mike_dunsmore

You are correct, the breechlock lenses are the older twist type

mounts, and the bayonet are the newer mounts. I have a breechlock

Canon FD 50mm 1.4 SSC on an old AE-1. It is amazingly sharp. Used

FD equipment is pretty affordable because FD lenses aren't compatible

with the EOS cameras.

I hardly think the Rebel G is obsolete. Film based cameras using

older technology do not become useless like, say, personal computers.

However, if I were in the market for an entry level camera I would buy

the Rebel 2000.

I have the original 50/1.8 and absolutely love it. I've compared the

focusing speed of this lens to my 28-105 USM and 100/2 USM, both of

which have ring-type USM. I have to say the little 50 focuses almost

as quickly and accurately when mounted on my EOS 5 as the USM lenses,

although with a bit more noise. I'm sure the 1.4 version is better

in some respects (slightly faster, better build, somewhat sharper in

the MTF curves), but in terms of absolute value (performance:cost) the

1.8 is a clear winner.

I'm looking to add an external flash unit to my Canon EOS 5. I really want to use bounce and swivel flash for portraits and candids of family and friends, and I would also like to play with diffusers like the Sto-Fen Omnibounce, off-camera cords, etc.

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I have considered the Canon 380EX, but it appears to be a totally automatic unit, and I would like to have some manual control over the flash. The 540EZ has the capabilities I'm looking for, but i was wondering if anyone has experience with using 3rd party flashes like the Sunpac 4000 AF or other brands. Specifically, do you lose any functionality when using non-Canon flashes on EOS cameras? Are there other compatability problems I should be aware of? Can anyone recommend a less expensive alternative to the 540EZ? Any input would be appreciated.

Ooops! Okay, I was wrong on a few points about the Elan IIe. Still,

I would recommend checking both cameras out for yourself. There's

nothing like the hands-on experience to help you make up your mind.

I recently faced the same decision between the Elan IIe and the A2. I

finally decided on the EOS 5 (grey market version of A2E) with the

28-105 (also grey market). The price of this combo is close to that

of the A2/28-105 set, but you get eye-control AF and scaled metering

in manual mode with the EOS 5.

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What tipped the scale for me was trying both cameras out in the store.

The EOS 5 just sits better in my hands, feels more solid and has just

the right amount of heft. In comparison the Elan IIe felt a bit

flimsy. Other comparisons:

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1) 5 focusing points are much more useful that 3.

2) The AF on the EOS 5 is noticeably faster and more decisive than

that of the Elan IIe.

3) Spot metering is enormously useful for shooting slide film.

4) EOS 5 is very quiet, the Elan IIe not as quiet.

5) EOS 5 allows you to control flash exposure compensation on the

camera body, even with the built in flash... the Elan IIe doesn't.

6) The accessory grip for the EOS 5 duplicates the shutter button and

other index finger controls for vertical shooting, while the grip for

the Elan IIe doesn't.

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There are many other features as well but these are the ones I use

most. My advise would be to try the A2 and the Elan IIe in the store

and see for yourself which one will fit you better.