5 comments about Canon EOS Elan 7ne SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. Okay, first off, I'd like to say that this is my first AF SLR--I stepped up from my dinosaur of a camera, Canon AE-1 manual focus, and right now I am quite overwhelmed by all the features in this little thing. I'm still in the learning stages of all this technology but let me tell you this, I am having fun! It amazes me that Canon can offer quite an impressive camera for the price.
   
   I just received my first few rolls from the developer and the pictures came out amazing--so clear and the colors are very vibrant. Just to let you know, I'm using the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. I took the suggestions of many and passed up on the "kit" lens and I'm sure glad I did so. I would highly recommend the f/3.5-4.5 lens, but unfortunately for the rest of you, Amazon has discontinued it. But you could order it from one of the many other photo shops (B&H, Adorama, etc).
   
   Do I have any regrets on this purchase? Absolutely not! I love this camera and even though I've owned it for less than a month, I'm actually thinking about stepping up to the EOS 3 and using this as a backpacking/hiking body. Hmm...what to do, what to do? Do I purchase another body or start a collection of L-series glass? ...that is the question.



2. I am enjoying my new Canon EOS Elan. I find it comfortable to hold and easy to use. I have not yet had the opportunity to try out all the features, but the few films I have exposed in auto mode and had developed satisfy my needs at this point. The rewind mechanism is VERY quiet which is nice if you plan to use the camera at a public event.



3. I bought this camera in 2002 (when it was the Elan 7e), the only difference is body texture, lit display, and a slightly faster autofocuser. The camera works great and the pictures are great. It takes 4 fps. I don't use this camera anymore since going digital with my EOS 40D but if I would recommend a film camera at a good price, this would be the camera. If you still use film, this is a camera that is hard to beat at the price.



4. I picked up EOS Elan 7NE a few days ago (since it is not available at Amazon I had to order elsewhere), after I noticed that 35mm film cameras in advanced hobbyist/enthusiast range are getting rare, and I'm a dedicated film shooter. I plan using Elan alongside my trusty AE-1's; I just wanted something more modern, with AF etc and what won't brake the bank. 7NE definitely fits the bill; I ordered this body with EF 28mm-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM lens which is supposed to be significantly better then entry-level 28mm-90mm that comes with available Elan kits at better online camera stores.
   
   Camera is feature-packed; luckily the 100-page small booklet manual is well written and consistent in giving enough info to get you going. I'd like to add that the camera is somewhat bigger then I thought (I'll try to upload a shot of 7NE and AE-1 side by side for size comparison), however size shouldn't be a drawback. Overall it feels solid and is easy to hold, controls are well laid out, and I have overall a good feel about it. I shot a test roll of B&W PlusX with it the other day and it came out decent even on full-auto mode. I also tried the eye-controlled focus, and yes it works as advertised.
   
   BTW, there is large variety of used Elan and EOS bodies available for low prices on auction site, however I wanted to get a spankin new 100% functional & dent-free camera so there wouldn't be any surprises; since the 7NE body is so affordable, why not to buy brand new.



5. Like many people, I started out with a Canon Rebel XTi and wet my toes with its kit lens for over a year before I felt the need to up to a prime 50mm and a L-series telephoto (70-200 F4).
   
   I was seduced by the myth of having a full frame camera but as a university student, couldn't afford to plunk two grand on a camera body after draining all my resources on the lenses. I decided to have a cheap full frame by buying an ancient Canon Canonet QL17 off ebay and I fell in love with shooting film so much that I brought a refurbished Elan 7e as well.
   
   I went out to do some street photography today and have been using the Elan 7e since March. It has all the features I love on my XTi but in an affordable full-frame 35mm package. Looking through the huge viewfinder is always a pleasure and going back to the dim and narrow viewfinder of the XTi reminds me how much more subject you can fit inside a real 35mm frame. Using film is a pleasure too, I have honestly became a better photographer because I take significantly more time with each shot and I focus more on composition and framing than trying to luck out a shot with the "machine-gun" shutter of digital SLRs.
   
   I use this film camera along with a few others (I have since became a collector of film cameras) for my personal projects and I have since dedicated my XTi for photojournalism and event photos for quick transfer and convenience.
   
   I highly recommend the Elan 7E and it's newer cousin the 7NE as an affordable alternative to the dreamy 5D or the recently announced Nikon D700. And finally, a 50mm is a 50mm and not 80 something.

5 comments about Olympus iS-50 QD Date 35mm Camera.

1. I have never owned a camera before this one but I have taken a lot of pictures with other cameras so I know a good camera. I did a lot research when I decided to finally buy my own camera. I chose this one based on it's not complex features. I wanted something that would take up a lot of my time to learn as I am a college student and need that time to study school work not how to work a camera. I got the camera about two weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with the results, these are some of the best pictures that I have ever taken. This is definatly a camera that is for the first time camera owner.



2. The Olympus IS series cameras have always had an identity crisis. At first they were called "ZLRs" or "Zoom Lens Reflex." They have the internal making of an SLR (a mirror mechanism that shows you exactly what the lens is seeing), but lack the versatility of being able to change the lens.
   
