patricks Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 I currently own/use a 10D w/ some lenses, but I would like to add an used EOS 3 to have a back-up body to shoot film, better viewfinder etc. I was thinking of the Elan 7, but it just feels to flimsy and the viewfinder is not close to the EOS 3. What should I look out for? Is there any cut-off serial number where they made upgrades? What are the weak spots? Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerry_szarek Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Buy a cheap Rebel and don't worry about it. Face it Patrick, it's not a Leica, the camera will only get used for wide angle shots. How often have you needed to actually shoot film with the 10D? In the last 6 months, once I wished for a film body, it was outdoors with a nice sunset. Gerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john meehan Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 In the time it took me to log in, Gerry had said it for me! I second what he has said. I bought a used Elan 7 as backup to 10D, one roll through it in 3 months. As Gerry said, all wide angles. Given the use the backup won't get and the fact it will live in your bag most of the time is durability really an issue? More pragmatically, the benefits of the two bodies sharing exposure and AF systems might be more significant in switching between the two. If you still own another film camera, is this getting much use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john meehan Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Sorry.... I mean the Elan 7 and 10D sharing AF/Exposure systems naturally! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitmstr Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 I owned an EOS3 for many years and I am not aware of upgrades :| IN any case, if you are SURE you'll want to shoot film go for the EOS3 - I disagree with the others since if you are going to take the time to shoot film you might as well do it with a GREAT camera. And the EOS3 will give you options NOT available on the 10D, which you will greatly appreciate and use: the AF system, the metering, multi-spot, etc... You can buy a used one in good shape from around $425.00. I sold mine for $600.00 but, it was in absolutely like new (10+) condition with all the original supplies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony_m1 Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 I had an eos 3 and an elan 7 when I purchased my 10D. I sold my 7 asap, and havent used the 3 once. But, if I am going to shoot in questionable situations (mist, rain, etc.) I will use the 3. Plus, it feels like a tank. If money isnt an issue, buy the 3. If it is an issue like most people, buy the 7. The rebel just wouldnt cut it for me. Not that my skills are above a Rebel (they certainly are not), but I have large hands and it is too akward feeling for me. Personally speaking, of course. Good luck. AJM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbq Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Go for an Elan 7 - switching back and forth from your 10D will feel natural. As was said, wide angles. I'll add, negative film for situations of very difficult light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kit_chong Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Just a thought, I still pack my manual M6-TTL as a backup for adverse conditions. Do you still own any? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_bell Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 The EOS 3 is a great camera, but I sold mine to finance part of a 10D and have not looked back. My film cameras just sit. However, if you really want one, look for one that is excellent or better with light use because there are plenty for sale and it is definitely a buyers market. If you look and bargain you can probably get a mint EOS 3 and a PB-E2 for what I sold my body for 8 months ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad_w Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 hi patrick, too bad almost nobody has actually addressed your question. when the camera was first introduced, the metering on some early models was off by about 2/3 stop. (i'm not sure if the meter under- or overexposed.) some people sent their bodies for recalibration; many dialed in compensation or re- rated their film. later models were adequately calibrated from the factory. Arthur Morris has some info on his site, birdsasart.com. look in FAQ's and bulletin archives for info on the EOS 3. in terms of serial numbers, i have no specifics. all I know is that I got mine used, SN2408620. on the day i got it, spot meter readings matched exactly those of the N90s it was replacing. i decided to call it good and haven't looked back. good luck! -brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ribook Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 Patrick, If you decide to go for the EOS 3, I have a refurbished (by Canon) camera I bought from B&H in August, 2003 and have only put three rolls through. Let me know if you're interested as I can't justify keeping it because I'm not putting it to use (I have an Elan 7 that I'm much more comfortable with, even if it is more flimsy). Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott aitken Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 I also currently own a 10D. I kept my old EOS 3 as a backup when I bought a D60 prior to that. I haven't touched the EOS 3 in well over a year. It just collects dust. I've shot over 10,000 frames with the 10D in that time. I bought a 15mm fisheye to cover my really wide angle needs, which pretty much eliminated any need for a film body for me. If you really feel you must have a backup body, I also recommend the Elan 7. In most ways, including the autofocus, it operates almost identically to the 10D. You will notice very little difference switching between the two. The EOS 3 is more different, and you'll have a harder time switching back and forth. I found it especially jarring going from the 45 point autofocus to the 7 point on the 10D (it was even worse on the D60). That is the one feature I miss most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitmstr Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 Just to set the record straight: the EOS3 is NOT made of plastic. In fact it has the same ratings of built and dust/moisture protection as the EOS1n. See a comparison chart between the two here: http://www.usa.canon.com/html/cameras_slr/eos3comp.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricks Posted November 26, 2003 Author Share Posted November 26, 2003 Thanks for all the responses. I do agree that Elan7 is an adequate camera, however, it you put it side-by-side to a EOS3, the viewfinder of the latter is so much larger and brighter. My plan is to use the film body for black & white, wide angle and also travel. Let's face it, when on vacation it is many times easier to throw in a couple of rolls for development and give aways some prints to family and friends, rather than having to download and sharpen/tweak the output from the 10D. 7 or 45 pts AF system really doesn't matter to me since I normally just set it to center-point and take if from there - I guess old habits die hard. If one can land a good condition EOS3 for under $500 it feels like decent deal vs. paying $250 for a used Elan7. Lastly, when I inspected a EOS3 at the store the other day I was suprised how loud it was! One can definitely feel that this product was developed 6-7 yrs ago. My favorite SLR body will always be the Nikon F100, but that companies digital strategy and lack of innovation is a totally dirrent story... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbq Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 Patrick: you can get a NEW Elan7 for $270 (I just got one from Adorama). Don't go pay $250 for a used one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whayne_padden Posted December 2, 2003 Share Posted December 2, 2003 Don't buy the EOS 3, as you will be using the 10D as a backup. 10D is a toy next to EOS 3 and you'll wonder how you got by with out the good stuff. Get the Elan 7 instead and there'll be no conflict of interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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