Canon EOS 3 | The Best Film Camera for both Pros and Beginners?

[@JTobiason]

"I just want a camera that works and works well...This is what I reach for." I think that's all you really need to know. 100% spot on.

[@tnts999998]

shutter on this EOS3 is damn LOUD - did I mention its loud? Because it is... EOS 1 is great. EOS 3 - when it fires in silent place, people will look at you

[@ChaChaDiaries]

I started shooting film with my dads eos100 (i think its considered the ELAN here. I think he bought from Hong Kong when we were kids and its basically the camera that i grew up with. I remember getting yelled at when they get their prints and would see pics of corners, trees etc and not their typical family shots coz I would grab the camera and just take pictures of everything that my eye would get attention with. 2 years ago i knew my dad brought it with him when we moved to Seattle. I bought the nifty fifty since he only had kit lens and still love it up to this day. I would probably keep it til it doesn’t fire anymore. He bought it in 1992 and i love that it still has the original green canon strap with it.

[@AdamAllen]

I have the EOS-1 and the 40mm 2.8 pancake. Would love to see a vid of your experience with the EOS-3 and the pancake.

[@atshef]

That's the lens I leave on my EOS 3, it's perfect.

[@DevonWikstrom]

@@atshef me too

[@card-joker5301]

Why so you like IT mote than 50 f1.4 or 35 f2

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

@@card-joker5301 more portable I would assume. Pancake is as small as they come

[@yzho105]

I use EF 35mm f1.4 II and EF 24mm - 70mm f2.8（1st gen) on the EOS 3, the 2 work perfectly. thought i share this info.

[@GarrettLucasWV]

The Canon EOS 3 was my first "pro-level" camera. I had a cheapy Minolta before that, but the EOS 3 was a whole other level. It started me off in serious photography and I absolutely loved it. I kept stressing myself out with trying to decide between the F100 and the EOS 3. I debated in my mind for months. I was saving up for the purchase and didn't have enough for the body but I had enough for a lens. I forced myself to buy the lens first so I could have the camera decision settled in my mind and to end all of my stress. Once I got it, I didn't look back. It was just fantastic. I have thought about buying another one just for nostalgia. It's amazing how far technology has come in just a short time.

[@ngirmang]

I bought a Canon 650 two years ago, after seeing you talk about it on an IG story. Very happy with it.

[@warren4261]

Over the years I've sold many camera's but the one I kept was my beloved Canon EOS 3. I'll be in B&H this week and will buy a battery and a roll of film for it. Thanks Benj .. your video inspired me to take it out & shoot it again.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Photographed a wedding with my EOS 30V +nifty fifty. Which is almost exactly like the EOS 3. Can agree with you on every point. A fantastic camera lens combination.👌

[@smolderingmess9]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have an EOS 3 on the way for wedding work, and I was planning to pair it with my 50mm F/1.2L from Canon and you've got me nervous. Can you elaborate a little more on the issues? I always found that 50mm F/1.4 to be so cheaply made so it was mainly about durability.

[@JoeCopenhaver]

Just bought the 1N and I’m LOVING it. Great video!

[@DennisSulz]

They have real problems with the shutter. Not worth the cost for me.

[@JoeCopenhaver]

@@DennisSulz oh man - what kinds of problems?

[@cameronwilson8561]

I picked up a 1V for a great price, I also have a 1N. Everything you said I totally agree on. These cameras won’t win a beauty prize but they are serious work horses and the 1V is the camera I grab most days, it has never let me down.

[@GriffinConway]

Great video Benj! Might have to pick one of these up. I’ve been looking for something to get started with for film photography

[@_parkphoto]

This is why I keep my dad’s old Nikon N90 around! Sucker is great, all automatic. You mentioned rating your ISO different than the film’s ISO and that gave me a video idea that would be really helpful to learn about: how to rate film at different ISO’s and what to expect from the image when you do that. So like, what happens when I rate Portra 800 at 400 vs rating the same film at 1600. I would love to see a video that goes through that concept with examples.

[@hotshot5231]

I definitely agree with this

[@katieromano5669]

Agree when you mentioned setting the ISO on the camera different than the film, it really threw me for a loop! What is the strategy for doing this? So far in my film journey I’ve always set the camera exactly to the film and never even considered otherwise!

[@Zetaphotography]

@@katieromano5669it changers what the image looks like. Look up Kyle McDougall “Testing the exposure limits of Kodak Portra 400” there are others from him

[@ral8650]

Keep em coming! Love the channel.

[@karimedjekouane6403]

EOS 3 IS m'y first professionnal caméra.I have Always this product.Its a Legendary.

