Canon 5D Classic/Mark 1 - Still worth the buy now?

[mhvogel.de]

It was the little things that annoyed me about the 5D1. Each one not that big, but they soon added up. There was no usable auto-ISO mode, .....

Very good comment: the MII is the better camera in handling, image quality, pp. AF seems t.b. similar in my eyes. I exchanged my 5d MI vs a MII recently and am very happy with this step. Here in Germany the price-difference ain't big enough to justify the MI. As well: think about the price you'll get, when you resell the body later.

You questions:
5D MI vs. 7D: for me clearly the 5d, because of lowLight-capabilities & overall image-quality. had both of them, sold the 7D soon.

5dMI vs. MII: if you're a CPS-member and if you can life with the limitations the older camera has (see quoted comment above), safe the money and go for the MI, you'll be happy with it. Make shure it doesn't have too many exposures. Check if the mirror-fix is done. Bring it to CPS for cleaning regularily. Don't pay more then 50% of the MII-street-price.

If you're NOT a CPS-member I'd rather recommend the MII, you'll have to pay more, but the flollow-up-costs (sensor-cleaning-kits, mirror-fixes, shutter replacements (maybe)) might be higher then the savings on front.

Both 5Ds are exellent cameras and the MI regarding image-quality still not out of date.

 

[willrobb]

i'm interested to know why so many people prefer the 5d1 over the 2? i have been toying with the idea of getting a 1 as a third camera just for weddings and from these posts its sounding like a better idea by the minute.

Can't say I prefer the 5D1, but it is a great camera and I think it would be good third body for weddings etc. When I was using it as my second body at weddings and events, I always had my 50mm f1.2L on it all the time and I loved it. Wouldn't mind picking one up again...

 

[MazV-L]

One major issue you should be aware of is that the 5D has a design flaw that may cause the mirror to be detached from its housing. The fix is fast and free but it's still a hairy moment when the camera stops working and you hear something is rattling inside. Also, damage to the rear element of the lens is theoretically possible but not likely. I don't know if the issue was fixed from the factory at a later stage but I have a '06 model that it happen to.

I had the mirror come loose on my 5D classic whilst the 851.2L was attached . At first I could not detach the lens, I was afraid the back element would be badly scratched by the loose mirror, fortunately it was not and Canon replaced the mirror free of charge because it's a recognised fault with the 5D.
With my 5D the exposure is always out in Av mode, mostly results in an over-exposed image, Does anyone else have this problem with Av? I've given up on Av and just use Manual.
The small screen is annoying and does not give an accurate representation of the image, although the advantage is when downloaded to the computer and seen p r o p e r l y one is pleasantly surprised at the images this camera is capable of producing

 

[V8Beast]

Question: does anyone know if Canon still replaces shutters for the 5D Classic? Just wondering.

Yes they do. I just had the mirror fix performed on my 5DC for free last summer.

IMHO, for $750 to $850 used, the 5DC is an outstanding value. I still use mine on professional gigs all the time. Sure the AF is pathetic, the LCD screen is a joke, and the FPS is slow, but the 5DC's image quality crushes any of the current 1.6:1 bodies by a large margin. Considering that the OP's intended use is for landscapes and low-light photography, I'd highly recommend a 5DC over anything else in its price range.

From my experience, in terms of dynamic range and overall image quality (color, contrast, DR, ISO), Canon's best 1.6:1 body, the 7D, lags far behind the 5DC.

 

[MazV-L]

Question: does anyone know if Canon still replaces shutters for the 5D Classic? Just wondering.

Yes they do. I just had the mirror fix performed on my 5DC for free last summer.

The question was about the shutter, not the mirror

 

[dppaskewitz]

One major issue you should be aware of is that the 5D has a design flaw that may cause the mirror to be detached from its housing. The fix is fast and free but it's still a hairy moment when the camera stops working and you hear something is rattling inside. Also, damage to the rear element of the lens is theoretically possible but not likely. I don't know if the issue was fixed from the factory at a later stage but I have a '06 model that it happen to.

Having seen this and subsequent posts regarding the mirror issue and planning to take my 5Dc to Italy in May, I called Canon today to see whether they will fix the mirror before it comes loose. Turns out they will send you a free shipping label to send in your 5Dc to have the mirror fixed and the camera cleaned and reset to factory specs. Mine is going as soon as the label arrives. Planning to also send my 24-105 for whatever it might need (they will prepare an estimate and only proceed if you authorize the work). Does anyone think that sending the lens is a good idea? Bad idea?

