Low cost camera equipment

[belloscurita]

So I am a college student, with rent, tuition, and books I don't exactly have a lot of money, but I have a lot more camera equipment I would really like to get.

So does anyone know of a good, low cost place to get stuff (specifically lenses and maybe a new EOS body)? Since I am a student I was hoping a could find somewhere that offered a good student discount, but I am having a hard time finding anywhere. Used equipment seems to be about the only way I will be able to get much of anything, but so much of that is even out of my range. Any suggestions, or anyone who has Canon stuff they want to sell, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Photo-John]

What's wrong with the gear that you've got? It's a great system that you have there. Is there some reason you need auto focus? Right now, you have more in a manual focus system than most people have in an auto focus system. I shot motorcycle racing for a couple of years with a Canon FD system. So I know you can use manual focus equipment for action.

[belloscurita]

The main reason I would like to get more EOS stuff is so that when (hopefully soon) I get digital that I have some lenses for it and that the digital is actually useful instead of just having the little 18-55mm or something like that.

[mjs1973]

My only suggestion would be ebay. I picked up a mint condition EOS Elan 7n for $200 on ebay about a year ago.

[another view]

One thing I noticed when I bought my DSLR was that I used lenses differently. Sure, my AF lenses were compatible with my DSLR and I understood the whole 1.5x crop thing but it took some getting used to. I have an 85 prime that I rarely use anymore because it's too long for a lot of things. I use my 50 a lot more these days, mainly because it's close to the same angle of view of the 85 on a film camera.

Point is, don't worry too much about planning ahead for equipment. It isn't always the same in real life as you expect it would be especially when changing formats. You could make the change with the purchase of the DSLR rather than selling everything you have and start over. You might end up doing that twice by switching to a different film system now.

Michael's right though - ebay for used film gear. KEH.com is another good one with a guarantee but you do (of course) pay a little extra for it.

[zrfraser]

I would kill for that film setup..I like auto focus but there is just something abou tthe allure of the AE=1 system, maybe its becuse that is the camera I learned on.

Z

[Photo-John]

I would kill for that film setup..I like auto focus but there is just something abou tthe allure of the AE=1 system, maybe its becuse that is the camera I learned on.

Maybe you should buy belloscurita's FD system. Then you won't have to kill anyone and he can afford to buy some more EOS stuff :-)

KEH is a good way to go. I've helped a couple friends by EOS Elan bodies from KEH. And that camera is a great deal. So is the A2E. That A2E was my first EOS body and it served me well for a few years until I stepped up to the EOS 3.

[Lionheart]

Hot Dang!!! If I was still shooting film, I would love to have those FD primes you've got. I still have one A1 body, and two AE-1 program's in storage in my closet along with some Canon FD lenses. But as I get older, I'm finding myself shooting more and more with a p/s that fits in my shirt pocket. I don't know how big or little a budget you're thinking, but a digital rebel body is quite capable, and you could add some EOS lenses along the journey of life (this is a lifetime passion after all). The 35-80 EF lens you have will get you by for a short while, and you could always pick up a 50mm f1.8 for dirt cheap that's a remarkably sharp lens-you're still young (college, right?) and so you can afford to let your legs do the zooming with that 50mm :-0 just like I did when I was still learning on my only lens-the 50mm f1.8. You could add an FD/EOS mount converter as well, but then you're shooting in stopped down AV mode ( a little tough to focus manually) but I've done that with my 1D ii and don't really recommend it.

[zrfraser]

Maybe you should buy belloscurita's FD system. Then you won't have to kill anyone and he can afford to buy some more EOS stuff :-)

I'm afraid I am in the smae situation as our friend here. I have very little money and want to go digital, so as much as I would love the system, I'm afraid it would taking a step back for at this time. Film is expensive, and so is processing...

Z