[@timluttges9413]

I have got exact this combo and i Love this Camera. The metering is great and to photograph my little daughter the focus is excellent. Your taken pics look awesome and Show me what More is possible with this cam

[@hungvu1676]

I still have this camera...best one I've ever owned when shooting film.

[@linusfotograf]

Thinking of picking this up before the wedding season

[@verezworkshop1483]

I love mine. Got rid of all my other 35mm analog cameras except this and the 650. Only problem I’ve had is that the eye follow is unreliable and my new laowa Venus 14mm won’t work on it. Only Lens I’ve had issues with. Funny enough the same lens works fine on the 650 despite being older and cheaper! It’s fine tho, I can live with keeping that problem lens on the digital and 650.

[@RichardStroffolino]

I do love that you can dip your toe into this world for super cheap with a film Rebel body. Would probably want to spend the money on the 3 if I were doing pro work with it, but you get the great autofocus and metering on like a $20 body. Use a Rebel T2 for when I can't fiddle with focusing and it's surprisingly great (except I look like a 90s parent at a soccer game with it lol)

[@rkjelseth]

Great stuff Benj! You make me wanna buy this camera!

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

As a EOS 3 user at the end of 90s I can say that it is an awesome camera but as you've said the EF 50mm f:1.0L USM did not work well. At that time something similar happened with my EF 85mm f:1.2L USM (Mark I), the AF was too slow and the automatic 45 AF sensors was the better solution to use it. Then in my EOS 1Ds and 1Ds Mark II it worked better, faster and very accurate at the level to make sports shooting at full aperture. Another thing I did not liked it was the noise of the shutter/mirror, I can't understand why it wasn't a silence mode, the EOS 100 or the EOS 5 were so silent . Right now I still shoot with my EOS 100, not sure to go back for an EOS 3 or an EOS 1n or 1v (the EOS 1n & 1v have an excellent design but to noisy), maybe, I must think about...

[@oliverweber6842]

Very useful video ... and amazing Wedding Shots ... Thanks for that !! For me personal the Portra 800 is my most loved film either. But what about if there is a very useful EOS 1 in the house ? I personal love my EOS 1. Comparing to the EOS 1 side by side EOS 3 feels not so professionell in my hands. And don't forget ... it's not the camera but the photographer and the choice of film that makes perfect results.

[@kate.tutty.creative]

Thanks for the insights Ben - I had an Eos 3 just arrive. Very interesting that you feel that the L series lenses don't work well on these bodies. I was really into the idea of using premium glass but maybe I'll dust my nifty 50 off... and heck, make a video comparing the two.

[@SteveMorton]

I still have my EOS30 film camera, I love using it for the occasional trip back in to film photography. I took lots of shots with it before getting in to digital, but I couldn't face parting with it!

[@samhartnews]

Why do you shoot at 1/2 the box speed?

[@keys-bw9bc]

Ok, hopping into the way back machine. I Purchased a EOS3 to fill an immediate need while on as job. It is an excellent 35mm camera and set a new bar for autofocus cameras. It was also my first autofocus and last film camera I purchased. The one I own is still in excellent working condition, and has not once in twenty three years fail to operate. However, it is not my go-to 35mm film camera. That honor belongs to my Canon F-1n.

[@earlrogersjr3026]

I have the camera ever since they first came out but I must admit I have an use it that much. Enjoying your video.

[@tomassantos4299]

What are your thoughts on the Nikon f2 I’m thinking about getting one for my birthday

[@jklphoto]

As a Nikon guy, I'd suggest the F100. Much more modern feature set. It is the analogue equivalent of the also excellent D700. The classic F2, FM, FE cameras are beautiful, but for a user, the F100 is far better.

[@sanfilippobakery7159]

Can I ask Why you shoot half of the iso of the film?

[@jomoanderson5596]

Benj, you mentioned the 1N,& 1V but it's difficult to find anyone one here that's ranking those three for folks like me. I currently have the Eos Elan iie which is more of a consumer shooter, like to get a Pro grade Body.

[@neoretrophoto9198]

The 1v and F6 are the best but I’m sure this also nice - I even like the F100- they are all the best now that I think about it.

[@jklphoto]

Thumbs up for the classic background. I vividly remember Gary Fong describing the EOS-3 as "trippy", mainly because of eye-control. I'm guessing the eye sensor has a tough time with your glasses. Also, I assume the "50L" you refer to is the f/1.2, not the 50mm f1.4 USM. The latter seems to be the forgotten lens. All the cool kids want that red ring, or the plastic fantastic, but rarely the f/1.4

[@ed8311]

How is using manual lenses on this camera? Does it have good tools in the viewfinder to check if things are in focus?

