$15 Film Camera: My review of the Canon EOS REBEL G (EOS 500N)

[@CraigBergonzoni]

4:08 - Since making this video I realize the benefit of this reverse film load feature. It protects images you’ve already taken. It just wasn’t what I was used to so that didn’t dawn on me at first. Thanks for the feedback everyone!

[@midiplaybox3453]

Haha, I was just getting ready for a stern comment :)

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Haha. Some people beat you to it I think! Lol I often make mistakes or say things in these videos that I wish I could go back and change. When I notice them or have them pointed out I try my best to amend them in the comments. Thanks for watching and commenting btw!

[@ColoCulture]

I've never shot film until I got this camera so I thought the way it loads was how it was for all cameras like this. I was given a Canon t60 and I think it loads the old school way, haven't tried yet. Appreciate you commentary on this camera, I almost threw it away.

[@Combine_Harvester_of_Truth]

Reverse loading is REALLY GOOD! It means you never lose the shots you’ve taken!! Meaning no lose of time/work/shots.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That’s a great point that was lost on me when I made this video. Lol. I wonder why they didn’t put this in the other models. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnnerdelbaumfrink2657]

I was going to write the same comment. It's a great feature and I thought only pro bodies were able to do that.

[@capnrob97]

I have one of these that my wife inherited several years ago from her father. I have a bunch of film SLRs, your video has nudged me to pull it out of the closet and load it with film and give it a workout this weekend.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That’s great to hear! Let me know if you do and what you end up shooting. Thank you for watching and commenting! I greatly appreciate it!

[@JamesSmith-wy7zk]

This is one of my best cameras! I got it for $8 at Goodwill. With quality film and lens, it takes awesome pictures. All the best Jim from Georgia

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Wow, $8 is a great deal! It is a great camera. Yeah, needless to say I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this camera when I got it. Thank you for watching and commenting! I appreciate it!

[@christophermullen9686]

Your series on film Canon EOS cameras has been incredibly helpful! Just bought the Rebel G for 17 dollars including shipping.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! I'm happy they've been helpful. I hope the Rebel G works out well for you! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ColoCulture]

How have the Rebel been so far?

[@jimmyvasquez6851]

My mom found one of these for 10$ dollars at a garage sale a few years back and it’s been gathering dust in a closet. I just recently found it again and I’m curious to use it. I’m a not a photographer by any means so this video was very helpful!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! I'm happy this was helpful. Let me know if you ever have any more questions. I'll do my best to help. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@coolduder1001]

I actually like that it loads the film like that. It means if you drop in the middle of shooting, all the pictures you took are in the roll and safe.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

It’s a great point. I didn’t think about that when I was making this video. I can definitely see the benefit of that. Great value camera no matter what! Thanks for watching btw!

[@MikeSowsun]

The Rebel G (EOS 500N) is a small, light camera, but it was replaced by the newer Rebel 2000 (EOS 300), which is even smaller and lighter. Another big plus was the addition of ETTL flash metering.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I never tried the Rebel 2000 but it looks like a cool camera! And just like this one it's a great value now. Thanks for watching and commenting Mike!

[@seralegre]

I started in photography with the eos 300, and still use it today for film. If you have ANY EF lens, i can not but recommend get one just for fun. I've seen them so low in price...

[@theoldcameraguy]

My very first autofocus film SLR was a Rebel G (from the thrift store). It’s the reason I’m a Canon shooter to this day (film and digital).

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I was really impressed by the Rebel G. I’m going to hunt down some of the other Rebel models as well.

[@stefontheprophet2102]

Vvhrrr cn I buy film n lrn

[@DavidMcPherson-f1z]

Thanks great video! I am getting back to film after a long Hiatus partly because schools still teach film and darkroom. I also miss it. Where I would once use a roll or two I now take hundreds of photos. Maybe film has it's pluses.

[@pdtech4524]

I just picked up a mint EOS 500n (rebel g) with a canon 28-80mm ultrasonic zoom lens for £20. Hoping to put some film through it and do a video on it soon.👍

[@CraigBergonzoni]

So cool! Hope it works out great!

[@paulstevens2839]

I bought this camera from Best Buy back in 1997 for around $315

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Awesome! :) Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@danagibbs94]

Wow thats like $500 in 2022! 😮

[@anyhoot47]

Had a Rebel G II or III... it's been a while. The reason for the film winding the way it did was so that if the back was opened you wouldn't lose the shots you took. I'd rather lose un-exposed film then shots I may not be able to retake. The kit lens was horrid, it was a 35-80 slug speed auto focus. Throw a real lens on it and you can get some great shots.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Great point about the film winding the way it does. I realized the benefit of that after I made the video. I get it now, it's just different than what I was used to. I've shot a few more times with the camera now so I'm getting a bit more used to it. And I totally agree about that 35-80mm. No good.

