Comments on: Canon EOS 650 Camera Review

By: Piotr

Piotr — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:53:53 +0000

Great job reviewing and thanks for sharing. I’ve used a 630 model thru the 1990’s, specifically since 1990 till I got a Nikon N80. Been to east Berlin in 1991 just following the falling of Berlin wall, been to Capricornia Islands off the east Australian coast. The 630 never failed me and delivered outstanding performance. Until about year 1998 when I discovered that the battery started to die more quickly than usual. Towards the end, two days in OFF position would drain a new battery. That was one of the reasons I made the switch to Nikon. Recently I found out that the 630 was an improved version of 650 and it had an illumination feature of digital readout added to it over the 650. That apparently is the reason of the problem and there is a quick fix for it by cutting off some wire inside. Or else to remove battery altogether when not in use. I recently bought another 630 and it also has the same problem, so I will look into making a permanent fix on them. Overall I just love the design of that first EOS body, especially the undercut on LH side. One thing to remember, is that Canon made the shutter mechanism electronic and virtually bulletproof in terms durability and timing accuracy. None of the earlier “sheet metal” body cameras from Canon, Minolta, Nikon or Olympus can hold a candle to the shutter accuracy and I’ve measured many of them myself. All the best.

By: Hans Peter Egert

Hans Peter Egert — Sat, 27 May 2023 18:25:01 +0000

In reply to Chris. In my experience the 28mm f2,8 is very sharp.

By: Topher

Topher — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:06:48 +0000

I love the 650.

I had a 6 lens set of fully manual zeiss ZF (adapted to EF) lenses sitting around which I previously used for cinematography before graduating to PL mount. And I was just looking for a film camera that would accept EF. To my suprise the 650 was $24 (including shipping) in immaculate condition.

The auto nature doesn’t bother me. In fact coming from a bunch of older film cameras like the F3, xrt101, k1000, 35rc,
I really appreciate it.

I just choose my stop on the lens and let the camera choose the shutter and I can easily adjust as needed. That’s how use my fujis. I honestly don’t see the purpose of ever shooting full manual on any modern camera. I can still make those choices but let the camera calculate faster. That’s just me though. I’d rather put my attention towards the focus ring when a moment presents itself.

This camera really stays out of your way and even in full manual I find it super accessible. But perhaps that’s because my lenses have aperture rings.

For anyone with fully manual EF lenses looking for a cheap and reliable camera, it’s a solid choice. Take advantage of camera depreciation and put your money towards nicer glass.

That said, if you have auto lenses (like the author), and you want to shoot in manual… then yeah, perhaps not the right camera for you.

By: Camera Review Blog No. 112 – Canon EOS 650 – Alex Luyckx | Blog

Camera Review Blog No. 112 – Canon EOS 650 – Alex Luyckx | Blog — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 13:49:41 +0000

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By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 21:32:34 +0000

In reply to David. Before some years I bought a used canon 50mm 1.8 lense. It was in a bag with a canon eos 650 for free. How sharp lense is this 50mm! Now I search a similar sharp one but a little more wide angled, like 28 or 35mm. From your experience which one do you think is sharp enough to have with the classic 50mm?

By: David

David — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 22:55:09 +0000

I started using an EOS 650 a few days ago. Since I already have a ton of EF lenses it was a natural choice. I’m not finding the full manual to be that daunting, though a big, heavy lens is going to make the ergonomics of reaching for the M button difficult. But if I have something like an f/1.8 50mm on there it’s not too bad, and I’ll be proficient with it with a little bit of practice.

By: Roel

Roel — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 09:28:18 +0000

Nice review! My dad passed away in 2005 and I found an EOS 650 in his photo bag, many years later. I guess he bought it new in 1987 and only used it a few times. The camera came with a lovely 50mm f/1.8 and 35-105/f3.5-4.5, which attracts me less.

Given the both historic and personal value, this camera will be a special item in my collection of MF Minolta’s and Praktica’s. I am due to use it with film, though. So far, all buttons and gadgets seem to work fine and compared to the Minolta 7000, which started the true AF-ratrace in 1985 imho, the camera is 250% easier to use and so much better built.

It will be the one and only AF-camera to use for film, for me. 🙂