[@cassietrottier6557]

Love this video and a huge fan of your work! I love this camera and want to explore using flash with it. I can’t find any info on it… do you know if there are any specific settings (shutter speed, etc.) I need to use with my canon flash? THANKS, BEN!

[@benjhaisch]

Hi! Yeah, it will really take any flash through the hotshoe, it just depends on if you need TTL or just can roll with manual

[@RBermudez96]

Does your camera body make a slight rattling noise when you shake it?

[@kevinunger]

I found my granddad's old rebel S. Is that worth trying or buy a different film cam?

[@jaspers6775]

There is also a canon t90 Maybe you should look in to it, it is a combination of a eos camera with a fd lens mount

[@trevorsowers2202]

It is definitely a good camera but I did sell mine as I much preferred my 1V. I have found the Eye AF works much better in the EOS 7 than it does in the 3.

[@nicedward7544]

Do these eos cameras' AF work with third party glass?

[@benjhaisch]

yes

[@Mannywallace]

Great video. I just ordered one and I am ready to get out and see what I can do with it. I'm also curious to know what kind of strap you have on there as well.

[@Mannywallace]

Wait, I hadn't seen the description before commenting. I'm guessing it's over at that link.

[@tikhomirnokaef]

Hello, maybe who knows, do it work with fd lenses?

[@benjhaisch]

With an adapter

[@ming-artoflight2761]

Very nice strap, what is that ?

[@sols9449]

What’s your setup for this camera with portra 400 on a wedding day. Do you set it to iso 320 use aperture priority with the spot meter?

[@rickdacosta9727]

I am looking into buying one but only for the max shutter speeds. For me autofocus has proven to be a disaster. The ef lens selection is fantastic but much more expensive than vintage glass.

[@pewimap]

Very nice photos! Which films did you use in the sample photos?

[@xuanzheng1049]

advice to those who wanted to buy the EOS 3.... most of these cameras had tons of shutter counters and the internal circuit boards all begun to deteriorate already. The three EOS 3 I got all only lasted for a few years and then they no longer could be booted up, a bit of buyers caveats before you deciding to diving into 135 filming....

[@phoslurperr]

Technical question - you mention shooting film at 1/2 the rated iso. Why and what are the benefits? Thanks

[@benjhaisch]

Color negative film has more information in the highlights than the shadows, so when just run and gun, it gives more flexibility.

[@sprout995]

The Canon 1v has the same autofocus system as the EOS 3 the L glass 50 and 85 neither ever worked well as they do with modern DSLRs.

[@AlexSinclair]

Great video! I've been using a Canon 50e with a 40mm 2.8 pancake for a few years now and absolutely love it. For a quarter the price of a Contax T2, you can get more control and probably 98 percent as good images. Thanks for spreading the love on 90s SLRs! It's nice to see the contrast between this stuff and the five-figure gear I'll never afford.

[@24Exposures]

Hello there! I have the same camera (EOS Elan 7E) and sometimes I find line scratches along the whole negative. Any clue what those are about?

[@FelixLim]

FYI EOS 3 and Elan 7e are not the same camera. EOS 3 is one step up.

[@AndrewMillerStudio]

any link for that beautiful leather camera strap?!

[@benjhaisch]

benjhais.ch/clever !

[@notrend]

I have a 60d with lots of lenses and accessories. Can the EOS 3 take crop sensor lenses?

[@benjhaisch]

It cannot, sorry!

[@cameronearley8539]

If you shoot portra 800 at 400 iso do you have to tell your developers?

[@benjhaisch]

Nope

[@LAMA-fq5od]

Have you ever try with sigma 18-35mm f1.8 with this camera??

[@benjhaisch]

I don’t believe it will work as the 18-35 is an APS-C lens

[@LAMA-fq5od]

@@benjhaisch I have zero experience with film camera. Was wondering if the Vignette will appears like other new canon full frame camera. Thank you for reply 🙏🏽

[@ItsSleepyxo]

Can you talk to me about shooting an 800 film at 400? Why, what is the result? Is that called “pulling 1 stop”

[@benjhaisch]

It’s all about preserving dynamic range for me. Just like how I underexpose my digital files a bit to retain the highlights, the opposite is true with *color negative* film. Overexposing leaves more room in the midtones and shadows for a more dynamic file based off of how I work. But no, I don’t ask the lab to pull the film. I’d only do that for slide film.

[@ItsSleepyxo]

Thanks for hitting me back. Picking up this cam today for around $180. Will let you see some of my frames later this year.