   I've owned or given as gifts a number of Olympus cameras - the OM10, the IS-2, the IS-10 and now the IS-50. To this day the IS-2 remains one of my favorite cameras, especially with its unbelievable macro ability that rivals cameras/lenses costing hundreds more.
   
   The IS-50 is a good camera. It takes great photos, its exposure system is excellent, it's light weight, has a powerful flash, and its automated features will be a boon to novice users. However, there are still better choices available.
   
   I bought the IS-50 for a young nephew who wanted something easy to use and to shoot sports. The IS-50 delivers on the first, fails completely on the second. This camera does not have a continuous advance and focus sports mode. You press the shutter release, take a shot, and then have to repeat.
   
   As a semi-pro user I found the flash warning system on the IS-50 to be especially annoying. The average person can easily take a photo in low light situations with a shutter speed of 1/60th of a second. People with super steady hands can even go as low as 1/15th. Experienced photographers know that you want to use natural light as much as possible because the flash creates shadows and harsh skin tones. The IS-50, however, starts warning users to use a flash at around 1/100th of a second! This makes no sense.
   
   Normally this wouldn't be such a big deal for a point and shoot. However, camera prices, especially on 35mm models, are falling and users are expecting some bang for their buck. For the same price of an IS-50 you can buy a used Nikon N50 or N65 - both of which offer versatility, ease of use and exapandability. Earlier IS models such as the IS-1, 2 and 3 all offered much of these features. Why not the IS-50? At the very least, the price should be lower given the value and low cost of novice SLR models such as the Nikon models or the Canon Rebel.
   
   Even with all these criticisms, the IS-50 is still an OK choice for novice users. If you want simplicity and good 35mm photos this is one camera to look at. Just be aware that for the same price or a little bit more you can get a camera that's a lot better.



3. The world has gone digital and yet Olympus produced one of the best 35mm cameras out there just as film cameras were becoming obsolete. It's a shame because this camera kicks [...], because it's simple to use, produces amazing shots and has a great zoom/lens, autofocus, battery life (beats any digital camera) and it feels great in my hand. I've taken many shots with it, including B&W shots, which are even greater than color shots. I've also taken tons of night shots, including auroras, which I never knew how to do before. This camera works especially well with Fuji film. I want to buy another one before they get rid of film cameras forever. Sad.



4. I've had this for almost 2 years now. Picture quality varies with the auto focus function, however overall they come out good. It is definitely heavy and there other much lighter SLR's around. I've seen certain 35mm compact cameras that can compete with this camera in terms of picture quality. If you are lloking to buy a "true" SLR camera then you should probably choose something else. If you want a easy to use, good SLR type camera then this is a great buy.



5. This camera takes quality pictures, but we did not find it to be very well constructed. The diopter (view finder adjustment) stopped working in the first 90 days, and the film advance mechanism failed about one year later. We take a lot of pictures, but do not treat the camera roughly. Even with the instructions, we were not able to make the "date-stamp" work correctly. My wife also had occassional trouble loading the film. The optics seem to be good, but overall we were un-impressed. We were able to get a full refund using an extended warranty offered through our credit card provider. We originally paid about $150 brand new.

2 comments about Canon EOS Rebel 2000 Date 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I had bought a fantastic camera called Canon Rebel 2000 Date Body in Brazil. For me, a amadorist photographer is perfect camera SLR. I need this camera to take pictures from climbs, camps, and so. And my sister take pictures from your architectural projects. And I bought a 20/80 lenses, to improve my camera.



2. This Camera takes incredible pictures. It has a wide range of shutter speeds rangeing from 2000 to bulb. plus hte 7 point auto focus syste is hand in most situations. Plus it is very light making it easy to carry around.

5 comments about Canon EOS Elan 7 E 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. For the record, I have been using this camera for over 2 years now and I shoot mainly nature and people.

   The Canon Elan 7E/EOS30 is a fantastic all around camera for beginners/intermediate photographers.

   At the time of buying this camera, there was a confusion whether to choose the rebel or the elan 7E. I would very strongly recommend anyone to consider buying the intermediate Elan 7 as compared to the basic rebel. The rebel has a very "plasticky" feel to it and if I remember correctly, there is a single knob to set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Once you move away from shooting it as point and shoot, you will realize that the single knob can get incredibely irritating.

   As for the "E" i.e. eye focus, I never really used it too much but am planning to shortly. So you can save some money by getting the Elan 7, if you so wish since the Eye feature is essentially just a gimmick. Now I also wish I had got the date feature, since down the road it might be an useful tool. (say, 40 yrs, from now, you want to know when the picture was taken ;) )

   The most wonderful thing about the ELan 7E is that it allows you to grow with it...It offers a whole bunch of features, that I think will take you from a beginning stage (point and shoot) to a more advanced stage (total manual) phase. After shooting over 20 rolls of film and slide, I still find myself reading the manual and noting down some new feature to try out on my next roll.