[@zacharygracey2407]

What Lens would be recommended for this camera?

[@z4ng3tsu1ch1g0]

@@zacharygracey2407 nifty 50

[@michaelrojas2938]

1996 Canon EOS Rebel G was my first SLR in 1999 before going to Disney World. The camera sold for, at that time, $300.00, and I have wonderful photos regarding of what it is that I wanted to photograph. The only other negative that I would have added to your video would be that the camera has no illumination. Hence, you are unable to shoot at night; even with a speed lite (the Speedlite has illumination ... but the camera no), in the same way with the other models that Canon offers. This is in accordance with my humble experiences with the 1996 EOS Rebel G.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's a great point Michael. Thanks for the comment! It's always great to other people's perspective, especially people who have owned and used these cameras.

[@JP1050x]

Michael Rojas Rebel G cameras have autofocus assist beams, if that’s what you meant about illumination? Some early models had no pop up flash, but later ones eventually included it.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I have a rebel G coming from eBay at $20. I already have a 50mm f1.8 lens. I can't wait to shoot a couple rolls of film.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! It's a great combo. I hope it works out well for you. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I shot a roll on the rebel G. thedarkroom.com is sending a mailer for development. I hope the pix turn out ok.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Awesome! I hope they come out too. Keep me updated.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

@@CraigBergonzoni After I figured out my Rebel G works good, I learned how to use a lab box and develop my own film.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@@tonykeltsflorida Oh that’s so cool! I’m happy to hear that.

[@VargasKoch]

I think these older cheaper Canon Rebel SLRs are very underrated. I have an EOS300 (Rebel 2000) that was my first SLR way back. I love the size when paired with the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens. I routinely have this combo in my camera bag with a couple of rolls or Tri-X 400 as a complement to the digital stuff and it gets used way more than my EOS-1n. A lot of my favorite images has been used with this combo. I like it so much I recently got another baody for about $15 including shipping (a fraction of what I paid for my first one).

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! I agree that these Rebels are underrated. I was super impressed by the Rebel G in the video and I want to pick up a Rebel 2000 soon as well. I'm borrowing a 40mm pancake at the moment and love how compact the combo is. What kind of stuff do you shoot? Thank you for commenting!

[@VargasKoch]

Nice to hear! At the moment I am doing some work for a smaller local crafts business and a longer personal project on horse behavior.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That’s awesome! 👊🏼

[@angelponce4800]

Hey! Do you know if these SLR’s are okay to use with 3rd party glass? I’m asking because I don’t shoot SLR but eos DSLR Sigma Art combo.

[@bayroncedillo9602]

How do I see the picture I took

[@plestj]

Nice review, Craig! Great as a spare camera if you have another Canon EOS camera!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

It is a great camera! It's a lot of camera for such a low price. Thank you for watching and commenting! Much appreciated.

[@dukegilmour2669]

Thx dude

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thank you for watching!

[@franciscoandrade6596]

What type of batteries does it use? I just got one from a friend and need to buy a battery

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Francisco! That's awesome you got one. Fun camera! What lens are you using with it? Here's the battery info - www.batteriesplus.com/battery/film-camera/canon/eos-rebel-g Let me know how it all works out! Thanks for watching!

[@DanielBergonzoni]

Cool video! I’m new to cameras, but this is cool to watch!!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@mikelob6707]

Just bought this camera for $6 in beautiful condition,, at my local thrift, waiting for film and batteries from Amazon

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Wow! Good deal! The prices have gone up a bit on eBay since I’ve made this video. You got the camera for less than most 36 rolls of film lol. Enjoy! Let me know how it works out

[@fdopv]

Esta cámara me encanta bro, tengo la plata y la negra. Las dos con lentes de 50mm. Excelente reseña, muy completa y honesta. 😎👌🏼

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thank you very much!!

[@suchitgangurde3514]

Hi Craig, Thanks for this video. I'm new to film photography and have started shooting a test roll last week with a Zenit 12XP camera with a Helios 44M-4 lens, that I found at a flea market for around 25 USD. I still haven't finished that roll so I don't know if it actually works well enough. The camera store where I got that camera inspected and serviced has this particular Canon camera model in a very good and working condition, with a Tamron 28-200mm aspherical LD IF lens selling for around 40ish USD total, which seems to be a good deal to me considering the lens alone would be more costly as far as my limited knowledge goes. I'd love your insight on if I should go ahead and buy it. Cheers!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Suchit, that's awesome about your Zenit. I hope it works out. Which model of Canon does that camera store have? Do you remember? $40 seems like a good deal for most film camera with a lens if they're working. In general, it's probably a good buy but let me know if you remember which model it is and I'll try to give some specific feed back on that. Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@suchitgangurde3514]

Hey Craig. Hi again. Thanks for the quick response. It is a Canon EOS Rebel G. According to the store owner, it is in fully working condition. And the lens seems a good grab to me. I might buy it at the end of this week.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Ok cool. That seems like a good deal. Let me know how it works out if you decide to buy it.

