viper1963's Full Review: Canon EOS Elan IIE Film Camera
Everyone has a favorite blanket or something that makes them feel secure when they are away from home. For me, this is the Canon EOS Elan IIE 35mm auto-focus camera. My camera of choice when I go on vacations or weekend getaways is my trusted EOS Elan IIE.
When this camera was introduced in 1995, it shocked the photographic industry. During the 1980's it seemed like every auto-focusing camera came in one color, BLACK! Function dials were now buttons to be set using input wheels. Canon decided to buck the trend and designed a cool looking titanium colored top cover. The dials made a come back too.
CANON EOS ELAN IIE SPECIFICATIONS
Note - Due to the complex specifications of this camera I will list the important features that many photographers need to make a wise purchasing decision.
Compatible Lenses: Canon EF lenses
Lens Mount: Canon EF mount
Picture Coverage: 90% vertical, 92% horizontal
FEATURES
Eye-Controlled Auto-Focus Calibration - You can select the desired focusing point just by looking at the any of the three focusing points. You can choose up to three (3) settings. Your first setting can be without glasses. The second can be with contact lenses. The third can be with glasses.
Eleven Custom Function (CF) Settings - 1) Automatic film rewind mode (silent/fast rewind); 2) Film leader position (Film leader inside/outside cartridge); 3) ISO speed setting (automatic/manually set); 4) AF activated by AE lock button; 5) Self-timer/Mirror lock up; 6) Second curtain synchronization; 7) AF-assist beam (Off/On); 8) Partial metering/FE lock linkage at focusing point; 9) Flash Synch speed in Aperture priority AE mode; 10) Focusing point flashing; 11) Eye controlled depth-of-field preview.
Depth of Field AE (DEP) - This feature is useful in situations when you want something in the foreground and in the background in clear, sharp focus. As an example, if you have a person in front of the U.S. Capitol building.
Manual (M) - In this mode you must set the shutter speed as well as the aperture.
Aperture Priority (Av) - You select the aperture and the camera will set the corresponding shutter speed for a perfect exposure. This is useful when depth of field is required.
Shutter Priority (Tv) - You select the shutter speed and the camera will select the corresponding aperture for a perfect exposure. This is useful in fast action shots such as in sporting events.
Program (P) - In the program mode everything is set automatically for you BUT you may change the shutter speed or aperture settings.
Lock (L) - Turns off the camera. Simple!
Green Mode - This mode is also considered the idiot-proof mode. You have no control over shutter speeds or aperture. The camera selects this for you automatically. A camera shake warning audible will sound if you shake the camera too much.
Programmed Image Control (PIC) - Portraits - Use this mode to take close-up portraits of your subjects. The background will be blurred leaving a perfectly focused subject!
Programmed Image Control (PIC) - Landscape - Use this mode for landscape, sunsets or mountains.
Programmed Image Control (PIC) - Close-up - Use this mode to take photos of flowers, coins, etc. Make sure your lens is in the macro mode.
Programmed Image Control (PIC) - Sports - This is the mode you want to use to capture fast action events like track, auto racing, etc. This will allow you to stop action for a crisp photo.
AUTO FOCUSING MODES
One Shot Auto Focus (AF) - You should use this mode when it is absolutely necessary that you get properly focused photos. The photo cannot be taken unless the scene is focused. Exposure is set when focus is confirmed.
Ai (Artificial Intelligent) Focus AF - This mode is similar to One Shot except when the camera detects the subject movement, it switches to Ai Servo automatically.
Ai (Artificial Intelligent) Servo - In this mode the camera keeps on focusing on the subject until you release the shutter button. The subject can be moving forward, backwards or sideways. But be careful because you can release the shutter regardless of whether or not your subject is in focus. This is one of the most common mistakes photographers do. They then think their camera is not operating correctly - which is not the case.
OTHER FEATURES (On Film Door)
ISO - You can manually set your film speed if you desire.
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) - In this mode you can adjust the exposure in +/-0.5 increments. When you are not sure of the correct exposure (sunsets, etc), you can use this mode to get a guaranteed properly exposed exposure. It will take three (3) consecutive exposures. The first will be the correct exposure; the second will be -0.5 underexposure and; the third will be +0.5 over exposure.
Red-Eye Reduction - Use this mode to reduce red-eye problems. Try to situate subjects near light sources to prevent red-eye.
Exposure Compensation - You can set both exposure and flash exposure compensation up to +/- 2 stops in 0.5b increments.
Multiple Exposures - This feature allows you to expose up to nine frames on a single frame. You can experiment in this mode. I once super imposed the moon over the city of Los Angeles during daylight! Imagine everyone's surprise on how I did it.
CANON ACCESSORIES SPECIFICALLY GEARED TOWARD THE EOS ELAN IIE
• Canon Speedlite 380EX and 540EZ
• Battery Pack BP-50 - This attaches to the base of the camera and allows vertical release and operates by AA batteries or 2CR5 lithium battery.
• Battery Pack BP-5B - Requires four "D" batteries and attaches to your belt for longer operation times.
• Remote Controller RC-1 - This remote allow remote operation of your camera.
• Remote Switch RS-60E3 - Dedicated cable release prevent camera shake on close-up photos.
EOS ELAN IIE CRITIQUE
After five years of use, this camera has held up to rugged use. This camera will require studying of the instruction manual. I recommend you study this manual before taking it on a once in a lifetime vacation or important event. This camera is definitely geared towards individuals with a good understanding of photographic technical terms. If you are not quite up to par in these terms, I suggest reading the Magic Lantern™ guides that can be purchased at any photographic retail store.
I highly recommend purchasing an external flash. The built-in flash has severe limitations and is only good for fill-in type of photographs or when photographing subjects within 15-20 feet of the camera. I would have liked to see a PC socket somewhere on this camera for professional flashes.
The eye control feature is a feature many will never use. You can easily use the Depth of Field mode instead.
THE DRAWBACKS
My camera has been repaired twice. It displayed "BC" or battery check after I depressed the shutter button. A switch within the flash assembly had to be replaced as well as several contact adjustments made. This service was performed under warranty free of charge.
Note: I have noticed when using several off-brand lenses such as Sigma or Tamron, it tended to lock up my camera. When taking pictures, the shutter would lock up and a low battery symbol would appear in the LCD. The aperture unit in the lens not communicating properly with the camera body causes this. Canon has the patent on the software that operates the lens auto-focusing system.
My recommendation would be stick with Canon lenses to avoid possible problems.
Rounding out this review is the issue of battery drain. If you experience battery drain, take both the camera and lens to the repair facility. The battery drain can be coming from either the body or lens.
CLOSE OUT SPECIALS
This camera has been retired by Canon and has been replaced with the new EOS Elan 7/7E. You can get a great deal on the EOS Elan IIE's as camera stores clear their inventory for new models. Although this camera comes in several kits forms by Canon, the lenses offered (EF28-80V USM or EF280-80II), are mediocre at best. I suggest you purchase the body only and go for the Canon EF 28-105USM or the EF28-135 IS USM lens which is the most popular selling Canon lenses. The body sells currently for about $429 or $399 for the non-eye controlled model (EOS Elan II).
For more information, go to Canon's web site at: www.usa.canon.com
(800) 828-4040 or (800) OK-CANON
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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