models, and it is QUIET!</p>

<p>Here is a shot of the old king EOS1 next to the Elan 7e. The 1 still offers some technical advantages in the details over the 7, but the 7 is much more desirable over all. The 1 can focus in lower light than the 1V, but not nearly as fast overall, and with only one spot. The 7e has fewer focus spots than the 1V (7), but can focus just as fast as the 1V. Pretty slick... Much of the mechanical improvement that went beyond the EOS 1-3, and into the EOS 1V were founded in the Elan 7e.<br />The Elan 7e is a bargain by any standard, and if you can only have one, it IS the one. As a bonus, an Elan 7e can shoot nearly unnoticed where an EOS 3 would get you arrested......</p>

<p>By the way, those "annoying" 123 lithium batteries used in the Elan 7e are the same two core batteries that make up the far more expensive 2CR5 pack that other EOS cameras use, and aside from costing less for a pair, they are available in far more places than the 2CR5..... </p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4445093766_aeaa96f203_b.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p> </p>