 

[cpsico]

One major issue you should be aware of is that the 5D has a design flaw that may cause the mirror to be detached from its housing. The fix is fast and free but it's still a hairy moment when the camera stops working and you hear something is rattling inside. Also, damage to the rear element of the lens is theoretically possible but not likely. I don't know if the issue was fixed from the factory at a later stage but I have a '06 model that it happen to.

Having seen this and subsequent posts regarding the mirror issue and planning to take my 5Dc to Italy in May, I called Canon today to see whether they will fix the mirror before it comes loose. Turns out they will send you a free shipping label to send in your 5Dc to have the mirror fixed and the camera cleaned and reset to factory specs. Mine is going as soon as the label arrives. Planning to also send my 24-105 for whatever it might need (they will prepare an estimate and only proceed if you authorize the work). Does anyone think that sending the lens is a good idea? Bad idea?

I would say yes so you can have the lens calibrated to your camera since the original 5d doesnt have micro focus adjust.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

While its a good camera, the prices I've seen ($1000) would definitely scare me away. With 5d MK II used prices well under $2000, its a huge step forward. Of course, if you can find a 5D classic in good shape for $600-$700, it might be worth the risk.

 

[Hillsilly]

Buy it. As long as it doesn't break, you shouldn't lose too much when reselling later.

But unless you had a pressing desire to have it now, I'd wait a bit. Every day brings the 5D3 closer. If it is a well spec'd camera at a good price, I imagine that there would be a lot of used 5D2s hitting the market. Maybe they'll be within reach? Realistically, a 5D2 is better suited to your needs.

 

[pwp]

While its a good camera, the prices I've seen ($1000) would definitely scare me away. With 5d MK II used prices well under $2000, its a huge step forward. Of course, if you can find a 5D classic in good shape for $600-$700, it might be worth the risk.

The 5DC is a nice bit of kit with unique qualities but I agree $1000 sounds like too much, especially with the comprehensively better 5DII starting to appear on Craigslist etc for fairly compelling prices. People are just starting to shift them in anticipation of a 5D3 release. If you're willing to go gray market 5D2 bodies can be had for $2000 or even less if you drill right into the market.

What would you prefer, new gray or pre-owned?

Paul Wright

 

[bycostello]

guy i know uses the mk1 and he just got his fellowship... it ain't the camera that matters...

 

[K-amps]

One major issue you should be aware of is that the 5D has a design flaw that may cause the mirror to be detached from its housing. The fix is fast and free but it's still a hairy moment when the camera stops working and you hear something is rattling inside. Also, damage to the rear element of the lens is theoretically possible but not likely. I don't know if the issue was fixed from the factory at a later stage but I have a '06 model that it happen to.

I had the mirror come loose on my 5D classic whilst the 851.2L was attached . At first I could not detach the lens, I was afraid the back element would be badly scratched by the loose mirror, fortunately it was not and Canon replaced the mirror free of charge because it's a recognised fault with the 5D.
With my 5D the exposure is always out in Av mode, mostly results in an over-exposed image, Does anyone else have this problem with Av? I've given up on Av and just use Manual.
The small screen is annoying and does not give an accurate representation of the image, although the advantage is when downloaded to the computer and seen p r o p e r l y one is pleasantly surprised at the images this camera is capable of producing

I have a similar but may be not the same issue: I shoot in Av. Sometimes on the LCD it shows as a bit over exposed (when I have set the LCD at high brightness) but once I process the RAW, it is fine/ managable. I can set the LCD to lower brightness but then in the Sun i cannot see anything. In my case it is an LCD issue, not Av exposure.

I love the IQ out of the 5D, so much so that before the 5D I used to own a 1D ii and used to do a lot of HDR, after the 5D, I don't remember doing any... I am a hobbyist... so my use depends on mood. But this was just to let you know how good the IQ of the 5D is.

 

[cpsico]

While its a good camera, the prices I've seen ($1000) would definitely scare me away. With 5d MK II used prices well under $2000, its a huge step forward. Of course, if you can find a 5D classic in good shape for $600-$700, it might be worth the risk.

The 5DC is a nice bit of kit with unique qualities but I agree $1000 sounds like too much, especially with the comprehensively better 5DII starting to appear on Craigslist etc for fairly compelling prices. People are just starting to shift them in anticipation of a 5D3 release. If you're willing to go gray market 5D2 bodies can be had for $2000 or even less if you drill right into the market.

What would you prefer, new gray or pre-owned?

Paul Wright

If a camera is gray market will a canon facility repair it, I have always been told no that you would have to use a third party repair shop. I would avoid gray market for that reason alone.

 

[pwp]

While its a good camera, the prices I've seen ($1000) would definitely scare me away. With 5d MK II used prices well under $2000, its a huge step forward. Of course, if you can find a 5D classic in good shape for $600-$700, it might be worth the risk.

