Working with film

[SJTstudios]

I have aproblem,

Im starting a photography class in my high school next year, but the first year is film only.
I want to find a cheap canon film slr that is a descent camera, but won't break the bank, and the price won't hurt me if I dont use the camera for a long time.
I need to make sure it has a canon ef mount, or else I can't use my lenses.

[dr croubie]

EOS 3 is probably the most recommended around here (or anywhere else), especially if you ask me (i've got one and love it).

It has the 45pt Af from the 1-series up to the 1Ds3/1D4, it's built just as well, weatherproof as much as a 5D2 if not more. Interchangeable focussing screens (interchangeable with all the 1-series screens at least), you can add a PB-E2 to get 7 fps (if you really want to burn through film), a BP-E1 just for longer battery life (and AAs), or go ungripped (and then it's about the same size as my 7D).

And the best part is the eye-control AF, i've got it set to only 11pt because then you get spot-linked metering (which only exists in other 1-series bodies).
Or maybe the best part is that you can get one under $200, 100-150 if you're lucky.

There's only 1 step up from there, and that's a 1V, which still cost closer to $400-500, or one step down and you're in EOS 5 or EOS 1N range. They're both good, a 5 is cheaper and a 1N i don't know but probably a bit less than a 3.
But go the 3, you can't be disappointed...

[bdunbar79]

I too have the EOS-3.

[Nishi Drew]

You can buy the whole class Rebel G cameras for the price of one EOS 3 
But then you'd run out of lenses 

But seriously, I got one along with an FTb and lens in a nice lowepro bag at a Good Will for $30,
the camera looks like it was just a display model and practically untouched. An EOS3 is nice, but
it just depends on how much use the camera may see in your hands out of the class.

[dtaylor]

If you can afford it...EOS 3.

[Menace]

I'd suggest EOS 5 for what you need - have fun with film

[Timothy_Bruce]

I have 2 canon EOS 600 bought them  for 60€ each and they work excellent. You will  have just 1 AF point put I don´t think that will harm you. I think they limit you to film for reason of simpleness and for getting a feeling for Photography. It is a decent working camera with a nice bright VF. It works with all Canon lenses and Speedlights.  For the price it is a no brainer to have one at least to backup you probable EOS 3

I use them  mostly to shoot BW-Film, when I feel the need to go  to my darkroom and have some Photography in my Hands

[PVS]

EOS 30 has all the nice features (ECF) and decent AF points count and you can find them for less than $100.

[crasher8]

High School budget? Elan 7. $100 for a really clean body from B & H or Keh. If you're going to buy one used in person take a cheap roll of film with you to test it with. Feel the pressure plate for burrs and make certain the take up spool and rewind mech work smoothly.

[vargyropoulos]

I know you mentioned that you wanted EF mount but I recently got a hold of an AE-1 and I find this to be an excellent training camera, it has helped me get rid of some bad habits... some of those fancier SLR's may still have too many bells and whistles for training purposes

[EYEONE]

I also have a EOS-3 and it's a fantastic camera. They can be found used on Amazon for usually less than $300. I think I got mine for $150 or so.

[Chris_prophotographic]

Again +EOS 3 get it.

It has a light touch trigger very fast reaction to a press


What is the  difference between EOS 3 and 5 some speed things and AF but for 300$ ball park its a win.

[slinky]

I'll echo that the Elan 7/EOS30 is a nice alternative to the 3 if you want to save a bit of money.

[SJTstudios]

Judging by the images I've seen, I'd like to investigate the eos 3 and the eos 5.
What do get with the 3 over the 5

[DavidRiesenberg]

I know you mentioned that you wanted EF mount but I recently got a hold of an AE-1 and I find this to be an excellent training camera, it has helped me get rid of some bad habits... some of those fancier SLR's may still have too many bells and whistles for training purposes

I second the AE-1 or one of its variants. You won't be able to use your lenses, sure, but FD glass is excellent and cheap. I don't know what lenses you have now but fast FD primes are a delight to work with.