I have had my A2 for just under a year. This weekend, I rewound a roll of unexposed film (left the leader out) to put in a different type of film. To my horror, I saw that one blade of the shutter had come out of the shutter housing on one side. I didn't touch the shutter, so maybe it was the film unwinding that caught it (who knows). At least I have the warranty and camera insurance. I am currently taking a photo class, and my wife is due to have a baby next month, so I can't stand being without the camera. So - I am trying to make a big decision. Is this the time to buy a second body? I had planned to get one, but maybe a year from now. I do tend to shoot lots of different films (slides, print, and B&W) and change lenses a lot. I am not a professional. Unless someone can change my mind, I will buy another A2 this week. However, I have also considered the Elan IIE for the lower cost. I do have a vertical grip and cable release dedicated to the A2, however. I am also strongly considering getting an EOS-5 instead. Does anyone know where I can find one of these new (grey market) in the U.S?

-- dan woodlief (dwoodlief@carolina.com), February 08, 1999

Answers

Hello Dan

Bought a grey market EOS 5 QD from B&H last week for $549.95. Mine came without a a manual but it smelled, looked and felt brand-new. Oh well, shelled out some money for one of those Magic Lantern guides.

-- rene (renequan@goplay.com), February 08, 1999.

It sounds like you have some important photo situations coming up soon. I would go with what you are familiar with. You probably don't have time to learn a new camera right now, especially if you were to buy one grey market that didn't have a manual. You might look for a used A2 for right now, but be sure you run some test film through it before your big moments. You can always sell it when you have time to move up to bigger and better. However, buy one TODAY! You never know when that little one is going to decide to come early, and you don't want to be caught without a camera!

-- Chris (ragulskc@ucs.orst.edu), February 08, 1999.

Thanks for the input. I did take the plunge, just a few minutes ago. I ended up going with the EOS 5. B&H had one left. Don't know whether it has a manual, but I guess if it doesn't look right when I get it, I can return it for another A2. I have ordered from B&H several times and have always been more than satisfied to this point. I do have a Magic Lantern guide already. I guess I will just turn the eye controlled focus off for really important events until I get used to it. Will be testing it out this weekend at a baby shower and on some cougars and tigers next week at a wildlife preserve. Looks like 2-4 weeks to get the A2 back, at least.

-- dan woodlief (dwoodlief@carolina.com), February 08, 1999.