   Small piece of advice for beginners.. I realize now that the money you spend on lenses might be worth almost more than the money you spend on the camera. Coz even the best camera cannot produce a decent picture with a bad lens. I would strongly recommend avoiding the standard lens(28-90mm, I think) that comes bundled with it (even if the total package is cheap). I bought the body separate and then a canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 lens and I have never regretted the decision. Its a relatively sharp lens at both ends and is always mounted on my camera for shooting almost anything. If you are on a tight budget get the Canon 50 mm 1.8 II which sells in most shops for under $100. I am now slowly saving up for a L series lens.

   Besides the usual preset options like portrait,landscape,closeup,sports,night mode,the Elan 7E offers a whole bunch of features that I found really useful. Here are some of them,

   1) Depth of field preview button.
   2) DEP (depth of field AE) - this really helps if your lens does not have a distance scale (like the 28-105mm). Say for e.g., you need to preset the depth of scale from 0 to infinity, this feature helps you to achieve that effect without the distance scale on your lens.
   3) AE lock
   4) Exposure compensation - you can set the exposure compensation upto + or - 2 stops in half stop increments and you can do it without taking your eyes of the viewfinder.
   5) Auto exposure bracketting - for those really important pictures that you dont want to miss :)
   6) bulb exposures - allows you to have as long a exposure as you want. I found this really useful. I hear that some cameras have limitations on how long they can be exposed. (RS - 60E3 shutter release cable is really useful for this)
   7) multiple exposures
   8) mirror lockup etc etc etc.

   The built in flash suffices for all my needs. Lots of people in this website recommend the battery pack, but I would suggest anyone buying this camera to first check it out themselves. I find the grip good enough for me.

   All in all, I just love this camera. I have been having great fun for past 2 yrs with it and am confident of having lots more fun for few more years at least and I dont think you will get a better performance for this price...If you have the money, just get it & start shooting !!

   Strengths:
   1) Solid feel and good looks
   2) Enough bells and whistles to keep you curious and interested for quite some time.
   3) focussing point selection with seven focussing points (auto or manual)
   4) whole bunch of lenses to choose from
   5) built in flash
   6) Rugged build - have used extensively in real hot weather(AZ) as well as sub zero temperatures (MI)
   7)Relatively light and compact.
   8)Best price/performance ratio

   Weaknesses:
   1) I feel an LCD would have been invaluable tool to have during low-lit situations
   2)Lack of spot metering - this is one feature I would have loved to use.
   3)Auto focus fails to activate when you try to shoot closeups(macros), cloudy landscapes or under low light situations

   4) Depth of field preview button is hidden...I have never been able to activate it without taking my eyes off the viewfinder !




2. I read the previous reviews and agree with most everything. This is a great camera that can be easily used by a beginner but has the features wanted by experienced pros.

   The one thing I was disapointed in is that it did not say anywhere, until I already purchased the "E" model and read the manual, that the EYE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK IF YOU WEAR CONATCT LENSES. The "E" model was a waste of money for me due to this and that is the reason I gave this camera 4 out of the 5 stars.




3. Till yesterday I was all praises for this camera and would have given 5 stars. Its got the features for a beginner to reach a serious amature role with low cost. Well yesterday it died on me. I have had the camera for 2.5 years and shot probably around 100 rolls with it.
   
   Now its a great camera. Its given me some awesome pictures. I like the metering except the fact that is does not have spot metering. This is a disadvantage. More over the the partial region of the camera is not well defined. I have the eye control. 85% it works and its great. But it does fail and irritates me at times. Low light focus is not so good but with the speedlight(420EX) it focus in a sec. What a difference. The depth of preview button is at time hard to find
   
   I love the fash 4 frames per second. I used it twice but it gave me great results. I love the feel of the camera.
   
   With all its defects I love the camera and might go in for the same.



4. Talk about bang for your buck. This camera has everything you'd expect from a mid-range camera and some you usually only find on high-end cameras. The eye control focus works great though you do need to calibrate it many times in different lighting conditions. The controls are well placed and easy to use. The custom functions are relatively simple to set and allow you to customize how the camera operates. Functions like the true mirror lock-up and the 4 fps advance speed help place this camera securely in the top ranks of its class. The thing that surprised me the most was the near silent operation. Even on rewind you can only hear it if you place your ear near the body (unless of course you choose to rewind at the faster speed). Of course there are options I'd love to see added like a PC cable port and an interchangeable focusing screen but thats why there are pro class cameras. Like I said before, this camera is hard to beat for the price.



5. This is an absolutely great camera. Out of the 35mm's, it is the best model (in my opinion) and has some features desired in professional models. Very fast shutter speed, different shooting modes, DOF preview and many other features lead up to the cameras spectacular picture clarity (I shoot with a Tamron Lenses). You Will NOT regret this purchase

5 comments about Olympus iS-20 QD Date 35mm SLR Camera.

