raymond_ang

When I shot in complete darkness to do some light painting with a

flashlight, my EL should stayed open for more than 30 secs. It closed

immediately when I turned on the room lights !!

<p>

I'm not sure what the official figure is but I think maximum shutter

speed on auto should be in the 30 sec range. If u want to go semi

manual, pushing in the little lever in your hotshoe will fix the

shutter speed at 1/125, and u can adjust aperture at will.

<p>

Have fun!

"I had 8 rolls of film developed and there was nothing on them" -

Define "nothing" - if it's clear (ie, printed as black prints), it

could mean

(1) the camera was set on manual with shutter at 1/8000 and aperture

at the minimum f22 or 32, or

(2) your shutter blades are not opening.

<p>

Assuming you took your pics on Program or some other "foolproof' mode:

<p>

Try this, put your camera on M(anual), set it to bulb, and press and

hold the release. Open the camera back with other hand and see if you

can see thru ( ie the shutter actually opened). If not, u might need

to get it looked at.

<p>

I have an EOS 5 (twin to the A2E) and other than the damn selector

dial on the top giving way, i've had no problems so far.

<p>

Good luck.

Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of King

Hussein. I met His Majesty and Queen Noor when they visited my uni

way back in 89/90 (I think), and I thot he was truly a great

statesman, yet a very sincere and caring gentleman.

<p>

As to your Q about the 650: It's a great camera. Being the first EOS

camera, a lot of the technology is outdated but still very usable.

And EOS lenses are abundant. As Bob suggested, if u can get the 630,

so much the better.

<p>

Having said that, the F3 is a solid camera as well, and if the F3 and

the 630 are in the same price range, u might want to consider the F3,

since it's pretty well sealed and Nikon lenses have a fine

reputation. They may cost a bit more, but something made in the

70s will still fit your F3 today.

<p>

I personally would avoid the F-1 unless FD lenses are easy to come by

where u live. The body is great, but not having a ready source of

decent FD lenses and F1 accessories may be a problem.

<p>

Hope that helps.