Forgiving Little Gem- A Good Choice!
Written: Mar 30 '00 (Updated Nov 13 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Professional Quality, yet my mother can still handle it
Cons: Make sure you REALLY want that E (eye controlled feature)
The Bottom Line: Great performer whether you're an experienced photographer or not! A Gem*
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| girlfriday1's Full Review: Canon EOS Elan IIE Film Camera |
Note: My Model is the Elan IIe. This camera body can come either with that little e- for eye controlled focus or without.
I think I became a shutterbug by default. If I don't take the pictures in my family, my kids would grow up not knowing what they looked like as babies. I guess that's fine with me since I'd much rather be behind the camera than in front of it...
The Canon EOS Elan IIe. I never gave any other camera companies a real chance since I have always used Canon. When I was a kid, I used the Sure Shot (and I still have it and it works just fine), in my early 20's I splurged and bought myself the Rebel, and now in my 30's (gasp), I'm shooting with the Elan IIe. It was a nice simple progression. None of my cameras have ever given me an ounce of grief. They all still function properly, although the casings are looking weathered. Admittedly, I'm hard on camera bodies, and even tougher on lenses. I am constantly losing lens caps and I take my cameras through all sorts of adventures.
Here's the lowdown on the camera that you will see on most photographic equipment websites. I chose to copy and paste it here to save you some time...
"The EOS Elan II/Elan IIe is a perfect example of form following function. Key controls are easy to understand, easy to use, and positioned for easy access. Feedback-confirming control inputs and camera functions are provided via two comprehensive displays. With its command dial and metering mode lever, quick control dial, AF mode dial, film advance mode lever and LCD panel, EOS Elan II/Elan IIe offers advanced automatic exposure control for perfect color in any light - indoors or out, day or night. It's as automatic as you want it to be, but as much under your command as required to achieve a creative result. Controls fall readily to hand, designed and marked for confidence at your fingertips. What's more, Canon's exclusive AIM system integrates standard AE, flash AE and autofocus information for optimum results.
-Distinctive aluminum styling and improved control layout
-New E-TTL evaluative flash metering with optional Speedlite 380EX
-Exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Multipoint) control system link
-3-point AF to multi-zone metering for available light and flash
-Choice of 10 exposure modes including scale-metered manual
6-zone evaluative 9.5% partial and center weighted average metering."
Here's some personal observations for the beginner/intermediate photographer. If you're an expert, well, get a Leica. Kidding- well not maybe not.
The Eos Elan IIe*can* be a little disconcerting to a relative beginner with all the protruding dials and knobs and thingamijigs. Most are presets that adjust aperture and speed depending on the subject matter (close-up, sports,landscapes etc.)The green box on the main dial renders the camera a virtual point and shoot. How much you want to control is up to you.
My camera is equipped with a curious feature known as Eye Controlled Focus.That's what that littlee stands for. It works in conjunction with the 3-point AIM (Advanced Integrated Multipoint) control system. In your viewfinder, you will see not one BIG center target, but three that run horizontally. Not only will the system detect what target your eye is focusing on (thus rendering that target in focus), it will meter available lighting conditions for optimal performance. This works whether you're holding your camera horizontally or vertically. The Eye Control feature is a little temperamental and not all photographers will want it. A few knowledgeable salespeople tried to talk me out of the IIe model (as it is not a necessary feature and it bumps up the price, and some say that there is a lag that compromises shots) but I chose to get it anyway. I like it and I use it. But if you wear glasses, I'm not so sure I would want the feature since you need to be snug against the frame of the viewfinder for it to operate effectively. You can get some kind of special component to fit around the viewfinder, but I'm hesitant on a retrofit so to speak. Furthermore, the feature has to be calibrated to a particular person's eye. The setup is easy, but the camera will only accept 3 different users. If you're thinking of this for a family camera, get the model without this feature, as you'll screw up the setting if others try to take shots on your setting.
The Look
The look of Canon Eos Elan IIe is reminiscent of cameras of the past with its two-toned aluminum styling. This is a well made body. It looks good and sounds good, thanks to its whisper soft advance.
The Heft
I find the heft of this camera perfect for me. It's definitely much heavier if you compare it to an automatic point and shoot, but you're not in the market for a point and shoot are you? If so, you're not on the right page. :)
This is a nice weight that will accomodate heavier lenses if you so choose. Speaking of lenses, this model normally sells in a kit with a 28-80 IV USM lens. I asked for an upgrade to 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 It's a fine lens with a nice easy range. See if you can upgrade.
The Flash
Piece of advice concerning the built-in flash. I find it a little washed out. Although it's tiresome to tote around, I get much more flattering shots with the Canon 380 EX Dedicated Flash. You just slip it into the hotshoe, fire it up, and it will work seamlessly with the on-board metering system. Indoors, I try shoot with the flash tilted up at the white ceiling. It bounces pleasing light onto my subject rather than right at it. Try it.Of note: I've never had any subject other than a horse that came out with the dreaded red-eye (well actually it was a neon green). It works as claimed, but it does psych out some camera shy subjects.
As a beginner you should seriously look into adding these accessories to your outfit:
1)A Good Tripod- get in the shot, and invaluable for tricky night shooting
2)A Good Bag. I use one by Domke- nicely padded yet soft-sided. Compartmentalized for flash, lenses, etc.
3)A Dedicated Flash (Canon 380 EX)- you will love it
4)A Wireless Remote Controller (cheaper than it sounds...$20.00)
5)A few lens filters (polarizing, UV, and perhaps a yellow for black & white film)
6)A good "library" of books- The Magic Lantern series puts out a book that is completely dedicated to this model. I strongly suggest you purchase it as the manual is very general. Kodak also has some good publications for beginners. (Amazon.com has an impressive selection)
7) Notepad & Pen- simple yes, but invaluable when you're learning. If you do not write down your values (f/stop, exposure, speed etc.), you certainly won't remember how you arrived at the photo before you. I can't tell you how many times I messed up a shot and wondered what I did wrong. If you jot it down, you lessen the chances of making the same mistake twice.
If this model sounds like an option, I suggest you find it at a local retailer to feel it in your hands. The way a camera feels makes all the difference in the world. This way, you can fiddle round with the unit, look through the viewfinder etc. For purchasing though, online prices can be much more competitive than many brick & mortar establishments. Cameraworld.com & BHphotovideo.com come to mind. I've purchased through both and have been happy. Keep in mind that servicing your camera will be a bit more of a hassle if you purchase online or from an out-of-state dealer, but the cost difference makes up for the minor inconvenience if you ask me. Just keep in mind that if an advertised price you get online seems way lower than the rest, you might be dealing with a grey market camera. Choose wisely and only deal with websites that have secure purchasing sites. I've been burned, and believe me, it's not pretty what some of these hackers will do with your personal information.
The Canon Eos Elan IIe gets two thumbs up from me. It's a capable camera yet quite forgiving. A perfect starter for the enthusiast to build on.
Say cheese!
Has anybody seen my lens cap? Maybe I left it back in the Home & Garden Category...
Recommended:
Yes
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girlfriday1
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Location: PA Suburbs
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 203 members
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