1. I was looking for an entry level SLR and decided to try the Olympus IS 20 at the advice of a friend who works as a semi-professional photographer. After shopping around and comparing the Olympus to other brands such as Nikon and Cannon, I found that Olympus does not necessarily enjoy the reputation found in other brands. Still, I decided to get the IS 20 based on the functions it offered and the great price on Amazon. Since I have owned the IS 20 I have shot over 20 rolls of film including 200, 400 and 800 speeds. The camera is very user friendly and my photos are excellent. The last roll of film that I shot with 800 contained photos of Seattle taken from the incoming Bainbridge ferry at sunset. When I picked up the photos from processing, several members of the staff were waiting for me to compliment me on the outstanding colors and detail in my photos. They were convinced that I am a seasoned photographer with a superior understanding of manual cameras and photography in general; even though I only have a basic understanding! This camera is everything that I hoped it would be and I would highly recommend it for beginners. Also, if you buy this camera, there is a teleconverter lens available at the Oympus Emporium website (but in limited quanties.)



2. I purchased this camera for my 11-yr old daughter to use in a summer photography gifted & talented art class that required the kids to bring an SLR camera (I got a reconditioned model really cheap). What a find!! I bought it because it seemed much easier to use than a standard SLR (which befuddle me), but I didn't expect that the pictures or adjustability would be that great - I was terribly wrong. There was no discernable difference between my daughter's photos and the photos from the kids (most older & more seasoned in photography) who used a standard SLR - except she said that she got to take more pictures because she wasn't always messing with her camera. Her photos included color, black & white, landscapes, close-ups, and many "trick" shots with long exposures and light effects - everything the other kids did with their cameras. He teacher even recommended that she enter a couple of her photos in a local contest!

   The "one step" buttons for landscapes, close-ups, long exposure, and short exposure produce excellent results, and the automatic speed setting with the manual f-step option is very nice as well - no charts or graphs needed to figure it all out.

   My husband and I have always been interested in photography, but we never wanted to deal with the complicated SLR lenses, F-stop/speed settings, etc., but we were so impressed with the IS20 that we just purchased another one for our own use, and intend on doing a little hobby SLR photography ourselves! The IS20 actually makes photography fun! I've taken the best photos of my life in the past few days, and I'm excited to continue.

   I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for the beginning or even intermediate SLR user.




3. The pictures are terrible!!!!
   I thought it might have been the first roll of film because I left it in the car on a warm day so I tried two more rolls!!! They're sooo dark! Even the ones I took on the beach this morning on an absolutely gorgeous day.
   I carried this camera with me to my graduation instead of my bulkier camera because of its compactibility (is that a word?). I'm upset that I entrusted those memories to this camera.
   It's also very confusing to figure out. I have a Minolta QT-si that I'll stick with from now on.



4. I'm a photography student and this is my first SLR. I bought here on Amazon but through the MarketPlace at a highly discounted price. I am thrilled at the shots I've taken in the past six months. I've learned to use the manual features to enhance my pictures and feel comfortable in many situations to use the fully automatic focus, aperture, f stop, etc.
   
   I would highly recommend this camera from the beginner to intermediate. I love this camera!



5. I purchased this camera from my mother when she went digital. I like this camera, but the auto focus drives me nuts. As someone who takes lots of pictures of wildlife as i hike and horseback ride, it is frustrating to not get the picture because the auto focus won't focus for a quick shot. I have gotten good shots, as did my mother before me but we both dislike the auto focus.
   
   I will say that this camera is a very durable camera, we have been through some difficult horseback rides. ONe of which the camera in my saddle bag came off of the horse and still takes good pictures (except for the occasional issue when it won't focus on what I want it to)

3 comments about Canon EOS-1V Professional SLR Body.

1. It's a shock to me to find that many years after release, no one has written a review of the EOS 1V. This is one sweet camera. It has a carved of a chunk feel that tells me that I can use it hard and not have to worry that it will let me down. There are enough pro features to cover any challenge.
   
   I bought mine because I shoot a lot of motor sports and this baby autofocuses faster than my Nikon F5 (a camera I really like too). The metering system, once you extablish the proper ISO of your film, is dead nuts on. I leave the camera on "P" for program for most assignments and use the amazing matrix meter setting for surprisingly accurate results. Case in point, I recently did a salon shoot of a Ferrari 308GTB and the guy at my prolab said "the exposures were great, as usual."
   
   Some cool things that I love about the EOS 1V: I wear glasses and I can see the entire view finder with ease. The camera handles like a dream in the horizontal and vertical position (mine has the motor drive with the second shutter release - I recommend it to any serious action shooter.) Film loading is a snap. With custom functions, you can prevent the camera from rewinding at the end of the roll - a good idea in a church or other quiet setting. The camera is weather sealed with gaskets on buttons and switches. If you have newer EOS lenses, these include gaskets around the lens mount. These, combined with the gasket built into the EOS 1V body help keep the moisture outside if you find yourself shooting in damp conditions. (No, the camera is not waterproof. But it's well sealed against all but the worst that mother nature can throw at you.
   
   I shoot a lot of slide film, so in tricky lighting situations (e.g., back lighting, subjects that are very dark or very light, etc.) exposure bracketing is part of the deal. The exposure dial on the back of the body makes it easy to do 3 or 5 or more quick exposures, varying each by one third of an f-stop.
   
   I have run several hundreds of roll of film through my EOS 1V (The camera has a feature that imprints the roll number on the leader tab) with nary a problem. If you are still shooting film (and I know a bunch of us are still out there), this is one outstanding camera worthy of your consideration. And, given the cost of the new Nikon F6, it seems to be a bargain too. (If you are looking to spend a little less money, the EOS 3 has a lot of the same features except, of course, price.)



