Budget EOS Entry Level for 35mm manual lenses.

[diffid]

Hi

I have a selection of Meyer Optik Zebras, some CZJ and Super Taks with a Canon 550D.

I'd like to buy an entry level DSLR for my daughter, who uses my 550D as much as me when we're out and about.

I've recently sold a Nikon DSLR which I had considered passing onto her, but due to my understanding that they are unable to use many non Nikon mount lenses, that I simply can not afford to buy Nikon glass and consider money better spent on one make of DSLR in the household, to share lenses etc.

What would you consider the point of entry for a DSLR for her, an eager novice already very comfortable with manual control.

[LucisPictor]

Meyer, CZJ and Takumar lenses come (almost all) in M42.
The "best" camera system for M42 is probably EOS.
Nikon doesn't do well with M42 lenses due to the short register distance.

Why not get an EOS 1000D? Or a used 400D / 450D?

[diffid]

Lucis

Yes most lenses are M42, forgot also have OM zuikos 50mm 1.2 and 1.8 and mount adaptor to EOS. All work well on 550D I have.

The 1000D is more the price I was considering as long as there are no known issues with using such lenses.

I'll have to look more into the specs to see what advantages or disadvantages there maybe for the 400/450.

Thank you for your reply.

[Scheimpflug]

[ylyad]

[diffid]

hi ylyad

I was considering just the body and here in the UK the 1000d is about the same £300, there's £50 cash back too until end of June. The 1000d is botom of my price range I think. But another 550D body would be too much, incuding the Class 10 memory cards for the video functions, but of coarse cheaper cards for photos generally and photos is what my daughter enjoys taking.

Scheimpflug, I'll take a look at Pentax, but if there is little in spec difference, I must consider things like additional batteries or mount adaptors for example that can be shared between my 550D and a 1000d possibly. If they are the same.

I wonder how the viewfinder compares, the LCD is smaller at 2.5", I think a trip to a local store to try one out.

[LucisPictor]

[DigiChromeEd]

[ylyad]

[diffid]

ylyad

I thought as much about the accessories, too bad. My budget is £300 upwards rather than all I want to spend but can't really go to another 550D so I'm going to settle on a 1000d for her.

I appreciate the comparison to older models and suggestion in buying second hand. For the price of the 1000d, £275 compared to time / cost finding a decent second hand older model, I think the 1000d will be more than enough performance for her for now.

Thanks all for your input and I hope to show some results from us here on this great site.

[Scheimpflug]

[ylyad]

If you're ready to pay a little extra, I'd advise going to a 450D rather than a 1000D. Brighter and larger viewfinder (same as 550D) and better AF.

And I must say I thought about making a similar proposal to scheimpflug's

[diffid]

Scheimpflug & ylyad

Ok, had a quick look at Pentax k-x, looks interesting, is the k-x what you were suggesting? Or other recommendations?

I will read up on Pentax later this evening, currently working so little time.

Regarding adaptors for Pentax they do their own to M42 and K Mount? Are others available for example Olympus OM mount?

Thank you again.

[ylyad]

Sorry, no I proposed 450D (Canon). But my initial thought was the following: YOU upgrade (50D - quite cheap these days - or higher: 7D or even 5DmkII) and you give the 550D to your daughter

[Attila]

[Attila]

[diffid]

Attia, is that the k-x not available or the OM mount.

I have located a 450D body new at decent cost. So go for that or 1000d then.

Is there any problems with metering accuracy in manual mode with the Canon DSLR''s like 550D, 450D, 1000D I haven't noticed anything so far with the 550D?

[ylyad]

what do you mean by "metering accuracy"? if it's the relevance of the AF confirm stuff, that's what I'd like to know too...

[diffid]

Well I read places that users of Canon DSLR's say only AV mode meters accurately with manual lenses and stop down mode, probably not scientific tests. They mention under or overexposing inaccuracy, don't know what metering mode they were using.

I've had no problems with the 550D, although I generally only use spot metering, perhaps it is prior models of older design, perhaps no problems exist and it's users error or unfamiliarity?

[Attila]

[Scheimpflug]

[diffid]

Scheimpflug

Yes the Pentax k-x has quite a lot on paper that looks more beneficial than the 1000D or 450D.

The overiding factor for my daughter is to have access to a range of lenses for macro, wide angle, short tele etc, college coarses require a range

To buy these as new canon mount or other, the cost would be prohibitive, to use fair to good or better older manual lenses should come at a more reasonable price and there is the fun of discovering their quirks.

There are a lot of M42 mount lenses about, going the Pentax route would I think be perfectly ok to achieve a range.

My 550D could be used should there be a need.

So the Pentax k-x looks good and the price very competitive.

Thanks again. So leaning towards the Pentax k-x.

[Asa14]

The pentax would be a good decision. I have one with m42 lenses and it works Fine.
To solute the Problem with the compability to your 550d simply buy a pentax to Canon Adapter. Haven't tried it but should work.
lg asa14

[trev]

Have you thought about a used Canon 20D - a robust and excellent camera

[DigiChromeEd]