Darkroom317 Loc: Mishawaka, IN

I wouldn't worry about the camera body too much. The lenses and film are what is important. Either the EOS-1 or EOS-3 will be sufficient. I use the Elan 7 with L lenses and I can't really see needing anything else.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Here's a real good link that answers many questions about the EOS 1N, 3, and 1V in a side by side comparison of features. I had a 3 and would go with it again over the other 2 based on price v. performance.

EDIT: Got distracted and forgot to include the link:

http://photonotes.org/reviews/1-1n-3-1v/

melvin short Loc: Seattle, Wa

canon f1 for film, if looking at medium format, check out the pentax 6x7, built like a oversize 35.. extensive lens selection, had one for 35 years, and totally loved it, older age made me give it up, otherwise I would be using it for the b^w film, good luck on your choice

Kuzano

I had an EOS AIIe which I truly enjoyed. I think the home market model for that camera is the EOS/5. Same Camera. It's the one with the eye sensor that tracks your eye horizontally to focus where you are looking in the viewfinder.

The camera sold very well from 1992 to 2000. I made a mistake in selling it.

Be sure, if you find and look at and EOS AIIe or 5 model that you can shoot a couple of test rolls before purchase.

Control wheels to the left of the prism on the EOS' models had failure issues, with the wheel occasionally losing it's detents and free wheeling. Check that out on the EOS model. I saw two like that before I found my EOS AIIe.

The fix is documented and described on the internet. I found a fellow named Steve? in Reno who was previously a Canon tech. He has his own shop. He cleaned the magnets on my two Canon T90's (The Tank) which exhibited the EEE error. Very fast and very reasonable.

Here is his web site... Sparks Nv, toll free phone:

http://www.cameraclinicusa.com/

One search on the control wheel issue on an EOS1 from Photo.net:

http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/006MZy

One on the EOS 5:

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000rhI

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

a funny twist to this discussion, UPS will deliver Tuesday a new (used) lens for the AE1 in this house ...

gessman Loc: Colorado

I kept an EOS 5 (European model) and an A2E (American model) and while they are good cameras, they are not in the same class with the EOS 3 which is vastly superior. I could easily suggest the EOS 5/A2E if the EOS 3 weren't selling so low as it is. The problem with the control knob on the EOS 5/A2E occurs because there is a release button that has to be mashed to free the wheel and often in the haste of shooting rapidly one forgets to press that button which causes the cogs on the inside of the wheel to become stripped. I had to have two replaced on my EOS 5 because my sons turned the wheel without mashing the button. It costs about $60 to get it replaced although there is now a "non-strippable" knob available. An A2E just went on ebay this morning for $9.95 because it needed the control knob replaced. There were others on there with the same problem - a real good buy. Still, I'd go with the EOS 3.

Xantoz Loc: Delaware

You would be surprised how reasonable. I picked up an antique Hasselblad with an 80mm lens. For 700.00 then added a 500mm a 250 a 150 and a 2 x extender all for 2000.00 more. Chemicals and scanner another 300.00 and I use my powder room for a dark room with the Peterson light sealed developing canisters. I am having way too much fun doing this!! It has made me appreciate my 5dm3 even more.

Deep in the woods with the 1958 Hasselblad 150mm Zeiss lens. Ilford B&W ISO 400 film. Scanned neg in at 2500 with Epson v600.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

i remember my first hasselblad, back in '76. Erica and I went out and flew through a roll of tri-x, brought it back to the house, developed it and nearly fell on the floor. the negatives were damn near three dimensional. great lenses, great camera - still use my 500cm and 501s today. love them beyond all others. and i do agree with Ken Rockwell that the mamiya 6x6 and 6x7 rangefinders provide better results. but that has to do with rear lens element to film distance in the camera. i find for composition my 'blads to be my go to cameras. i use my mamiya 6 when i'm just out looking for grab shots (like a big leica)!

so, congratulations on your purchase and i hope you enjoy it as much as i have over the years. they are nearly indestructible.

Xantoz Loc: Delaware

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I love the old girl. The lenses are amazing. I was blown away when I saw my first negatives. I shot many rolls with out having a light meter much to my surprise they were right on. Just waking up old brain cells.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

hollidaypr

I was lucky enough, or poor enough at the time, to have purchased Pentax thread mount primes and other lenses that fit the Pentax film cameras I own. Since Pentax has been backward-compatible, I can use them on my digital Pentax cameras when I want to. But that is less frequent now that I shoot digital.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I paid about $100 for my mamiya in my signature line. Hold out for medium format. I bought it from a member here. I suggest posting a want to buy in the buy/sell section here to see what people want to get rid of in their closet. You just never know.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

After four years, this post may no longer be relevant!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

The EOS 3 is a mighty fine camera, I think you'll enjoy it, I myself use a EOS1v HS, another one you could consider.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Obviously not everyone agrees!