A while back I was thinking about getting an EOS 3 but thinking about it for a while, I decided that I don't shoot that much film for an 800+ dollar camera. But I still want to shoot a bit of film, mostly slides and black and white. I have the OM-1 but my canon glass will not fit on the olympus. I want to fix this so I can use the canon glass with both mediums
Back over on B&H I noted a slighly cheaper camera that looks like its pretty serious at about half the Price of the EOS 3 and has some of the features. The camera is the Elan 7n I am thinking about the eye control model (the Elan 7ne), how cool is that, look at a focus point and the camera focuses on that point! Sweet. Though I don't know if eye control is 100% needed but it sounds really cool
Anyway, anyone use the Elan 7n / Elan 7ne? I am sure this camera would make for a very good upgrade from the OM-1 and probably a nice back up/companion to the 300D.
What do you all think? Yes, I think I am addicted to camera gear
I've read a few reviews of other Canon cameras with eye control, most loved it, but a few said it didn't work accurately, so they turned it off.
Not really familiar with the 7ne. If it's the new Canon, I was surprised to see that in many respects (# of focus points, fps, top shutter speed) it under performs the 20d.
Still, if it's the newer camera, it looks very nice. How much do they go for?
Canon 20d wrote:
Eye control does sound very cool.
I've read a few reviews of other Canon cameras with eye control, most loved it, but a few said it didn't work accurately, so they turned it off.
Not really familiar with the 7ne. If it's the new Canon, I was surprised to see that in many respects (# of focus points, fps, top shutter speed) it under performs the 20d.
Still, if it's the newer camera, it looks very nice. How much do they go for?
The camera runs from 300.00 no eye control to 340.00 with eye control. Here is a link to B&H: Elan 7ne
If you get the 7ne, you will be greatly dissapointed. BY YOUR 300D!
Have you noticed the threads about new features for the "30D" (or whatever the 20D's replacement will be called) Eye control is the second or third most popular upgrade (and one I'd pony up the $$$ for, even though I have a 20D and 1DII). I have an Elan IIe, and love it. The 7ne is much better than the IIe. It's no EOS 3 for sure, but if your refference point is the 300d, you will be greatly impressed with the 7n/ne.
I have the Elan 7n (no eye-control). I honestly have not used it much, maybe only 5-7 rolls of film through it, mostly snapshots. I bought it so I'd have a decent film camera that could utilize my ever-growing EF lens 'collection'.
Performance wise it feels very good. It's nice to have buttons and knobs instead of menus to scroll through. It's very quiet as well, especially the rewind mode. It is heavier than a digital rebel but lighter (much) than a 20D. The finish is interesting, kind of a crinkle coat baked-on look to it. This is one difference between the Elan 7'n' and the older Elan '7'. Ergonomically my 20D feels more comfortable as the Elan's grip area is smaller. It's just a tad smaller than the 20D overall in fact.
A few niceties would be:
4 fps
Good AF system-fast
ETTL-II
familiar 'Canon' control system and layout
I was VERY excited when I first picked up this camera, it made a perfect film 'backup' body to my Digital Rebel at the time and I really looked forward to using it.
BUT! BUT! BUT!......
My particular body has NOT performed well with ANY of my lenses. Focus is very erratic at best, and I averaged only about five 'keepers' per roll of film shot. Now, when I say 'keepers' I'm not talking about magazine quality images, I'm talking about IN FOCUS shots. Due to my own stupid laziness, I haven't boxed it up and shipped it to Canon service for a checkup. Which I will have to do before the warranty is up.
NOW-
If Canon can calibrate this thing so that it focuses, it WILL be a killer camera for a lot of reasons and situations. Mostly, for my wife to use because she doesn't like digital ("All of our pictures are on the stupid computer!"), and prefers to get her prints in hand. For her, it will be a really great step up from her 35mm P&S.
I have one and used it as my back-up during wedding shoots. I've used it to shoot B&W chromogenic films and it's a sweet camera. Its ergonomics certainly puts my 300D to shame.
Only thing which I can't really stand is the grip for it. It feels a bit wimpy compared to my 300D and 10D's.
I have a 7n and I pretty much agree with everything Mongrel said (and the same is true for why I have it and how much use it's gotten, though I also have it for my photo class that required me to have a film body), except for the fact that mine has no focus issues. Shot 3 rolls of my boss's Mini Cooper S, one of which was all action stuff on AI Servo and burst mode with my 28-105. I think the only shots that weren't sharp were from camera shake (I knew I shouldn't have gone down to 1/60 when he was doing 50mph right by me...), not from being out of focus. VERY nice body. Key stats (all IMO, of course):
+ 4fps burst mode
+ fast/accurate AF
+ doesn't feel like a toy in my hands even though it's significantly lighter than my 10D
+ accepts all of my lenses
+ E-TTL II
+ 15mm fisheye on a FF body is AWESOME!
