A new toy for me!!

[mjs1973]

No, this isn't another camera from the Dallar Store. I have been looking for an EOS film body as a backup to my DRebel. I love my AE-1, and still plan on using it, but I wanted an auto focuse film body. I didn't want to spend much since digital seems to be the future of photography, but I didn't want a piece of junk either. I was hoping to find a nice used Rebel T2 on ebay, but they were selling for almost new prices. So I decided to just get a new T2. Then I got to thinking, maybe I can get something a little nicer for around the same price as a new T2, so I kept looking. What I ended up with, is a mint condition, Elan 7N with 28-105mm lens. It was a display model, and doesn't look like it has had a roll of film run thru it. I haven't tested it with film yet, but everything seems to be working perfectly on it. It didn't come with a manual or strap, but I have already ordered a manual from Canon, and I have a Canon strap from my now broken Rebel G. Hopefully, I will be able to run a roll of film thru it tomorrow. I checked this kit out at B&H, and it sells new for $410, my price on ebay, $201.50. The new T2 I was looking at was $190. I can't wait to test it out!!!

[Axle]

Very nice! Aren't new toys fun! At a garage sale over the weekend, in addition to a IBM ThinkPad 365XD Laptop, I got a 1961 Yashica J, it's unusable, but a piece of history none-the-less.

[Liz]

This is a great camera - coming from a former Elan7E owner. I loved that camera. It's fast, quiet with many great features. You did the right thing. ;)

I hope you post some of those pictures soon.

Liz

[mjs1973]

I just got back from shooting my first test roll with the 7N. I have to say, I love it already!! It's so quiet compaired to the other EOS cameras I have used. The focus is very fast too. It was just a test roll, so I did some experimenting with a couple dif. features, like multiple exposures, and I used the mirror lock up, and auto bracketing. I dropped the film of on my way home, and it will be ready for me tomorrow after work. I can't wait!

[Outdoorsman]

This is my main camera-- I hope you will love it as much as I have! I must sadly say I don't agree with your choice of lens... I bought the body only and threw in the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM II with hood. It's just a better lens... but not by a huge margin...
I knew I'd be hating not having a vertical grip, so I also bought the BP-300 as well. It all came at once, which was such a joy! I'm now very glad I bought the verical grip, since it adds a little extra room for your pinky in the horizontal orientation. I have largish hands and so it made a lot of difference. Also being able to use AA batteries, that is a joy also.
And so far, after more than a year of use, this camera has never failed me. The only time I've had screwed up pics was when it was my fault! This camera is a dream to shoot- quiet, fast, accurate, ergonomic... I've been in love since roll one!
I can't wait to hear your first impression... good luck!
-O-

[mjs1973]

My first impression is that this is a great piece of equipment! As for the lens... I was looking for a body only, when I came accross this one on ebay. I would have been happy to pay the same price that I did, for just the body, but since this lens was part of the package, I figured I would see what it could do. I am also thinking about getting the verticle grip. I have one on my DRebel, and I love it. It adds a lot of weight, but I can live with that. I love the extra shutter release, and AA batteries vs the expensive 123 (I think) makes it an even more attractive investment.

I went to a local camera shop, and held the Elan 7N and the Rebel T2, and for me, the size and feel of the Elan 7N blew away the T2. I have small hands, but I like the feel of a larger, heavier camera body, and the Elan 7N fit the bill nicely.

[Liz]

Michael,

You might want to think about getting the Canon 50mm/f1.8. It's $70 at B&H. I had this lens for a couple of years before I upgraded to the 1.4. This lens is sharp, good color, good bokeh. Your zoom is your feet - but then you learn more that way.

Liz

[mjs1973]

Thanks for the advice Liz. A good 50mm prime is already on my wish list, along with a nice wide angle. So many toys, so little cash.

[Speed]

No, this isn't another camera from the Dallar Store. I have been looking for an EOS film body as a backup to my DRebel. I love my AE-1, and still plan on using it, but I wanted an auto focuse film body. I didn't want to spend much since digital seems to be the future of photography, but I didn't want a piece of junk either. I was hoping to find a nice used Rebel T2 on ebay, but they were selling for almost new prices. So I decided to just get a new T2. Then I got to thinking, maybe I can get something a little nicer for around the same price as a new T2, so I kept looking. What I ended up with, is a mint condition, Elan 7N with 28-105mm lens. It was a display model, and doesn't look like it has had a roll of film run thru it. I haven't tested it with film yet, but everything seems to be working perfectly on it. It didn't come with a manual or strap, but I have already ordered a manual from Canon, and I have a Canon strap from my now broken Rebel G. Hopefully, I will be able to run a roll of film thru it tomorrow. I checked this kit out at B&H, and it sells new for $410, my price on ebay, $201.50. The new T2 I was looking at was $190. I can't wait to test it out!!!

Sweet!

As I understand it, the Elan 7 is the Canon equivalent of the Nikon N80, which is my primary shooter.

Congratulations on your new toy. I hope you enjoy it.

[mjs1973]

Here is one of the first shots taken with this new set up. I was experimenting, and took a double exposure. The first exposure was in focus, the second was a bit out of focus. Just playing around.

[Speed]

Here is one of the first shots taken with this new set up. I was experimenting, and took a double exposure. The first exposure was in focus, the second was a bit out of focus. Just playing around.

Cool shot Michael!

I like it!