[@suchitgangurde3514]

Yes, sure. I'll let you know. Thanks. 😊

[@brandonbutenhoff9494]

Would an EF-M lense work with this? Please help asap!! And if they don’t work, what is the best 25mm or 28 mm lense?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

No. An EF-M lens will not work on that.

[@kierra395]

What kind of lens do you need?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Most EF mount lenses will work. One of my favorites is the 50mm f1.8 (amzn.to/3CgmvXy)

[@cassiejgonzales]

Just got a rebel G at a garage sale the integer day for 25 dollars it came with the bag, a lens, 5 rolls of film and the manual I’ve never shot with a film camera so this is going to be an adventure Im used to my canon 80D

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That’s awesome! Great deal. Let me know if you have any questions. Have fun! 🙌🏼

[@williamgutierrez7636]

This was super informational thank you! I have a question if you have them time......I have had a canon rebel T6 for a few years now and enjoy it but I’m looking to get into 35mm film photography. Since I’m just starting I’m trying to find a cheap camera to grow with. So far my top three options would be - Canon Eos Elan II, the Rebel from this video, and I saw a good deal for a Canon IX7 advantix. Any advice/recommendations?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

From those choices I would choose the Elan II. This Rebel is great but the Elan offers better build quality and faster max shutter speed. I’m a big fan of the Elan II. That combined with your T6 should make a great film + digital combo. Let me know what you end up doing. Thank you so much for watching and commenting, btw! I appreciate it.

[@williamgutierrez7636]

Craig Bergonzoni okay awesome! Thank you very much for your help and the awesome videos.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

You’re welcome! Thanks again for watching

[@bramwelbedacht2568]

Hi Craig, I was wondering, do you mainly shoot manual with this camera (including manual focusing)? Or do you recommend enjoying the more advanced modes of this camera. I consider to buy one myself, and I'm used to shoot older SLR's like the minolta x-700/fujica ST605 where I shoot fully manually :)

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Bram, I’ll often use autofocus but almost always manually control aperture and shutter speed on this camera. Sometimes I’ll manual focus as well. Thank you for watching and commenting btw! I always appreciate questions and feedback. Let me know if you end up picking one of these up.

[@bramwelbedacht2568]

Hi Craig, thanks for answering so quick! Also, I found out that you answered most of my question later on in the video ;-) Wanted to let you know that I ended up buying a Canon EOS 300 instead of the 500N. Any ideas on that camera? I've read that it's quite similar to the EOS Elan 7. Can't wait to start shooting!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@@bramwelbedacht2568 I haven't used the EOS 300 yet but it's on my list to try out. It seems like a great choice! I can't wait to hear more about it when you get it. Keep me updated!

[@bramwelbedacht2568]

​@@CraigBergonzoni the EOS 300 / Rebel 2000 is more than what I expected. I love the options on this thing, very similar to the 500N, like you probably already knew. Eventhough this camera is capable of a lot of things, it still makes me wanna shoot fully manual or with Aperture priority only. For me this hands-on vibe makes it more fun. These days it's very sunny in the Netherlands, so I am out a lot to shoot with my nifty fifty lens. Hope to share some samples with you very soon, but I can recommend you getting one yourself ;-) Would be interesting to see your review about this camera. Cheers! Bram

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@@bramwelbedacht2568 That's awesome that the EOS 300 has worked out so well for you! I definitely need to pick one up and make a video about it. And yes, please share some of your photos when you're ready. Thanks for the update!

[@DeborahDestine]

Hi, I have a question. I have the same exact camera and lens however, In the viewfinder what I’m seeing is blurry. How do I get it to focus?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

First check to make sure the lens is set to Autofocus. There's an AF/MF switch on the lens itself. Make sure it is set to AF. When set to AF point the camera at something a couple of feet away to test it out and hold the shutter button down half way. See if it focuses or tries to focus.

[@mamiyapress]

Have you reviewed the FD cameras yet?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I think the only one I’ve posted so far is the FTb video. I still need to finish the rest of those.

[@mamiyapress]

@@CraigBergonzoni They are also great cameras with excellent FD lenses. I have the AV1, AE-1, F-1, T70, T90.

[@canslawcaddy6662]

Just bought 1 rebel Gii and minolta explorer, canon sx100is for 14.75 bucks in a thrift store.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome!