[@T-Prime848]

What Do You Think oF The Eos 1N Is It Better Than The Eos 3 And Do You Recommend Buying The 5D Classic Or The 5D ii In 2021 ... Well I Have A Canon 30D 1000D And 100D But I Have Always Wanted To Buy A Cheap Canon Full Frame So Which One Do You Recommend...

[@benjhaisch]

Fwiw, I sold my 1N and kept the 3

[@card-joker5301]

I was on the same point, 1 year ago. I wanted a Füll frame next to my Apsc camera. I used to have the 5d classic and the 5d II but i would by the 6d! Its the Same price as the 5d II but IT Haß Nice Features like Real Auto ISO and WiFi And you can select the minimal shutter speed in av modus. The 5d i had a horrible screen, so you never can See IF your pic Was sharp. Also has a green Touch. The screen of 5d II Was mich better! I had mote fun with IT but u end up buying a 6d.

[@AstonsVintageTechnologyWorkshp]

The EOS-3 isn't really like the 5D series though, the 5D is modeled after the EOS-D60, which is, in turn, modeled after the EOS-30 film series amateur cameras. The EOS-3 inherited the 1 Series ergonomics and the control system, which was designed for/by professionals, so that settings couldn't be accidentally altered by pro's in crowded conditions. The 5D series is just an amateur camera body with a full frame sensor.

[@benjhaisch]

I’d venture to guess that most people who have a 5D series would find the EOS 3 most familiar. (As did I)

[@marshalltravis3217]

The loud mirror slap and shutter noise was a big NO for me. I went to the EOS 1 series of cameras.

[@deejayiwan7]

Still awesome

[@Being_Joe]

Nikon F100

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Back in the day I preffered NIkon ergonomics so i went N80=> F100, still have the F100.

[@hyprz]

Surprised it could get anything in focus at f/1.8.. Sure these weren't shot on f/4 ?

[@ericmenu5408]

Minolta Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha 7 is even a better modern film camera than this EOS3 for me : perfect ergonomy (ex : no double buttons fonctions), compact/light, quick, easy, cheap, some unique functions (14 cells visual exposure map, STF bokeh simulation), some superb and cheap optics, and so fun to use, a real joy for 35mm film lovers !

[@benjhaisch]

I honestly think the biggest selling point here is just the access to EF lenses

[@ericmenu5408]

@@benjhaisch I completely agree ! Congrats for this superb channel !

[@maxwellwellmax878]

I got an A7 brand new in 2006 But Minolta didnt have the L Glass Canon Did, I still have the Camera and even got a ( Tamron ) Minolta 28-75 2.8. I loved the rotating screen in the back and with a Memory Card you could save shooting info too.

[@speedbird1598]

I gotta ask, in what world is the EOS 3 affordable? The Elan7 is a third of the price and has most of the features

[@benjhaisch]

The world in which this video was made when the prices were still around $200

[@speedbird1598]

@@benjhaisch Upsetting lol

[@dps6198]

The camera doesn't make a difference, it's the creativity of the person taking the photos. My wife is a much better photographer than I and she takes phenomenal photos with a Canon Sure Shot Supreme. That's right a simple little point and shoot film camera from the 1980s. It's never the equipment it will always be the person.

[@DennisSulz]

Never had a worse camera than the EOS 1N. Totally garbage had 3x 2 of them failed and sold the last one cheap. The EOS 3 is so much better and doesn't compare to the later upgraded models. The EOS 3 has never failed me no matter what I do with it. It's a true beast. It's getting expensive on the used camera game but worth any price you pay.

[@benjhaisch]

Ah I didn’t mind the 1N. VERY limited in AF points haha but was accurate enough.

[@levelupprotocol]

Can use a canon rebel film camera and they cost next to nothing - does everything this camera does.

[@benjhaisch]

Does many, true. I have multiple other cheap EOS cameras that work great too, but aren’t as reliable for how I use this.

[@levelupprotocol]

@@benjhaisch good to know maybe I’ll try it out !

[@mcstark2700]

the 3 is probably a poor choice for a beginner tbh. there's a whole lot of consumer level EOS bodies that are cheaper, easier to handle, and probably easier to get started on and learn how to operate. the 3 or the 1 series are cameras you get when you know what you want and need what they offer.

[@benjhaisch]

sure, but it's easily a camera that you can grow with that still doesn't break the bank at all

[@adamhymel2386]

Why would you want burst mode on a camera when film is so dang expensive?? Lol

[@benjhaisch]

I don’t haha

[@Niele160]

lol burst mode