
A very compact and lightweight 35mm film autofocus SLR camera (body only) from the comprehensive Canon EOS system
The Canon EOS 300X was the company's last 35mm film SLR camera (introduced in 2004). It features the fastest AF speed in its class, continuous shooting performance of 2.5 frames per second (fps) in AI Servo AF mode, while a revised film advance mechanism boosts film-winding speed for 3fps shooting in One-Shot AF mode. The EOS 300X offers 7-point wide-area autofocus with EF lenses (not included).
Moreover, a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second and an increased X-sync speed of 1/125 second permits users a wide range of creative possibilities that are usually beyond this camera class. It offers the E-TTL II (Evaluative Through-The-Lens) auto flash system, which operates with the built-in flash as well as EX-series Speedlite flash units (not included). Please note that the older EZ flash units (and other TTL models) will not operate on the EOS 300X.
The compact (130x90x64mm), lightweight (365g) EOS 300X features an ergonomic handgrip, a dark metallic body colour and new materials. A “cross key” control pad has been added to make such operations as selecting the AF point easy, and all main operating controls have been grouped together on the handgrip side of the camera to enable the operation of most functions with one hand.
The rear panel of the EOS 300X incorporates a large information display with backlight, enabling camera settings to be seen clearly even in dark conditions. Plus, the camera offers a range of Custom Functions, including six shooting settings and safety features. It's an excellent upgrade from the EOS 300 model which is so popular with photography students.
An excellent camera for photography students, and other users of 35mm film SLR cameras.
Condition: Excellent+++ (8.5/10)
The camera is in fully working order, all features work as expected and the controls operate smoothly and positively. The viewfinder is quite clean with only a few small marks which aren't too intrusive and can't affect the results, of course. Cosmetically there are normal signs of use with some surface scratches and minor paint wear here and there (please see our pictures). The instruction manual is a copy but complete (in English) and reasonably legible, while the accessories are in good condition.
No cracks, splits or deep scratches, and overall the camera is in good shape.
Includes instruction manual (copy), Canon wide strap with eyepiece cover, body cap, rubber eyecup and remote socket cap, plus 2x CR2 batteries. Pictures in this listing show the actual camera offered for sale.
Lens Compatibility
Canon EOS cameras can accept a huge range of EF lenses from Canon and other manufacturers (not included), as follows:
Canon has dozens of excellent lenses in the vast EF range including ultra wide angles and fisheyes, fast prime wide angle, standard and telephoto lenses, extreme teles, macro and tilt/shift lenses, plus an array of zooms including wide angle, wide-tele and telephoto types. Many use Canon's USM (UltraSonic Motor) or STM (STepping Motor) technology for extremely fast, almost silent focusing. Some EF lenses have IS (Image Stabilization) technology to reduce camera shake. In addition, most independent manufacturers produce lenses in EOS fitting, including Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, Vivitar and many others. Some advanced features of newer lenses may not work on film cameras, including FTM (Full Time Manual) focus override, LCD displays, non-Canon IS and others.
EOS 35mm cameras are NOT compatible with Canon EF-S lenses which only fit suitable small-sensor digital SLRs, or independent equivalents such as Sigma DC, Tamron Di-II or Tokina DX types which will not cover the full frame. Not suitable for Canon EF-M lenses for the EOS M series digital compact system cameras, Canon RF lenses for the EOS R series, or independent equivalents.
Most EOS models (including this one) will work happily with manual lenses and accessories such as mirror lenses, slide copiers, microscope and telescope adapters, with metered manual or aperture priority auto exposure, and stopped down metering.
Please note that Canon EOS cameras are NOT directly compatible with older, manual focus Canon R, FL and FD lenses (or AC autofocus lenses for the T80), though adapters are available (not included) for metered manual or aperture priority auto exposure, with manual diaphragm and stopped down metering. Two types are made, either for close up/macro use only (no glass), or with optical elements to maintain infinity focus, which slightly increases the focal length, and limits compatibility with some lenses.
The EOS cameras are very versatile in that adapters are also available (not included) for many other types of lens and accessory, including M42 screw, Nikon AI (and some AF), Olympus OM, Contax/Yashica, Leica R, T2 (t-mount) and Tamron Adaptall. In all these cases, infinity focus is maintained without the need for optical elements, and metered manual or aperture priority auto exposure can be used, with manual diaphragm and stopped down metering.
Flash compatibility
The camera is compatible with Canon's newer E-TTL flash control system using suitable EX flash units (not included), but unlike earlier EOS film cameras it is NOT usable with Canon EZ series or many other TTL or A-TTL flashes.
Film compatibility
This camera accepts standard 35mm film (not included). This is by far the most popular size with film, processing, printing, scanning and other services still widely available at the time of writing. Colour print (negative) or slide (transparency) and black and white films are currently produced, plus some specialist types. Film speeds are set automatically using DX coding from ISO (ASA) 25 to 5000, or manually from 6 to 6400 in 1/3 stops. Please note that this camera is not suitable for infrared films.
