scotbean wrote:
> money was a concern and the Elan was the cheapest option. I finally
> settled on getting a used EOS 5. I was able to get the camera and a Canon
> 28-105 lens for less than the cost of a new Elan 7 so I went that route
> (because I was also really interested in the lens too!).
A lot of variables figure into cost, so it's difficult to make definitive
statements. For example, I bought a 7/33 to replace an 18-month-old EOS 5 QD. In
the US the 5 retails for $499; thanks to a heads-up on this list I got the Elan 7
on sale from Cameraworld.com (formerly Camera World of Oregon) for US$386 with
free shipping, and subsequently sold the EOS 5 on eBay for US$395. So depending
on how you shop (and good timing!) a new Elan 7 doesn't necessarily cost more
than a used EOS 5/A2e.
This is even more true when you factor in the cost of the Command Dial fix. When
I had mine fixed by Horizon Electronics prior to listing the 5 on eBay, I asked
to have the internal frame counter read�my Command Dial lasted all of 26 rolls of
film before the pins broke, and that was with me pressing the release button
every time I changed settings, not just to turn it on. So when you add in $117
for the repair plus the $14 to ship it to Horizon, the true cost of the EOS 5 was
US$630, considerably more than $399 for the Elan 7 (USA) from B&H after the
current Canon USA $20 rebate. However, I did get back the cost of the Elan 7 when
I sold the 5.
Prices may of course be higher in other markets; I offer this as an example of
how a second-hand EOS 5/A2 is not necessarily more cost-effective than a new Elan
7/EOS 33, especially if it has not had a permanent Command Dial fix. Of course,
if you can get a $500 camera and a $225 lens for less than US$400 you've done
pretty well!
BTW, I was in Hunt's Photo in Melrose, Mass. a few days ago, and overheard a
conversation amongst the staff in which it was stated that Cameraworld has just
filed for Chapter 11 backruptcy protection. I can't find any mention of this on
the web though, so without some kind of confirmation I'd consider this a rumor.
fcc
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