2nd hand EOS 1n & 70-200 f2.8L

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Hi, I was about to buy a new eos30 & 70-200 f4 and have come across a 2nd hand 1n & 70-200 f2.8 for about US$250 more. (My current body is a 300 and I’ve slowly been acquiring nice glass). I gotta say I'm pretty excited about this find. I've read some issues about the 1n battery indicator, fine spot meter & being a "B" body some loss of functionality with the 550ex, but otherwise it sounds pretty bullet proof . I've run some film through it, but need to return now that I have printed out & understand the custom functions. The 70-200 f2.8 has lost some paint but the glass looks spotless. I would greatly appreciate your advice on anything in particular, with these two items I should be on the lookout for. (I’m a very enthusiastic amateur shooting everything I can) Thanks, Jason ....

-- Jason Eadie (jason_eadie@hotmail.com), July 14, 2001

Answers

It's a great camera/lens combo: well balanced, weatherproof, bulletproof and heavy as two bricks. The mass enabled me to hold that camera much more steady than a lightweight camera, e.g., EOS 30/Elan 7E. Plus it really feels good in the hand.

My main complaint about the 1N was the cross AF sensor. It is only at its best with fast glass--F2.8 or more. Otherwise it defaults to a horizontal sensor and, thus, AF is mighty poor with a F3.5-4.5 zoom. The interface is not as straight forward as an EOS 30. For example, to change drive modes, you must hold down 2 buttons, turn the main dial and watch the LCD. The EOS 30 has a simple toggle switch with labels. But, if you stick to fast glass, it is one of the best picture taking machines around. I'd buy it over an EOS 30 if it was in really good condition. A new 1n goes for less than $900 at B&H.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), July 15, 2001.


maybe this isnt the answer you;re looking for...but i'd say buy the 1N and 70-200 2.8 like you said, and then sell the 1N body and buy the 30. coming from a 300 the 30 is a big step up, and as you noted, you get EX flash features, and all the fun new features of a brand new camera. yeah the 1N is bulletproof but i say go for this big improvement. the 30 and 70-200 2.8 would be a great combo.

-- peter bg (pbg333@hotmail.com), July 15, 2001.

Hi Guys, thanks for the input. I'm still procrastinating. Whilst in reasonable condition, it has definately seen a lot of work. The 30 or even 3 just don't feel the same in my hands in comparison. I'm going to rent the 1n this weekend and give it a decent test out. Jason.

-- Jason Eadie (jason_eadie@hotmail.com), July 17, 2001.

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