SLR equipment from 1990s found, EOS 1 help!

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amylouisacowan

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Hi all,

I'm new to SLR photography. I've had a Canon Eos 1000D since February now with a 18-55 and 55-250 lens.

2 weeks ago I found a huge camera equipment bag at the local dump and couldn't believe my eyes: there were three lenses (50, 70-200, 28mm) and a Canon Eos 1 in the bag.
Anyways, the lenses all work on my EOS 1000D. So I thought I'd try out the camera. I bought a battery (it takes a 2CR5) and a film. Sadly after working through the instruction manual and taking around 11 shots apparently the battery died. When I press the 'battery status' button it says I still have the full three bars of battery life. But when I actually press the trigger the camera focusses but then doesn't take the picture and the display claims the battery is empty.

So now I'm looking for some advice on the camera and its power supply.
Does anyone else own a EOS1? How long does the battery normally last?

I'd say my brand new battery lasted 2 hours at most. I've already researched the possibility of using rechargeable ones but it seems they are neither good nor overly compatible.

Is this short battery life just a problem with my camera or is this a common thing? I guess the camera is over 20 years old and I have no idea how long it was stored in that bag for...
And how much do you reckon it would cost to have it repaired, if it is in fact a repairable defect?

Guess I'm just trying to figure out whether I should invest in the camera and just bulk buy batteries or should give up on it.

Thanks!
 
IIRC the 'BC' battery thing is just a general error (my EOS3 was the same).

chances are the battery is fine, they should be good for MANY films (into 3 figures from memory) and the fact that it will focus also means the battery is ok. I would be tempted to send it for a basic CLA (clean lubricate and adjust, camera service basically). Being an older film camera you will probably need to find an independent repairer (I have a pentax with Miles Whitehead at the moment) and I'd expect to pay £40-75 to get it sorted providing its nothing serious.

If you are used to the EOS1000D the EOS 1 will be a serious step up in build quality, might even turn you to film, you will be back at the dump looking for darkroom equipment next :)
 
I too doubt that it's a battery issue, they should last a loooooooong time.

I don't know what I'd do with the camera. It's a nice one and if it'll only cost what Bill thinks it might be worth getting it fixed so that you can enjoy it or just keep it in reserve for use one fine day... but on the other hand you could pick up a nice working film camera somewhere for £30-50 so it's a difficult call.

Having used film, gone digital, gone back to film and then given it up again... I think I'd just look for a loving home for the camera (someone might want it even if faulty...) and enjoy the lenses on my DSLR.
 
Probably shutter curtains got stuck due to the lack of use.

I heard somewhere you could try slapping it on the back while pressing the shutter button. This might help, and in the worst case you wouldn't lose anything as it's not working anyway. I wouldn't spend too much time shooting film, or it could soon cost you a 1D in processing fees.

Enjoy your new bargain lenses.
 
eevn with a fairly large and power hungry lens like the 70-200 F4 IS fitted, the 2cr5 batteries are good for at least 10-15 rolls of film - the Image Stabilser circuits do came the battery a little - with something like the 50mm f1.4 or the 17-40L, you'd normally get 25+ rolls unless shooting in the middle of winter (extreme cold doesn't help the battery life either).

There are a few "sub-models" of the EOS-1 film camera - the 1v being the last of the line, and which would almost definitely be worth getting fixed - they go for around 300-450 on fleabay in working order, so fifty quid for a CLA at somewhere like Miles Whitehead as mentioned above) would be a decent investment. The 1n is worth quite a bit less (80-150), and the plain EOS-1 less again (60-120).
 
Hey,

thanks for all your advice!
Will try get a few quotes for a CLA and then decide. I reckon I'll probably draw the line at 50 Quid, since I'm going to be a poor student again!

I'll try the slapping it on the back trick, Daugirdas, would be great if that was all it took!


Thanks again!
 
What were the Len's you found? Any L's? :D
 
SimonUK said:
What were the Len's you found? Any L's? :D
Click to expand...


:lol: - not a bad point though - the EOS-1 was as, the 1D is now, pretty much the top of the range full-pro level camera body produced by canon, and most people would have had those nice red-striped lenses on the front of it!
 
TheBigYin said:
:lol: - not a bad point though - the EOS-1 was as, the 1D is now, pretty much the top of the range full-pro level camera body produced by canon, and most people would have had those nice red-striped lenses on the front of it!
Click to expand...

:D

The 28mm couldn't of been an L, but the 70-200 and the 50 could of :D

Now.. F/1.2 or f/1> :D
 
Not sure, I'll double check and get back to you! Just in the middle of moving house so all my equipment is packed, but will let you all know once I'm settled :)

Giving the camera a wee whack sadly didn't help. It would cost at least 100 Quid to have the camera serviced, so I think I'll give up on it. Such a shame, was looking forward to trying film :S
 
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