EOS 5

[MickLL]

Forgive my intrusion (I had over 10,000 unread posts in here before I arrived!)

I've been given an EOS5 body (film not digital). I have no lenses to fit it.

Was it good in its time? Anyone reckon that it might be worth hunting around for a lens to fit?

MickLL

[Malcolm_Stewart]

...I've been given an EOS5 body (film not digital). I have no lenses to fit it.

... worth hunting around for a lens to fit?

MickLL

It takes any of Canon's EF (not EF-s) range of lenses. It was Canon's first SLR body with eye-controlled-focus where, after going through the training routine, the camera will choose the correct 1 of 3 small rectangles (LH, centre & RH) on which to focus by you simply looking at the rectangle in the viewfinder. This doesn't work if you turn the camera for vertical pictures, you need the later Eos 50E for that.

It will also take some early Sigma lenses which no longer work on Canon's DSLRs, such as the 500 f7.2 APO.

I seem to remember that its frame rate was quite respectable. (5fps?)

You could try it with either the EF 50 f1.8 (very sharp) or a cheapo zoom such as the old EF 35-80. Try Mifsuds s/h page.

[AGW]

I have an EOS 5....in its time it was/is a damn fine machine. Pre EOS 3 it was the top of the range am-cam. Any EF lens will fit...a nifty 50 would be your cheapest new option, the secondhand market is cascading with choice. You will either love or hate the eye-focus but it is optional.

Graeme

[Wiz]

One of the best cameras I ever owned. If a digital sensor could be stuck into one I'd be happy to use it again. If you intend to using it a fair bit I'd recommend you track down the vertical grip the VG-10. This was the last comfortable vertical grip I've used. All the new ones are horribly un-ergonomic in comparison.

Enjoy!

[zx9]

Mick, I still have an EOS 5, embarrassingly the only reason I don't use it much is I keep trying to Chimp the non-existent LCD, something I never do with my Contax SLRs.

Edit.
You need to be aware that both control dials are prone to damage, remember to press the button next to the main PSAM etc. before changing modes.

[Straightarm]

It was the second top of the range at the time, the top of the range was the EOS1 /1n

The eye controlled focus allows your eye to select 1 of 5 focussing points, but only when the camera was held in landscape mode, not in portrait. The ECF also allowed an eye controlled DoF preview, you look at a symbol in the corner of the screen to activate that feature.

It works best with the EZ series of flashes, rather than the later EX series.

It also has an X mode which is a version of manual especially for flash. Essentially, the selection of aperture and shutter speed is switched between the two input dials. In normal manual, the dial on the back of the camera selects aperture, the dial next to the shutter release selects shutter speed. In X, this is reversed.

[Benchista]

It's quite bulky, and the plastic doesn't feel the very best. Aside from that, a great camera - I was using mine only the other day.

[daft_biker]

Anyone reckon that it might be worth hunting around for a lens to fit?

Not unless you fancy a 1-5x macro or a 90mm tilt/shift with aperture control from the body. I suspect you already have a capable K-M 35mm SLR and standard lenses which you could also use on digital if you wanted.

Sell it while it's still worth something to someone?

[Benchista]

It's already not...

[zx9]

It's already not...

I bought my EOS 5 about three or four years ago, I think I paid about £40. It was body only in good 'user' condition including a Canon cable release, a couple of batteries and some (no.?)rolls of film. I can not imagine they have gained in value.

[johnf3f]

I have had my EOS 5 for a few years and love it! I couldn't get on with the Eye Control Focus (glasses?) but I can say the af is great, especially centre point. It's very intuitive to use and gives up very little to later (film) SLR'S.
However there is a catch! There is a weakness in the "Command Dial" and you have guessed it - mine has died!
In it's day many pro's preferred it to the current EOS 1 - frankly it was a better camera, though more lightly built.
It's demise has left a hole which needs filling - so I awaiting it's replacement, an EOS 3!