1995
The mid-1990s saw several camera manufacturers implement retro designs into their lineup. Minolta had the Maxxum 600si. Pentax had the MZ-series. The EOS Elan II (EOS 50 in Europe and EOS 55 Japan) was Canon’s version. Besides the retro chrome and black finish, the Elan II sported actual dials and levers that controlled the metering patterns, focus modes and film drive mode.
The Elan II was the second EOS to feature eye-controlled focusing. It was said to be faster than that of the A2E, plus was capable of being used when shooting in vertical mode – something that wasn’t possible with the previous camera. The remaining features, however, place the Elan II a step below the A2E in the overall lineup. Evaluative metering utilized the old 6-zone system (a far cry from the 16-zone of the A2E), and flash-sync was reduced to 1/125 second.
The optional vertical grip (BP-50) did add some power options, however. Now, the camera could be powered by the standard 2CR5 battery OR four AA cells.
Technicals Specifications:
Original List Price (1995): $559.00 (body)
Street Price (1995): $479.00
Price in 2025 Dollars: $992.00*
Manufacturer: Canon
Model: EOS Elan II / EOS 55
Year Introduced: 1995
Film Format: 35mm AF SLR
Lens: Canon EF mount
Shutter: vertical travel
Self-timer: yes
Shutter Speeds: 30 – 1/4000
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: TTL – 6-zone Evaluative, 9.5% Partial, Center-weighted averaging
Film Speed/ASA Range: 6-6400
Flash Sync: 1/125
Film Advance: 2.5 fps
Frame Counter: LCD
Exposure Modes: manual, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, program, full auto, depth AE, 4 PIC modes
Multi-Exposure: yes
Finder: shutter speed, aperture, metering info, focus confirmation, flash ready-light, metering pattern, etc
Focusing Screens:
Mirror: quick-return
Battery: one 2CR5
*Based on current information at
in2013dollars.com
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