[@grgprincipe]

Which " button " in the back dp you press for metering in manual mode? Great video!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

It should always be metering but if you push the "*" button on the back then you get a smaller "Partial Meter" option which is a little more precise. And thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@91gemz40]

hey I have a 50mm stm lens but im looking to buy more do you have a list of lens that fit on this body? I bought a 24mm efs lens but it wouldn't fit.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

The 40mm pancake would work. That’s a nice lens and is similar size as what that 24mm efs lens is. The old school 28mm f2.8 EF lens is a solid choice and can be found cheap on the used market

[@91gemz40]

@@CraigBergonzoni thanks for the help!

[@themightychippy3756]

I’ve got the canon eos 3000n which looks pretty similar, it came with a kit lens (28 to 80) I like it but I wouldn’t mind a sharper lens, however I haven’t got mass amounts of money. What would you say is a good lens to use with this camera?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

The 50mm f/1.8 STM. That is one of the best lenses for the money I have ever used regardless of format or brand. You can find them used for under a $100 and brand new for a little over $100. I have a video on that lens here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmHNkJiCd5yKmNk That’s awesome about you getting that camera. I hope it works out well for you. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@themightychippy3756]

@@CraigBergonzoni greatly appreciate your help with this! Thank you!

[@justinlansdale]

At one point in this video, you half pressed the shutter to pull focus and i heard a focus beep. Is there an option to turn the beep on and off?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey Justin, press the Function button on top near that LCD screen until the arrow is pointing to the icon that looks like a sideways WiFi icon (below the eyeball) Once it’s there you should see a “1” in the LCD display. Turn the dial on top (near the shutter button) until that number displays “0”. When on “O” that sound should be turned off. And “1” means it’s on. Let me know if that works or not. If it doesn’t I’ll try to help figure it out. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@justinlansdale]

Craig Bergonzoni Great, Thanks! 👍🏼

[@AndresRuiz-gs8vm]

How do you lock in the iso? Does it shoot at box speed? Can you push or pull? I have the same camera & scared of putting a role in & slightly overexposing my film. There is an iso dial but does it reset when when you move the dial to M?

[@AndresRuiz-gs8vm]

I have the manual & there is no explanation

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Once you override the ISO setting it stays the way you set it. I hope that helps. Let me know if you need any more help with it.

[@sucaymiranda]

Hello brother thank you for your videos. Can you help me figure out how to do partial metering on the Canon Rebel G? Thank you in advance.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thanks for your feedback and kind words! To partial meter on the Rebel G you press the button with the asterisk or star icon on it on the top back. When you press that you’ll get a new partial meter reading. (In manual mode, aperture priority or shutter priority mode) Play with it and see if that works for you. And let me know if you need any more help.

[@sucaymiranda]

@@CraigBergonzoni Thanks a lot!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

You’re welcome! Follow up and let me know how things are going once you use it for a bit.

[@sucaymiranda]

@@CraigBergonzoni One more question if you don't mind. With an external flash, what is the fastest shutter speed I can use on the Canon Rebel G?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@@sucaymiranda I'm pretty sure the sync speed is 1/90 on the Rebel G

[@AbdelaziZuniga]

Hi there, i tried to shoot with the yongnuo 35mm in this but it's not working, do you know why? Is an EF lens... Thanks a lot!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I've never tried that lens but after doing some research it looks like it's a common problem with the Yongnuo lens and the EOS film cameras. I'm still searching for a solution. I'll let you know if I find anything. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@AbdelaziZuniga]

@@CraigBergonzoni thank's!!!

[@tonykeltsflorida]

@@AbdelaziZuniga The Canon 50mm 1.8 II is about $75 and works on the Rebel G

[@rebeccamunizrozas5474]

Craig, can I adapt a Pentax M 28mm F/2.8 Smc for this camera?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I haven't personally tried that lens adapted to the EF system but I'm pretty sure you can. There are a handful of K-mount to EF adapters.

[@harrywall204]

I picked one up from a market for £1

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Wow, awesome deal!!

[@ajg8600]

4:40 this complaint makes no sense. Id rather have all my photos safely inside the film canister and lose blank film in the event that the door opens somehow than have all of my photos ruined while keeping blank film safe. Blank film is cheap compared to priceless memories or artistic pieces.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

AJ G valid point. I guess I’m just used to the way it works in my EOS-1n or EOS-3

[@JP1050x]

AJ G I’ve had film doors open on me mid roll, and typically, I’d burn 1-2 frames and may end up with light leaks through a couple more frames. Rarely, would the entire roll be ruined. The one downside for me, for having the entire roll out of the can, would be that I often switch the same roll between cameras mid roll. Or I’ll take a few frames, and snip and develop what was exposed, so I don’t have to wait for the entire roll to be finished.

[@doozledumbler5393]

Tried this after using a lot of older cameras. It’s basically like having a modern digital camera that shoots film. The only fault I can find on this is that the bigger lenses, like the EF 35mm f2, are too big for the body. The 50mm and 40mm lens fit better.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Great points. This little camera packs a punch and is a great value. Thanks for watching and commenting!