The Canon 5D mk1.

[hamradio]

Perhaps it's blasphemy to start a thread in appreciation of a digital SLR, especially on RFF. However, I feel that the 5D mk1 is almost a 'classic' of sorts, as far as DSLRs go. Unlike most aging digicams, it can still very much hold its own against newer stuff, and the bottom has fallen out of body prices since the 5D mk3 was introduced. These two factors, combined with the ability to use legacy m42 and F-mount lenses sealed the deal for me.

As embarrassing as it is to admit, I think I've shot three or four 35mm film frames since purchasing this camera last fall (though it hasn't replaced 6x7 for me). The EE-s focusing screen makes it pleasing to use with MF lenses. Controls, menus, etc. are very no-frills and intuitive to use. The body is a tank and takes a fair bit of abuse (mine has a heavy amount of whatever the modern equivalent of brassing is). Higher ISOs seem to take on an almost grain-like noise, dynamic range is sufficient for my needs, and the colors are great. Never have I been so pleased with a digital camera. My only complaint is that it's large and heavy.

For some odd reason, I've been asked where I get my film developed for it. Perhaps it's the Olympus OM eyecup on the camera. It doesn't look bad on the shelf next to my F and F3, either.

Have other users had the same feelings about this camera? It seems to be a serious bargain in DSLRs, currently.

Nikkor-O 35mm f/2

 

[edge100]

I was a long time user of both the 5D Classic and the 5D Mark II, and while it was a clear improvement over the 5D Classic in many/most ways, the images from the classic were always the ones I preferred. The MkII was a much more useable camera, but the 5D files looked better.

 

[Pioneer]

Still have mine and agree completely with the comments regarding image quality. I also love how it renders black and white, better than any other digital camera I have ever owned. I think that is the one reason I still own it. However, I rarely use it any longer exactly because of the size. For most of my digital use nowdays, which is almost all bound for web use, I pull out my light, handy little Pentax ist DL2.

 

[jvan01]

My 5D's mirror also fell out during a shoot a few years back. Upgraded recently to a 5D2 and have been very happy with it.

 

[Monochrom]

Great camera indeed....sold mine in favor of having one system (M)....but have no complains on the venerable 5d!

 

[PatrickT]

Yep, the 5D is fantastic. I recently purchased a 6D, but I'm keeping the 5D around. At lower ISOs, I actually think the 5D's files are better than those from the 6D.

I LOVE adapting M42, Nikon F, Olympus OM, etc lenses to it. Makes it a lot of fun to use.

My complaints are the same as yours. Make the 5D smaller, lighter and quieter and it would be perfect!

 

[cjbecker]

It's turning into a camera like the orginal 1d.

 

[agoglanian]

I had the original 5D from its launch in '05 until about 2008 when the MKII came out. It was (is) a fantastic camera, I really enjoyed it.

 

[MCTuomey]

+1 to what everyone's said already. I owned a couple while shooting a 1D and 1DIIn just for sports years back. If I hadn't gotten into Leica M I'd still be using them.

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

Great camera for its time. Long surpassed by newer models. Oh...it's just the 5D...Canon never made a "5D Classic" or "5D Mk1."

 

[gavinlg]

I really respect the 5d. Mine got hammered and just kept going. Drenched wet in the rain so many times.

For what it's worth, my 5dmkIII isn't really any better in IQ. There are times where the 5dIII is better (high iso) but sometimes I miss certain aspects of the 5d1 IQ.

 

[user237428934]

Great camera for its time. Long surpassed by newer models. Oh...it's just the 5D...Canon never made a "5D Classic" or "5D Mk1."

But when you only write 5D, a lot of people assume in internet discussions that you are talking of the newest model or you are talking about the class of all 5Ds. So writing 5D I or 5D Mk I makes sense.

 

[28mm]

I think the main takeaway isn't so much that it's a 5D, but one of the first full-frame DSLRs to have decent quality at an accessible price.

 

[tbhv55]

Great camera - I still have mine, though it sees little use these days. I've been drawn towards "smaller, lighter, quieter".

However, once in a while, I have a 5D revival spell, where I feel compelled to start shooting with it again. When I do this, I find myself impressed by the "certain something" about this camera's output, and I resolve to use it more often.

The trouble is that, after a few days, "smaller, lighter, quieter" wins again, and I return to using my x100 or RX100 - both of which also have superb IQ in their own ways.

In truth, I really ought to sell the 5D (along with a decent collection of EF lenses), but - rather oddly - I can't quite bring myself to do so.😕

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I've got mine fitted mostly with Tamron AD2 lenses. Very enjoyable camera to use.

 

[awbphotog]

My 5D has the Canon 28 1.8 on it most of the time, but I have enjoyed adapting Nikon MF glass with it. Really a stellar "art machine."

 

[edge100]

Great camera for its time. Long surpassed by newer models. Oh...it's just the 5D...Canon never made a "5D Classic" or "5D Mk1."

Pedantry is not attractive.

 

[T&E]

Leica?

Leica?

Any thoughts on adapting the full frame Canon bodies to utilize Leica R-series glass?

The results are impressive. Not so sure about usability, though...

 

[28mm]

..I find myself impressed by the "certain something" about this camera's output, and I resolve to use it more often.

That certain something is full-frame. I want to love the OM-D, but m4/3 can't match the smoothness between in focus/out of focus that a full-frame camera can provide.

 

[Range-rover]

I had the 5d It's a great camera I sold it, and went back to Nikon, lately
now I kinda wish I didn't sell it I miss something about canon.

range