2. For what seems like forever, my gal pal Sara and I have been using a pair of EOS 10qd's I picked up in Hong Kong several years ago. We'd squandered a small fortune on a whole batch of "L" lenses, but we'd never upgraded our camera bodies, I guess because the bloody things just refused to break. They just kept right on taking picture after picture, year after year. Oh when was the harsh, ocean going, corroding weather of the Caribbean going to wreak havoc on these cameras, so we'd have an excuse to go out and buy something new. Apparently never. Canon builds good stuff.
   
   Then one day Sara told me she wanted to be a two camera body girl, and she wasn't gonna count that tiny little Olympus digital she kept in her backpack that we used to grab quick shots for boating magazines. She wanted a new body and a film scanner, too.
   
   So we laid out the big bucks and got her an EOS-1V and me, not wanting to be left out, got a digital 20D, because I was just plain tired of being looked down on by these professional sports shooters with duel digitals hanging off their shoulders. So now we're both two camera body people, she's got the best film camera ever made and I've got the best digital camera ever made. And we both have a ten year old 10qd as well. Canon, you can't go wrong with them. They are the standard all others are measured by.
   
   Jack Priest, Sailor Home from the Sea



3. as soon as i got it i loved it and haven't put it down. The controls are exactly like my 1d and the transition was seamless. I can't wait to give a real workout.

5 comments about Canon EOS Elan II 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I've had this camera since 1997 and I love it. It has some cool features, you can be fully auto or fully manual. I have a 75-300mm USM zoom along with the 28-80mm USM that came with it. I kind of wish I'd have paid the extra [...] and gotten the IIe, but I still get great shots. It's not too heavy, focus is quick and quiet, exposure is pretty accurate. I haven't had any problems with it.



2. I found this camera used in a store, and it looked like a pretty good deal, so I called my uncle (a camera brainiac, and a very good photographer) and he said it was a great deal, so I bought it. That's all I thought I was getting; a good deal on a used camera. It's so much more than that. I have actually done some really stupid things when taking pictures (setting the aperture and shutter speeds in such a way that the picture would be ruined is my most common offense) and the picture always comes out perfect. It's actually difficult to take a bad picture with this camera! The Elan II is a very nice camera that is simple enough for beginners, but at the same time, advanced enough for professionals. Taking good pictures is a snap, and most of the controls are self-explanitory and easy to understand. I have never had a problem with this wonderfully engineered camera, and I feel confident that, wether you're a regular pro, or a regular joe, you'll find this camera easy, and fun to use.



3. I love my Elan II E. Unfortunately, I broke it in Italy this year. It lasted many thousands of shots over 9 1/2 years. The part which broke was the door clasp. Keep in mind, it lasted nearly a decade! I'm going to buy the Canon 7NE to replace it. Love the system!



4. The Elan IIe is truly a camera for everyone. I bought mine with internship money in 1994, and I still have it today. It survived the rains in Siena a couple of years ago, and even a 5 foot drop in a canoe back in 1999. It's grown up with me, and as I learn more about taking pictures, I've been able to rely less on the auto-metering, and auto exposure settings, and take total control like the big boys. What can
   I say, I love this camera! It lets you go from no-know to semi-pro in a snap!



5. I've had this camera for 4 years, I think. I love it. It's a great all-around film SLR for all experience levels. My brother has the same one, and we both love it. Maybe the best film SLR for beginners too.

5 comments about Nikon N80 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I bought this camera almost a year ago before I went on a trip to Italy... I was kind of worried about it because I had never had an SLR before, but I really wanted one, and I wanted to make sure I didn't have cheap looking pictures from my trip which I often had before.
   
   It worked perfectly! I only got a chance to use one roll of film on it before I went, but ALL of the pictures came out great! I just love this camera, I still use it all of the time. I am learning all of the features, like how to use the bulb setting. I used it for 4th of July fireworks, and they also came out wonderfully.
   
   I would highly recommend this camera!



2. I've been a serious amateur and occassional professional photographer for over 40 years. My experience spans the early SLR entries up to the present.
   
   I've also been a long-time Nikon groupie. In my opinion, they manufacture the best equipment of this type available, though in recent years the quality provided by a few of the tops seems to be closing the gap. By that I mean Canon specifically.
   
   That having been said, I'm the type of photographer that drags around a select few lenses and a couple of bodies so I can mix and match lenses and films.
   
   Speaking of which (films): I am not technology-averse. I love the idea of digital. I shoot home movies direct to DVD on Sony equipment. I also scan my 35MM negs/prints using the Canon 9950F (an excellent print scanner) or Nikon 5000ED Coolscan (the best slide/neg scanner)to digital files for further action in Photoshop.
   
   HOWEVER, that being said, I still shoot my stills in 35MM film.
   
   Several reasons: Current digital camera bodies simply do not afford the flexibility in speed, sensitivity, or versatility that film does.
   
   I HATE the fact that the CMOS sensors effectively double the focal length of all my lenses (with currently only one exception, by Canon, I think).
   