What would you prefer, new gray or pre-owned?

If a camera is gray market will a canon facility repair it, I have always been told no that you would have to use a third party repair shop. I would avoid gray market for that reason alone.

Where I live there is absolutely no issue getting a gray Canon item repaired at the authorized repair facility. It's business for their workshop.

A potential irritation is if a warranty claim kicks in. You may have to jump through hoops to get the job done through your gray seller.
A lot of gray sellers offer the Mack Warranty. Read up: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-704362.html

It may be worth starting a new thread on Gray vs Authorized. I'm interested in peoples experiences.

Maybe I've been lucky but in over 20 years with Canon, a LOT of gear all heavily used and occasionally abused, I've never had to get anything repaired during the 12 month warranty period. Later...yes.

Another issue kicks in if you are a CPS Member where I am a Gold member. Equipment not purchased through an authorized reseller does not qualify for CPS benefits.

I highly value the very existence and quality of support from our local CPS. I also value the existence and quality of support of local professional resellers with whom I have long term relationships. This all adds up to tangible business support with a very real value.

However if my circumstances were different I wouldn't hesitate to buy gray.

Paul Wright

 

[katwil]

To me this question is all about your future budget. If you have, let’s say, $900 to spend now and in six months you’ll have $1,800 to spend, wait six months. If the budget will be flat, I would start looking for deals. As long as you find a 5DC with either few actuations or get a warranty from something like Square Trade you should be quite happy with what can be done with it. I’ve moved up in the APS-C world several times over the years, but jumping to FF has changed how and what I shoot.

 

[docsavage123]

Im a CPS Silver member (uk) my 400f5.6 was purchased off ebay from Hong Kong - probably a gray import. I registered this lens no problem. I had an issue with the manual focus ring slipping and sent it to Canon, nothing was made about where the lens was from. Hopefully this will remain the same in the future and we don't get the issues Nikon seem to be imposing on customers and dealers.

As for the 5D classic defo worth getting at the right price. I traded my 40d in for one and now use the 5d more than my 7d unless im shooting birds/wildlife. Image quality is fantastic and the 7d provides me with video if I need it. If you already have a 7d, 60d or one of the 550/600 models then getting a 5d classic would be better than shelling out loads more money on a 5d mark ii, spend the difference on glass.

 

[jstn]

Just picked up a used 5D Classic off craigslist for $700. I had been seeing them pop up regularly with battery grips for around $900-$1000. $700 put me over the edge, as I'm sure I can resell with minimal losses once a 5D MKIII or the alleged 3D surface.

So far it's been a dream to finally shoot FF. Been shooting with a 7D for about a year, and the only real complaints about going back in time 5-6 years is the subpar color reproduction, menu functionality, and I just don't know how I ever lived with these old LCD's! I'm so used to being able to check accurate color balance, lighting, and focus on my LCD now. You really have to put some faith back into it, and so far the 5D delivers.

I purchased some nice primes during the B&H holiday sales, and the 5D really brings them to life over the cropped 7d. I will continue to use the 7D for general purpose photography, but the 5D will definitely be my go to camera for portrait work.

 

[revup67]

I see a lot of comments on here about the skin tones of the 5D mki. I can tell you I was most displeased with the skin tones on a 7D. To offset this I did a few things: got a WhiBal card by Michael Tapes Design (works like a charm) and using the custom White Balance within the camera. Also, in post processing within DPP, I found a few excellent PF2 templates. Two off the canon.jp site entitled "Portrait Studio" and "Portrait Snapshot" as well as other non skin tone templates such as Emerald, Autumn Hues and several others. There are many individuals and 3rd party companies that have created PF2 templates as well such as Shutter Down Pancake which douses that ugly "pancake skin tone" found in a lot of Canon DSLR's such as the 7D. You can also tweak and make your own by the way with Canon's Picture Style Editor. I'm not sure I'd get the 5D for the skin issue alone. The DLA on the 5D mki is quite good at F13 whereas the mkii is at F10 (the point where diffraction begins) and IQ lessens. Reference page (scroll down): http://www.thedigitalpicture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-1D-Mark-IV-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx - thanks to a previous poster who offered this link

 

[cezargalang]

Thanks for all the replies, might get one soon so excited. anyway, for infrared, does it have those mirrors or whatever it is that block infrared on the mki?

 

[candyman]

I found a few excellent PF2 templates. Two off the canon.jp site entitled "Portrait Studio" and "Portrait Snapshot" as well as other non skin tone templates such as Emerald, Autumn Hues and several others.

Do you have a download-link?