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1 Introduction
Elan II/IIe (North American designation) is the same camera as the EOS 50/50e (in-
ternational designation). The "e" in the name refers to the "eye control" option that is
used to quickly select autofocus points as well as depth of field (DOF) preview. EOS,
by the way, stands for Electro Optical System.
In writing this instruction manual for the Canon EOS 50/50e and Elan II/IIe, I have
assumed that the user has a basic understanding of lens focal length, lens apertures,
focusing, shutter speeds, exposure, film type and speeds, as well as SLR cameras and
photography in general. If you need instructions with these basics, you will have to
find them elsewhere. However, for the most part, this manual will often give you more
advice and information than is available in the official Elan II/IIe manual.
The Elan II/IIe is a 35mm, Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera. This allows the
operator to look through the same lens that is used for picture taking. It uses Canon’s
exclusive Electro Focus (EF) bayonet lens mount. It has no mechanical linkages other
than the mounting flanges themselves. All communication between lens and camera
body is done electronically. Several of the electrical connectors are used for power
and grounding and others are used to pass information and data in a serial buss fashion.
This has allowed Canon to bring several upgrades to their lenses and cameras while still
allowing complete compatibility with their older EOS equipment. It is a very versatile
system that is also being used in Canon’s newer digital SLRs.
2 Camera Top Controls
2.1 Shutter Button
The Elan II/IIe camera has several dials and buttons that you will need to familiarize
yourself with.
The most important button on the camera is the Shutter Button. It’s in the typical
position on the front, right corner of the camera near the top. Your right index finger
usually falls right to it as you hold the camera. If you press the shutter button part
way down until a slightly increased resistance is felt, the camera comes to life. The
camera’s usual response is that the exposure meter and auto focus (AF) are activated,
but this half press is also used for several other functions as well. Pressing it all the way
down usually fires the shutter to expose the film, depending on what mode the camera
is in.
2.2 Main Dial
On the right side, just behind the shutter button is a vertical dial called the Main Dial
or sometimes the Electronic Input Dial. Depending on the mode the camera is in, it is
used to set the aperture or shutter speed and select different functions. This may sound
confusing but actually it’s very logical in practice. If you need to make a value change,
chances are the Main Dial does it.
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