   I'm recording my images to the only currently available archival medium: film. Yes, I know bytes and bits are supposedly archival. But 50 years from now, is your DVD still going to be readable by any then-current technology? Remember Beta? Or 8 track tapes?
   
   However, Daguerre's and Matthew Brady's prints
   (both from the 19th Century) still will be. As will mine -- and yours if you shoot in film.
   
   That having been said, a few years back, as I decided my eyes no longer afforded me the luxury of manual focus and I decided to go for the auto-focus capabilities now available, I stuck with Nikon and bought my first N-80.
   
   I am so happy I did! This camera is simply outstanding in every way, affording you the ability to use it as a simple point-and-shoot if you wish (due to its extremely fast and sharp system coupled with the Matrix Metering system, and on-board pop-up flash), as well as the option to take direct control over every aspect of the creative photo process with intuitive and easy-to-use systems.
   
   I liked it so much that a couple of years later I bought a second as a backup and system enhancer (meaning two loaded bodies with different lens/film combinations).
   
   An additional benefit is that as the current fad seems to be toward digital bodies, N-80 prices have gone down significantly.
   
   An interesting phenomenon that merits a quick observation: in order to get the same quality of resolution available with a good film/camera body/lens combination as far as cropping or enlargment capability goes, you have to spend in the neighborhood of $3000 to $4000 for a body-only camera, and you're STILL limited as to the duplication of film sensitivity. Try duplicating a 3000ASA film speed on a digital camera. Good luck! You'll be blasted by "noise" on the image; what we used to call "grain" for film, i.e. a loss of resolution and sharpness.
   
   I'm finally making the move up to my next big camera purchase. Guess what? It's a Nikon F-5. Another film body. What does that tell you?
   
   Buy this camera! It's great!



3. I have been a Nikon user for nearly ten years. My first Nikon was a used N70 and I loved it. It wasn't until after I read a review that I learned it was supposed to be confusing, somewhat difficult to master, and not quite up to Nikon's standards. I loved the results and loved my Nikon camera. When the N70 needed repairs and the cost was prohibitive, I purchased its replacement, the Nikon N80 which in all likelihood will be my last film camera (I've just purchased the Nikon D70S).
   
   The N80 has the best features of the N70: an automatic mode and programs for portrait, landscape, night shots, action shots, and close up, settings that allow for manual focus and the ability to set specific apertures and shutter speeds, bracketing, and red eye reduction. It has more features than the N60, but works in a similar manner omitting some of the dials of the N70 that seemed to confuse many people who were used to earlier Nikon models. It's a light weight camera with an excellent. The features are easy too master and it allows a person to take sophisticated and creative photographs. It's also sturdy and I hope to use it for many years to come.
   
   My guess is that some people reading this review may be asking should I invest $300 for a film camera when I could also purchase a digital SLR camera for just a bit more. Digital is the wave of the future and the future is now, there's no question about that, and as I mentioned I own a digital camera. I believe that a film camera teaches a person to be a more careful photographer. I see a lot of people take lousy digital shots figuring they can be erased and miss great shots. While it is true that with digital the results can be seen, the screen is awfully small and until the images are downloaded and viewed on eth computer, what appears to be a great shot may in fact be junk. Film cameras teach the photographer to carefully frame a photograph if for no other reason than film costs money. Photography is also supposed to be fun, and seeing the results of film whether it be prints or slides can be fun. Also even though Photoshop can create a black and white portrait for a digital shot, nothing will ever beat the darkroom experience. Most serious amateurs and professionals I know use both digital and film and I'm assuming that for the foreseeable future I'll be using digital for candid shots and film for scenics, landscapes, and nature shots. If you are serious about taking good photographs and are looking for a film camera, the Nikon N80 is an excellent choice. It is reasonably priced for what it offers, is easy to use, and allows for the opportunity to take great photographs. To me, it's well worth the investment.



4. I receifed a F 80. The company had some computer problems. I got the lens and was told that the order was completed. I emailed them and asked where was my camera. They corrected the error. Offered me a full refund or a different camera.
   I took the silver body F80.
   It is a very nice camera. I am happy with it.



5. I've had this camera since 2002 (bought it used) because I was getting a little bit sick and tired inserting 35mm film into my Nikon FM10 (still love this camera too). This camera performs as I expected and I had no problem with it at all. I may not have used all its features (I've used it mainly for point and shoot) but all the pictures that I took turned out great. The only time when the pictures turn out blurry is when I accidentally focused it on something behind the subject (human error). It also helps a lot when you have a basic understanding of photography. I fully recommend this camera.

5 comments about Nikon N75 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. Several people have commented about a problem loading film. Just today I took an N75 to the local repair shop for the same reason. They explained that sometimes the rewind function "gets stuck" if the camera thinks a previous rewind did not complete successfully. The solution is to reset it by forcing a rewind operation. Just press the two rewind buttons simultaneously: on the left side of the lens and just behind the shutter release. (They are marked and the manual explains how to force a rewind.) Doing that solved my problem instantly and they didn't charge me a cent, just smiled and wished me well. If you experience a similar problem then try the reset before sending the camera in for repair.
   
