Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon EOS Elan II 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

I've been taking 35mm photos for 37 years, around the world, mostly slides. For most of this time I used Minoltas, stepping through the entire series as each new model came out. Great cameras! Then I tried an Elan II with a telephoto stabilizer lens and was blown away by the ease of getting 37 great images out of a 36 roll, sometimes under less than steady conditions. The stabilizer lets you hand-hold at 30. So I bought the wide-angle stabilizer zoom too and it became my lens of choice. With two lenses, I bought a second body. I've dragged these cameras through SE Asia and the Australian Outback and if I get a bad image it's my fault. Great range of presets, easy and convenient to grip and use one-handed, long-lasting battery using ultra copper tops. My only complaints are the heavy weight (mostly due to the big lenses), and the annoying built-in flash that always wants to pop up. Bought a close-up lens and separate flash to round out the set. I'd do it again.

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.

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.

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.

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!