Sorry for the cross posting --- this is posted in the Leica forum as well.

I am wondering if anyone knows if there is an EOS body that is as quiet as a Leica M camera. I am presently using an EOS D30 digital camera in a small, jazz club setting. The noise level of the D30 is, IMO, borderline but acceptable. I would like to investigate using b&w film as well, and, already owning a set of fast Canon lenses, was wondering which if any Canon film SLR would be up to the task. The D30 is not bad, as far as noise goes. I don't think it was part of Canon's design criteria to keep it quiet. I think it is just the result of the lack of film being dragged through the camera on each cycle. The only motor action is the shutter being re-cocked. So noise, overall, is not bad.

I know, a Leica M6 with 75mm Summilux would work great. But I'd like to try my Canon lenses first, before jumping to a whole 'nother thing.

---Kent Phelan

-- Kent Phelan (kent@phelan.org), October 08, 2001

Answers

The quietest film-based EOS cameras are the currently-shipping Elan 7 (EOS 30/33/7) and the discontinued Elan (EOS 100).

I doubt either one is going to be as quiet as a Leica, however. You have the simple fact that a mirror has to move with an SLR, which is something that a rangefinder doesn't need to do.

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), October 08, 2001.

Hi, I do jazz photography as well, and use EOS 100 and EOS RT. Both quieter than most SLR's but not as quiet as a Leica would be. But then, I usually use a 80-200 2.8 on a monopod. I was thinking of the D30, but from what you say, maybe not. Maybe the EOS 1RS - no mirror, but still shutter and motorwind noise. Godd luck, Gordon

-- gordon humphrey (gordon_humphrey@dialog.com), October 09, 2001.

Thanks guys, I will check out the models you mention. I should say here that I am not so paranoid about mirror slap. The D30 is an SLR, with all that goes with it except film advance. Because it does not pull any film through the camera, however, I think it has smaller (and quieter) motors. I am looking to emulate its sound level with a "real film" camera.

Thanks again.

-- Kent Phelan (kent@phelan.org), October 09, 2001.

Another route would be to try the EOS 5 (A2/e), which is pretty quiet. Leave the film advance set to single frame, and rewind set to silent.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), October 09, 2001.

Kent,

You should also consider getting the accessory battery grip for the D30. The grips are said to dampen the sound of mirror-slap a bit. It might me a worth-while investment. Canon claim the Elan 7 is among the quietest of the EOS bodies. Maube the battery grip would make is quieter as well. I would try the D30 battery grip first.

-- Peter (pphan01@hotmail.com), October 11, 2001.

http://www.soundblimp.com/what.htm

Jacobsen makes a blimp that is basically a box that goes around your camera to make it almost silent. Cost $600+, but cheaper than that leica, and quieter too.

-- jeff callen (jeff@newcity.com), November 14, 2001.