+ all the normal plusses of a Canon EOS body
- depending on how often you'll use it, it may seem a little pricey, though I don't regret spending the money
- doesn't use the same remote cable release as my 10D (though I see you have a 300D - the remote cable releases are the same for the 300D and 7n, so you won't have this issue)
- I don't have the battery grip for it yet (can't blame that on the camera though, haha), so it doesn't feel quite as balanced as my 10D/BG-ED3 does, especially with bigger lenses like the 70-200
I have the Elan 7E (or EOS 30) and love it. I use the eye control a lot and it works flawlessly if you take the time (one minute) to calibrate it. It feels like a sturdy camera and does everything for me. Only thing I would like is a spot meter.
You can find an excellent review of this camera (and other Canon stuff) here:
Although the Eye Control feature is pretty neat, I find that in low light situations, it is off the mark alot and so I had to turn it off. Personally, I'd rather try to find a good deal for a used EOS-3 than a new Elan7ne.
What do you all think? Yes, I think I am addicted to camera gear
I have an elan 7n (no eye control). It does exactly everything I need it to, and with the exception of not being digital is an upgrade from your 300D
Fast, quiet, well built, and very nice ergonomically. No crippled features like the lower end cameras.
The autofocus works very well in all but the dimmest situations, and it can use strobes from the on-camera flash as an assist lamp (can be disabled with a custom function).
Once I get a dSLR I still plan to use it frequently, mainly for ultra wide angle stuff which I really do a lot of.
Love the 7n for my monthly velvia and landscape fix. No use for eyecontrol here. Unless the scenery is moving, like Kalifornyah. Never had an autofocus problem that was not my fault. Love the layout and design. I also looked at the EOS3, but I like to hike and walk in the woods and the 3 was a bit too hefty for me. In a studio setting, or in extreme outdoor conditions, its obvious that the 3 has more to offer. Just something about film I can't give up.
I have the 7NE. I like it but the autofocus in not up to the likes of my 20D. I have not had problems with sharpness with any of my lenses. The eye control works well in most cases but it can be a PITA sometimes maybe 'cause I wear glasses. I am actually looking to purchase a used 1VHS so after that I'll be selling my Elan. The nice thing about the Elan is that it's about the only 35mm from Canon that features ETTL-2. I don't use too much flash with the type of photography I use my 7 for so I wouldn't miss the feature. For the price, it's a great camera. It's extremelly quiet too.
I have a Elan 7E (Not the new N version) and I think its a great film camera!
Its not as big as the EOS 3 and is built well.. The eye control autofoucus does come in handy..... But i don't really use it much, still it works quite well!
Very similar setup to a 300D so you should not have much trouble getting to grips with it. I have seen and held the new model..... Not much difference between the two, Just the additon of a few minor upgrades (main one being ETT-L II), If you don't want to folk out on a EOS 3 or just don't want the extra bulk this is a good film camera to own!
Another ditto on all the positive remarks so far. I've had the Elan 7ne since it was released and I've been really happy with it. Still shooting strictly film because of it, although I'm dying to go digital and I may have to get rid of the Elan to fund the upgrade. I'd hate to do that though (hence, no digital yet!!). The eye control can come in handy when you are trying to get a lot of shots off quickly. I used it in a couple of weddings and it worked surprisingly well considering the lower light and contrasty (i.e black groom & white bride) subjects. The thing that struck me the most at first was how quiet it really is!!!! I mean, if I'm not paying attention, I sometimes still compose and go to take another shot when the film is rewinding, because you can't hear it!!! I don't understand why Canon hasn't made every other body from this level up with the same motor?? To sum up, for film use, I have never yet found the Elan 7ne lacking. Aside from the digital part you may even like it better than the 300D!
Thats true about the shutter! Compared to the 20D's shutter its near silent!
I have to listen carefully to hear the shutter being fired unlike the 20D's "Clunk"
The film rewind is also very quiet too!
Another positive is the "Huge" (compared to the digital) viewfinder, Its nice and large and clear! You will notice the difference once you start to use it.
I have the 7Ne and just love it. It is IMHO one of the best 35mm camera's you can buy "for the money". Out standing low light AF. The eye control works great for me once I figured out how to set it up. Great controls.
I honestly can not say enough good things about this camera.
spartan
Edited by spartan123 on Mar 24, 2005 at 12:14 PM GMT
I use an Elan 7 (the 7n has E-TTL 2 and a blacklit LCD panel... which I think are the only significant improvements over the older Elan 7). I opted for the non-ECF model only because I didn't think I'd use it and I also wear glasses - and a lot of people have commented on how difficult it can be to use with them. However, I find the camera extremely easy to use and has most of the features I need/want. Aside from the already mentioned spot-meter, I'd also opt for the LCD to be on the back of the camera as opposed to on top. I've used my wife's Rebel Ti on occasion and really like the fact that at eye level on a tripod, I can still see the display. Minor point I suppose. Anyway, go to a shop (if you haven't already) and hold one - with the BP-300 attached... felt great to me. Also, it may not feel perfectly balanced with a piece of heavy L glass attached, although I use a 300/4 L with mine all the time, albeit on a tripod, and it seems to work just fine.