   The N75 is a very good camera: light, comfortably small, and very flexible.



2. I have had the N75 since 2005. It has been all over the world with me taking beautiful pictures. You can imagine my distress when the camera stopped loading film on a remote mountain ridge in Southern Brasil!!! Luckily, a local camera shop was able to fix it, but since I do not speak Portuguese, I did not know what they did.
   
   Thanks to the previous reviewer, I was able to solve this film load error when it happened again last week (a year later). A forced rewind fixed this problem, and my next role of film loaded correctly....no more film rolling back into the canister.
   
   Do not give up on this great camera. The quality of photos is excellent for this type of SLR. I take one star away from the rating due to the faulty film loader.



3. i have had this camera for over 3 years and it ahsnt failed me once. It is light and easy to use, and its "--" speed feature allows me to shoot star trails-thing which I love to do.



4. Hello?!!! Why would anyone bother to buy a film camera, in these days of raging digital slr fever? In fact, why bother with an auto-focus film SLR at all, when you can buy manual focus Nikon SLRs and go fully retro if you're really nostalgic for those "good-ole" noisy, fiddly, bulky SLR days?
   
   Let me tell you why. It makes sense. At least from a serious hobby photographer like myself. I have a digital slr and a couple of manual focus Nikon cameras. My dslr is my main camera. But I still love to shoot film. I still love to make a fuss just to create one picture, wait for it to be developed and printed. I like shopping for various film ISOs, load film, hear the whir of the film advance mechanism. I am one of those nuts who love to unroll a developed negative and still be fascinated with the organic, almost magical nature of it all!
   
   Now I choose the Nikon F75/N75 because I wanted the convenience of automation while still shooting film. F100s, even F80s are still very expensive for me, not to mention F5s and F6s. The other choices were N55, N60, N65 but going through their individual reviews, I know I wont be satisfied with them. I therefore got myself an N75 with databack and MB-18 battery grip. This is a fantastic combination! Reviews about it correctly state that this is a beginner's camera with option for more advanced photographers. When you know nothing of photography principles but savvy enough to know that an SLR is superior to a point and shoot, this is for you. Once you gain some skills in photography, this camera will open up options that will test your knowledge.
   
   Here are the things I like about the N75:
   
   1. CenterWeighted (CW) metering in Manual Mode. Some reviews mention this as a disadvantage, prefering CW metering as an option available in any mode. What is CW metering anyway? Does the intended target of this camera care? If you dont know what the heck it is, you'll thank Nikon for putting CW in Manual Mode only! Because you will only use Manual mode anyway when you want to be creative about your exposure- overriding the meter, using off-camera flash, etc-which means you know your photography. In all other modes the camera uses the reliable Matrix meter. With a little insight you can even override that using the easy-to-use exposure compensation!
   
   2. Spot meter available only in AutoExposure lock button and must be customized. Again, there are reviews that diss this method, preferring to have spotmeter freely available in all modes. Let me ask you. Do you know what is spot meter? Do you know how to use it? Do you know the zone system? If you don't and chances are you are one of the intended target of this camera, you will also thank Nikon for putting spot meter this way. You cannot accidentally switch it. You must intentionally and deliberately customize it to use it which means you must know how to use it. If it were freely available in all options and you dont know what it does, you may very well be in for the shock of your life to see severely overblown and under-exposed photos come from your negatives when you shot using spot meter under very common lighting situations. And then you will blame Nikon for making such a crappy camera!
   
   3. Film prewind. People have mixed reaction to this facility. It takes getting used to. Personally I like it. When you use the battery pack and grip MB-18 like I do, it only takes 10 seconds flat to prewind a 36 exposure film. That's plenty fast enough for me. What's more, if you accidentally opened the back midroll you would have saved your previous shots since they are already inside the film canister.
   
   4. The camera has a dedicated optional MB-18 battery grip which has its own vertical shutter release and power on switch! I guess there will be no argument here. The convenience of using AA batteries over exhorbitantly priced, one-use lithiums is obvious. You will be pleased with the ease with which to take pictures when holding the camera vertically.
   
   5. It has 12 custom functions. For that time when you know a bit more than a beginner and want a taste of a little adventure in your photography. Go to spot meter, CW meter, multiple exposures. Heck go and bracket your exposures! You already know these stuff, right? When you feel you need instant access to these advanced options then perhaps you can invest in more expensive cameras.
   
   6. It comes with a model which have data back. Here is another much maligned facility. Some folks say those tiny date imprints are unprofessional and distract from the subject. I dont know about you. But I am not shooting for museum galleries or for national geographic magazine or any news agency. I am shooting pictures for much more special clients: my family and friends. I am really pleased to be able to imprint dates in pictures since for me they add points of interest when we later look at them in our favorite chair or pillow.
   
   7. The sound of shutter release is subdued. Motor whir which advances film is also quiet. I just love it.
   
   Now some of the things I consider areas for improvement- bearing in mind this is just a beginner-to-serious amateur camera:
   
   1. A brighter viewfinder screen.
   2. Option to switch on grid lines (like that in the N80.)
   3. Ability to meter with manual focus lenses. then again, what beginner has them?
   
   A little faster continuous mode would be really nice like 2-3 frames per second instead of 1.5 fps and a slightly stronger builtin flash would be good.
   
   Although this is a plastic camera, it is very well built and beautiful to look at. I heartilly recommend the N75/F75 to all amateurs and beginners who are on a tight budget for an AF film SLR yet want the option of more advanced features when knowledge grows. I also recommend getting the MB-18 battery grip. It is not much of an added weight or price. But the convenience and economy it provides is big.
   
   There is unique joy in shooting film that digital has not yet replaced and probably never will. The F75/N75 delivers the goods!
   
   If you are already adept in photography, have a formidable collection of manual focus lenses and wanted a film AF SLR, go for the F100 and higher.
   
   As for me, I am very happy with my N75.



5. An excellent camera. Uses Nikon's smallest AF chassis (shared with the decontented N55). I have owned several and always had excellent results. It takes up very little space in my camera bag when stored without a lens (body cap installed) and becomes a backup to my D80.

5 comments about Minolta Maxxum 5 35mm SLR Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens.

1. I researched the heck out of SLR camera's before making this purchase. First, I must say that the reviews here were very helpful so I ultimately made the purchase through Amazon. Second, I am thrilled with the camera and all its features. In comparing the Maxxum 5 with the competition, I was a bit worried that I was missing something obvious since it clearly has a superior price point in relation to the features offered. But in the end, it was the superficial that swayed me: the Maxxum 5 absolutely blows the competition away with its great look, feel, and sturdy compact size. Pickup "Understanding Exposure" as well to supplement the minimalist owners manual.



2. I tried a few different point and shoot cameras that I was unhappy with. They were either too slow so I missed the shot or the pictures were blurry. I love the autofocus on this camera. These are the best pictures I've ever taken.



3. I am a 15-year old interested in photography. I spent most of my picture-taking years with either a Kodak Advantix or a disposable camera.
   Finally, when I took photography seriously enough, my parents purchased the Minolta Maxxum 5. We did not really know much about cameras at the time, but now about 6 months later, I know this was the right choice.
   The biggest thing I hated about Advantix cameras was that it took nearly 2 or so seconds to take a picture. Those who take pictures a lot can probably understand how fustrating this can be. The Maxxum 5 can take up to 3 frames per second.
   Another thing I was upset about was the zoom. The Advantix cameras have a set zoom and that's it. With SLR cameras you can buy new lenses, though a bit pricy, to get what you want. The lens this package comes with is the 28-80. This is VERY similar to what my Advantix was. (NOTE: For those who wish to have more zoom should as well purchase a 70-300mm lens) I was disappointed I didn't have more zoom but enjoyed the fact I had a new camera to play with...so many features!
   From the different modes, including Sports, Potrait, Landscape, Closeup, and Night time, to multiple photos on one frame. This camera offers more than it's size tells!
   This little bugger is very light as well. The weight will increase with the larger lens, so you don't want a heavy camera body.
   Auto and manual focus were very easy to figure out, as well as changing lenses. Those used to Advantix cameras and not those which use 35mm film will spend a LITTLE bit of time figuring out how to insert a roll of film. Doesn't take long, and soon you'll be changing film so quickly, no one near you even notices!
   To this day, I still haven't learned every feature this camera offers. It's a bit hard to memorize the way to prepare some of these features, but that's why you keep your little manual with you.
   Perfect for beginners in photography, including teenagers.



4. If you're looking for a nice camera to get you started in your photography hobby, I highly recommend checking this out. I have used both the Maxxum 4 and Maxxum 5. You can't go wrong with either - the quality that Minolta keeps is wonderful.

   Granted, the Maxxum 5 has a few more features that the Maxxum 4, such as the eye-start feature and a few other custom functions. One that I particularly like is the fact that you can have the camera leave the film leader out of the cannister. It may seem trivial to do so, but if you want to change 35mm film in the middle of the roll, this becomes quite useful.

   In addition, the Maxxum 5 has a faster autofocus servo and you can tell a definite difference there. My Maxxum 5 focuses much faster than my brother's Maxxum 4. On top of that, the Maxxum 5 features a metal lens mount, whereas the Maxxum 4 only has a plastic mount. This adds durability to the camera as well as the lens.

   In conclusion, I think that the features that Minolta packed into this camera are wonderful. I also looked at getting a Cannon Rebel 2000 and a Nikon N65 when looking for the camera but found the Maxxum 5 to have the greatest number of features for the price. In addition, I thought the control layout on the camera fit my hand better than the other two cameras.




5. I shopped around and did research before purchasing my Minolta and found that this camera had all the features (plus some) of the more expensive, heavier cameras in its class. The eye-start feature is an excellent feature, the camera focuses automatically when brought to your eye(this feature can be turned off).
   This camera is really easy to use if you have no camera experience, but also has more difficult manual options if you want to be more creative. I tested out the multiple pictures option on my friends golf swing. I was able to take 5 pictures during his one swing. Another good quality that this camera has is that if you try to get creative and get in over your head, you can restore all the defaults with the touch of a button.

   I have not found anything that I don't like about this camera.